In a summer and city filled with music festivals, Pitchfork Music Festival, taking place at Union Park on July 21-23, continues to set itself apart by curating an eclectic set of performers across a variety of music genres. This year is no exception, with acts as uber-popular as Bon Iver sharing space with emerging artists like Palm, and genres like reggae, hip hop, rock, electro-pop and R&B getting a chance to shine. We’re especially excited for this year’s abundance of local artists like Ric Wilson, Sen Morimoto, Deeper and Ariel Zetina, who prove Chicago artists are just as vital as any other city’s musicians to a festival focused on “what’s next.”

DON’T MISS: It’s hard to know what to expect from Michael Alden Hadreas, who is better known by his stage name Perfume Genius. Throughout his career, Hadreas has straddled the line between experimental arrangements and pop melodies. This balancing act reached its apex with the release of 2020′s “Set My Heart On Fire Immediately,” an ambitious masterpiece about the transformative power of connection. Released during the height of the pandemic, the record (while deeply beloved) never got its proper embrace locally through a massive live audience. This year’s festival may be the perfect environment to experience Hadreas’ piercing tunes. Still, there’s a good chance he may slip in selections from “Ugly Season,” his 2022 10-song collection crafted in accompaniment of a dance piece. Either way, fans are sure to enjoy this evening set, brimming most likely with emotion, earnestness and beauty.

BEST STAGE: The Blue stage has always operated as the best showcase for up-and-coming acts (Kendrick Lamar and SZA have both performed here in the past), and this year’s festival is no exception. I’m particularly excited for two local-ish acts, who have prime performance slots. First, Indiana-based producer Jlin brings her unique, abrasive brand of footwork-inspired electronic music to the stage for a late afternoon set. It will be interesting to hear if her club-ready music translates to the afternoon festival grounds. Immediately after Jlin’s set, prolific Chicago-based hip hop artist Ric Wilson gets a moment to shine, fresh off the heels of his latest album, a collaboration with Chromeo and A-Trak. And headlining the Blue stage is Leikeli47, the cheeky and charming New York-bred rapper whose earworm-like tunes continue to delight audiences new and old alike.

SOMETHING ELSE: After collaborating with a bevy of rising acts like KAINA (who performed at last year’s festival) and singer-songwriter Kara Jackson, Sen Morimoto returns this year with his latest album, “Diagnosis.” The ambitious album, out later this fall, sees Morimoto dive headfirst into more rock-oriented sounds, compared with the pop, jazz and hip hop of his past. Early singles “Diagnosis” and “If the Answer Isn’t Love” (one of the best songs of the year) promise an eclectic live experience blending multiple genres and sonic elements.

DON’T MISS: While Charlotte Adigéry has created and released music as a solo artist, this set is billed with Bolis Pupul, suggesting the two will perform tracks from their critically acclaimed 2022 album “Topical Dancer.” Biting and quirky, “Topical Dancer” is a collection of nervy electro-pop that sounds equally indebted to the spirit of new wave and punk. Adigéry is not afraid to tackle tough subjects, including class, race and the international migrant crisis, all with the accompaniment of spindly synths. Audiences looking to immerse themselves in the future of electronic music should make sure to not miss this show.

BEST STAGE: As a showcase for the younger, more experimental acts in independent music, the Blue stage always shines and Saturday’s lineup is no exception. Saturday’s Blue stage features a little bit of everything music-wise, including electro-pop (Adigéry and Pupul), alt-rock (Vagabon, Julia Jacklin) and R&B (Yaya Bey). After three albums, Jacklin’s emotive and complex lyricism has only gotten stronger and more heartfelt. And Queens-based Bey, who has been releasing music for many years, has come into her own on her latest EP, “Exodus the North Star,” a gentle collection of tunes blending soul with the rhythms of her Bajan roots.

SOMETHING ELSE: Good things come to those who wait. And fans who were enamored with Vagabon’s first two records — 2017′s “Infinite Worlds” and 2019′s self-titled album — will get the chance to preview tracks from her record, the aptly-titled “Sorry I Haven’t Called.” Scheduled to drop in September, “Sorry I Haven’t Called” is Vagabon’s most accessible and delightful record yet. After a four-year wait, her midafternoon Blue stage set is one not to miss. Catch her here before her star power inevitably grows.

DON’T MISS: After a six-year hiatus, Kelela returned to the music scene this winter with her latest album, the evocative and dreamy “Raven.” In a March show at Thalia Hall, the singer reveled in the intimacy of such a set, noting the next time she’d be back in town, the environment wouldn’t be quite the same. And she was certainly right, as Kelela is the last performer on the Red stage for Sunday. It’s a slot fitting for the singer, who has captured audiences with her seamless blending of soulful harmonies and vocal arrangements with the most progressive of electronic production. Kelela’s music is often just as good in the club as it is at home alone, so her early evening Pitchfork set is sure to please even the most fickle of audiences.

BEST STAGE: Acts big (Bon Iver) and small (Lucrecia Dalt, Ariel Zetina) get a chance to shine on the Green stage. Usually known for its big-name performers, I’m excited by the eclectic array of artists scheduled to perform during Sunday’s set. I’m hoping JPEGMAFIA will perform a handful of tracks from his latest album, “Scaring the Hoes,” which was created in collaboration with underground indie rapper and Pitchfork-fave Danny Brown. We’re also excited to see what Koffee will bring to this year’s show. It’s rare to catch a reggae artist at Pitchfork, particularly a breakthrough artist like Koffee. Don’t miss out on this special, special treat.

SOMETHING ELSE: What a joy it has been to see Chicago’s own Ariel Zetina breakthrough on the national and international stage as a DJ, producer and artist. Her 2022 album “Cyclorama” is a sonic and emotional feat, featuring some of the best elements that have served Zetina well through her expansive career. Get your dance party started early with Zetina’s sure-to-be fantastic set.

TICKETS: Both 3-day (from $249) and single-day (from $115) general admission tickets (additional service fees) are still available as of press time; pitchforkmusicfestival.com/#tickets. Children 10 and under can attend the festival for free.

FOR ENTRY: Pitchfork is July 21-23 in Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. Guests must have a photo ID and a digital ticket to enter the festival. Gates open each day at noon. Main gates are located on Ashland, south of Lake Street, and Washington Blvd./Ogden Ave.

• Bag policy: All attendees and their bags will be searched upon entering the festival. Bags will be restricted to small purses/satchels/fanny packs/drawstring bags, and may not exceed 14 x 11 x 5 inches. No multi-pocket backpacks or bags. Guests will be required to empty their pockets. Pitchfork reserves the right to refuse entry.

STAGES: Music is on the Red, Green and Blue stages. Each day’s primary headliner performs on the Green stage.

UPDATES: For up-to-date information from the festival, follow the festival’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages; check pitchforkmusicfestival.com or get festival emails.

SAFETY: Guests who have questions about safety or security can contact festival staff at [email protected], while guests with medical-related questions or those who need special accommodations can reach festival staff at [email protected].

• Pitchfork has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion and disability status. Those found in violation may be removed.

ACCESSIBILITY: Ramps from the sidewalks to the street will be available as well as an ADA entrance on Randolph/Ogden. ADA restrooms will be available on-site. Designated viewing platforms will be available for ADA festival attendees for all three stages. To view these stages, patrons must check in with customer assistance at the Box Office (Gate 1) or the help desk at Gate 2 with the customer assistance desk ADA entrance.

• Guests with preexisting medical conditions that require medication, special diets or awareness can notify security staff upon entering the festival. Security staff will direct patrons to the first aid tent so they may properly store medications and ensure any other needs are met.
• Medications must be stored within their pharmacy-labeled container that states the prescription, dosage and patient name. Medicine in the container must match the prescription medicine noted on the label on the container. Guests should provide a government-issued ID that matches the name on the container and they are only allowed a sufficient supply of the prescribed medication for that day. Inhaled or smoked medicines are prohibited unless in a prescribed inhaler. OTC medications are allowed in a sufficient supply for the day.

ALLOWED ITEMS:

• Blankets, sheets and towels.
• Strollers accompanied with a child.
• GoPro Cameras (no GoPro sticks), point-and-shoot cameras, disposable cameras, binoculars.
• Two factory sealed bottles of water (up to 1 liter each). Security will break the seal upon entry. Empty CamelBaks, empty hydration packs (must be able to remove water pouch from bag) and empty water bottles (plastic or aluminum only) with a max size of 36 oz.
• Sunblock (non-aerosol), does not need to be factory sealed. Factory-sealed bug spray (non-aerosol), security will break the seal upon entry. Hand sanitizer.
• Factory-sealed vape pens, factory-sealed vape cartridges, empty vape pens.
• Factory-sealed tampons.

NOT ALLOWED: For a full list of prohibited items, check pitchforkmusicfestival.com/info.

• No outside food or beverage except for two sealed water bottles; no bota bags. No grills of any kind or coolers, no open containers.
• No glass of any kind.
• No laser pointers.
• No weapons of any kind (regardless of permit); no pepper spray; no knives or sharp objects, including pocket knives.
• No bike chains, bike locks, wallet chains (that exceed 12 inches in length and a width of 1 inch).
• No professional-grade radios or walkie-talkies; no video recorders or cameras with detachable lenses; no professional cameras, detachable lenses, tripods, GoPro sticks, monopods, audio recording devices/equipment or selfie sticks; no laptops or iPads/tablets; no drones, remote flying devices or unmanned aerial vehicles.
• No tents, canopies or umbrellas larger than 12 inches; no chairs, hammocks or inflatable couches.
• No flags or totem poles.
• No stuffed animals/dolls (including stuffed animal purses).
• No unauthorized solicitation of materials, including handbills, flyers, stickers, beach balls, giveaways, samples, etc.
• No wagons, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, go-carts, hoverboards, ATVs or push carts.
• No pets, unless it is a service animal.
• No sports equipment (including frisbees).
• No water guns or misters.
• No aerosol cans (including deodorant, bug spray, sunscreen and perfume).

Britt Julious is a freelance critic.