It takes a lot to stop Northwestern students from dartying through Dillo's mainstage opener, but that might change this year. Mayfest announced at tonight's Battle of the DJs that acclaimed Chicago folk-rock band Whitney, a festival staple, will open this year's Dillo Day.
Whitney comprises friends Max Kakacek on guitar and Julien Ehrlich on vocals and drums, among other members. The band's 2016 debut Light Upon the Lake received a "Best New Music" designation from Pitchfork, and the songs have drawn comparisons to Pavement and The Band.
Whitney has a high-profile headlining set at Millennium Park this summer, alongside fellow Chicago alt-rock group NE-HI. Mayfest wanted to emhphasize the opening slot more by booking the band.
“Whitney is one of the most hyped-up and talked about breakout artists, of any genre, from Chicago in the last few years,” said director of concerts Grant Pender in a press release. “They're a significantly larger opening act than we've had in recent years.”
Whitney joins R&B singer Daniel Caesar and producer TOKiMONSTA on this year's lineup, with two mainstage artists – including the nighttime headliner – yet to be announced. Dillo Day takes place on the Lakefill on June 2.