Lollapalooza Recap

I had such a rock star weekend during Lollapalooza. Although I didn't attend any of the concerts at Grant Park, the city granted me a front seat ticket to some of the most cutting-edge parties, brand activations, live DJ sets, and more. Hard Rock Hotel, W Lakeshore, and Studio Paris were a few of the top go-to destinations that whisked guests away to a more intimate and kick-ass Lolla experience.

Always the parties of all parties for Lolla BMF Media welcomed VIPs, music industry folks, and media to the Hard Rock Hotel for three events that featured luxury brand giveaways, live DJ sets and performances, my personal fave. a nail grooming station sponsored by Calvin Klein, custom cocktails, and more. During the day, guests could attend either The CK One Music Lounge or It's So Miami Oasis – both which acted as an exclusive retreat from the craziness that was Lolla at Grant park. The CK One Music Lounge sponsored by Guess, Motorola Mobility, Clearasil, Coors Light, Vitaminwater, and other big name brands included performances by California Wives, Helena, Yuna, Chancellor Warhol, Filligar, and Laura Warshauer. Guests could also opt to make a stop at the Rock Your Skin room presented by Clearasil or if they were feeling a bit impulsive, get a tattoo. Chicago native Jenny McCarthy actually made a stop by the CK One Music Lounge to get her make-up applied by one of the CK make-up artists. McCarthy was overheard talking about her most recent decision to move and raise her son in Chicago versus L.A. as well as how she "feels at peace."

After hours, the Hard Rock Hotel transformed into a full-on concert venue and dance party with all the finishings – CK One Presents Rock The Vote Nights. Over Belvedere Vodka infused cocktails, guests were treated to live performances by DEV, Little Dragon, Haley Reinhart, Rosco Bandana, Midnight Conspiracy, Polica, Deluka, and more. Notable nighttime guests included: Kelly Osbourne, Dave Chapelle, DJ White Shadow, Jack Osborune, and a host of others.

Some friends and I hit up Spin magazine and The Windish Agency's Lolla kick-off party at the W Chicago Lakeshore. A very chill crowd gathered at the hotel's 6th floor outdoor patio for a personal live DJ set by one of my new favorite DJs Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED). Costumed in a green dinosaur costume, no joke, TEED kept the night rocking with his well-known electronic dance music. It was great to party with true, die-hard music fans that knew their stuff and weren't afraid to rock out with fellow music revelers, high-five to Spin magazine for presenting such an awesome, fresh talent, TEED at a such a classic Chicago location.

W Chicago Lakeshore also welcomed another up- and-coming music artist, Chancellor Warhol at their rooftop lounge. Warhol at the W was a nice reprieve from other events because the event took a no-fuss approach to directing attention back to where it all mattered – the music. Warhol treated guests to an unconventional, rap-electro performance that of course paid homage to his musical roots and taste but also flirted with familiarity of the crowd – simply put, he put an edge to the music we all like. With performances at the GenrArt Film Festival and other big events and mentions in Rolling Stone magazine, Warhol is definitely a hip-hop artist to watch, or even better, keep on your playlist.

Rolling Stone magazine by far threw one of the best parties ever for Lolla. The music- focused magazine welcomed guests to a two-day Lolla party to popular Hubbard street mainstay Studio Paris. With an all-day brunch and buffet fit for every palate, and the big gurl inside me, live performances, and Belvedere Vodka custom cocktails, there was really no reason to leave the party. Garnier Fructis was on site performing demonstrations for guests and of course there was a green space photo booth for guests to play dress up with their friends – yours truly made the front cover of Rolling Stone! Live performances included: Animal Kingdom, Delta Spirit, Fidlar, Givers, Bombay Bicycle Club, Yellow Ostrich, and Rolling Stone's Women Who Rock, with DJ sets by Cosmic Kids.

Until next update, rock out these last few weeks left of summer!