The 2009 Pitchfork Music Festival, to be held July 17 - 19 at Chicago's Union Park, is right around the corner. As the diverse ingredients of the lineup congeal, there are a few changes to be made. Black Lips are now playing on Saturday and Michael Columbia are playing on Sunday. Charles Hamilton has unfortunately cancelled his performance, however we are very excited to announce that Antlers is now added to the bill! See below for the full lineup.

In addition to the various acts which make this the city's most forward-thinking and adventurous lineup, there are all sorts of entertaining activities to take part in throughout the weekend proving the Pitchfork Music Festival is one of the most fiercely independent events of the summer. Below are just a few of the reasons the Pitchfork Music Festival is not just a great place to enjoy the best in music, but the best in community and artistic endeavors. More will be announced in the coming weeks.

FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

-- CHIRP Record Fair & Other Delights
The Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP) Record Fair & Other Delights is a can’t-miss event for music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts from around the country.  Bringing you the best selection of vinyl and CDs to be found under one tent, vendors offer everything from rock and pop to psychedelia and folk, soul and jazz to country and international, house and hip-hop to rockabilly and R&B, and even more! The fair benefits the Chicago Independent Radio Project, an organization committed to bringing a brand new community radio station to Chicago.

-- Coterie
At Coterie Chicago, you will find handmade goods created by a skilled artisan workforce committed to providing cutting-edge art, style, and accessories that enhance your life. Buying directly from the maker creates a heightened sense of community, and now, more than ever, buying products from local artists and makers puts you at the forefront of real, lasting economic and creative stimulus.

-- FLATSTOCK presented by API
The FLATSTOCK poster show series, presented by the American Poster Institute (API), is an ongoing series of exhibitions featuring the work of many of the most popular concert poster artists working today.  The FLATSTOCK shows provide the public with opportunities to see fine poster art in person and to meet the artists who've created it, while showcasing the breadth of individual styles they represent.  Since beginning in 2003, Flatstock has presented 20 events in the U.S. and Europe and has become the epicenter of the current phenomenon in handmade poster art.

-- Festival Retail
The retail area features over fifteen individual retail vendors including Chicago local's Futurgarb, Crossroads Trading Co., and The Alley.  The stores include local artwork, clothing apparel, and accessories, ranging from hand-made to consignment.  

-- Rock for Kids
Rock For Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free music instruction to underprivileged children in the Chicago area.The Rock For Kids booth features a variety of ways for concert goers to learn more about Rock For Kids and support their mission, including an auction of unique items from your favorite Pitchfork artists.

"WRITE THE NIGHT" VOTING REMINDER

Remember ticket buyers can go online and "Write the Night" by voting for the set list of their dreams for the bands performing on Friday night, Built to Spill, The Flaming Lips, the Jesus Lizard, Tortoise and Yo La Tengo, as well as selected requests for The Flaming Lips on Sunday. The ballot boxes are open until June 12th. Don't forget to vote! Dreams can come true!

If you have yet to purchase tickets, two-day and one-day passes are still available at: www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com, but don't delay, as three-day passes sold out in record time this year, and two-day and Sunday tickets are expected to sell out by the middle of next week!