WHEN: July 17th to 19th WHERE: Union Park, Chicago, IL WEBSITE: http://www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com/ TICKETS: $35 a day ($75 for a 3-day pass) For many young, V-necked hipsters out there, there is one ultimate source of information when it comes to all things indie rock: Pitchfork . The self-appointed princes of musical criticism over at Pitchfork are well versed when it comes to even the smallest bands of the indie scene, making them perfect candidates for hosting an idyllic, three-day rock celebration. Such is the 2009 Pitchfork Music Festival, which begins on Friday, July 17 and runs through the weekend at ChicagoâÄôs Union Park. This particular festival has two big draws: comparably cheap ticket prices and an outstanding lineup of both well-known and rising bands. A three-day pass runs for only $75, just over half the price of rival concert-event Lollapalooza and nearly a third of that of Bonnaroo. And festival-goers are sure to get their moneyâÄôs worth with 26 bands already on the bill. The festival will begin with an interesting, interactive gimmick called âÄúWrite the Night.âÄù Up until June 12, ticket buyers can go online and vote for their ideal set list for Friday nightâÄôs bands, which include the stalwarts of Yo La Tengo and the madmen of The Jesus Lizard . Fans of alternative bands past will be able to see their old favorites back in action, and the young bucks in attendance will undoubtedly witness something wild. Unlike its kickoff night, day two will feature more recent indie darlings. Pitchfork boasts that this festival is the best place to see budding acts on the rise, and that claim is hard to argue against. Lo-fi noise rocker Nathan Williams âÄî better known as the one-man-band Wavves , âÄîwill bring some dirty, battered rock to the stage, and the experimental aesthetics of BrooklynâÄôs Yeasayer are sure to melt adoring minds on the other end of the rock spectrum. However, it is the final day that really sells the Pitchfork Music Festival. That Sunday will host some truly great acts that are widely hailed for their live shows. The Flaming Lips are renowned for their elaborate concert shenanigans, and nobody will want to miss frontman Wayne Coyne rolling across a sea of fans in his trademark inflatable bubble. Black Lips, on the other hand, are notorious for being completely nuts, and their berserk onstage antics are topped only by their ridiculously catchy flower-punk jams. All in all, Pitchfork looks to be the premiere Midwest summer festival. ItâÄôs inexpensive, close to home and features a broad selection of bands, running the gamut from dance-punk to neo-surf rock. For all the flack that Pitchfork tends to get, the people upstairs sure know the recipe for an amazing festival.