Variety's Abe Burns reports from the front lines at this weekend's Lollapalooza festival in downtown Chicago.

Saturday morning began with Lollapalooza visionary Perry Ferrell making his annual press conference. (The lead-singer of Jane’s Addiction created the event back in 1991 as a farewell tour for the band.) As customary, one band is chosen to accompany the junket, this year it was Brooklyn's MGMT. The quintet spoke of the other bands playing at the fest, new Lollapalooza amenities (a micro-brewery and super-shady hangouts for the overheated) and the band’s various 'green' initiatives.

As for the music, Margot And The Nuclear So & So's, one of the first bands to kick off Day Two, got the day off to a captive start. Their epic constructions: bells, swirling guitars and eight band members carried across the entire park, serving as a wake-up call to anyone still in a daze from the night before.

(Photos by Angeline Vuong/Variety)

The early afternoon was packed for English indie-pop duo The Ting Tings. Fans danced, hands in the air and shouted the chorus for "Great DJ' and Indie 103 staple “That's Not My Name.” Another highlight was "Shut Up And Let Me Go".  It's hard to believe that TT can actually pull of the enormous sound live, given that there are only two members--each song sounds as big as the record.

Having never been to Chicago before and attending many festivals, there seemed to be a sense of community among concert-goers. There were games of Frisbee, the dirty rock of Dr. Dog and you truly couldn't ask for better weather…well Rage hadn't gone on yet, so we'll see.

"We are Radiohead" MGMT jokingly proclaim promptly at 3:30. It's getting hot at this point but the band seemed relaxed even as they notice/mention "Wow, there are a lot of people here". They launched into "Weekend Wars" the garage-phych proclamation, while showcasing a more experimental set. The funky "Electric Feel" brought with it a cool ocean breeze while "Time To Pretend" was a highlight, the crowd sang in unison and they left with the message: "It's Summertime, enjoy it before it's gone."

• Day Two Photos - Lollapalooza
• Day One Photos - Lollapalooza