I’ve always wondered how celebrity blogger Perez Hilton throws a pre-Lolla party, so we headed to the Hard Rock Hotel to join other fans for a late-night adventure of live rock, pop, dance and hip hop in downtown Chicago.
Since 2008, Hilton has hosted his personally curated multi-city concert series “One Night In..” that’s featured such acts as Lady Gaga, N.E.R.D., and Kanye West. And this year’s inaugural stop in Chicago gave us the chance to get primed for Lollapalooza 2010 by taking in sets by B.o.B, Kid Sister, Cool Kid, Nheka, and J Brazil.
Adding more mystery and allure to the night, there was a rumor that a “special guest” might make a surprise appearance at the concert. But more on that later. Here’s a quick trip through some of our favorite moments in words and pics.
Backed by a three-piece band, Chicago-area native and singer-songwriter Lissie rolled through a emotive set gorgeously blending rock, folk, pop, and blues. Her show gave us many reasons to keep our ears open for more of Lissie, especially her stunning cover of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” It was also a family affair as Lissie’s mom was in attendance. She was standing behind me with her camera rolling as her daughter performed on stage. And like the rest of us, her mom had a smile on her face that was a mile wide and filled with pleasure, wonder and pride.
Next up was Melissa Young (aka Kid Sister). The southside Chicago bolted on stage and flew through tracks from her debut album Ultraviolet. Among other electrified dance moves inspired by her love for dance club culture, Young dropped low to the ground and put on a dazzling boogie clinic during the irresistible and turbulent “Switch Board.” Like a speed-juking queen her hips and thighs moved like lightning to percussive electro-bongos blasting from the speakers.
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