Mayfest is giving the students what they want.
MGMT, the most-requested artist on this year’s Mayfest survey, will headline Dillo Day on May 20. The alternative-electronic duo comprises Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden, and this will be the first time a band has headlined the festival since rock band The New Pornographers in 2011.
Known for hits such as “Kids” and “Time to Pretend,” MGMT made waves with the debut album Oracular Spectacular. It led the band to Grammy nominations for best new artist and best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals (for “Kids”). Later, Rolling Stone named the album the 18th-best of the 2000s. MGMT has played shows at Glastonbury, Bonnaroo and Chicago’s own Lollapalooza, and in 2011, the band even played at New York City’s Guggenheim Museum.
As the band prepares to release music from an upcoming fourth album, MGMT will play festivals including Life Is Beautiful, Sasquatch and Hangout Fest (just one day before Dillo, on May 19). About a month after Dillo Day, the band will be back in the Chicago area for a set at Mamby on the Beach.
“MGMT’s live show is a unique auditory experience, which will be accompanied with a visual display like never seen before at Dillo Day,” Mayfest said in a press release. “Northwestern students will get to experience it all before major festivals worldwide, as Dillo Day will be one of the band’s first live performances since 2014.”
Mayfest previously announced electronic dance artist Gramatik will be the festival’s second-to-last mainstage act. Tonight at Nevin’s, six student DJ groups will compete in Mayfest’s annual Battle of the DJs for a chance to perform on the Dillo main stage.
Student and guest wristband registration is open on the Norris Box Office website. Dillo Day, the largest student-run annual music festival in the country, takes place May 20 on the Lakefill.