Never mind it was a weeknight, Lollapalooza 2019 came out swinging with a winning line-up that really got the socially and environmentally conscious party off to a firecracker of a start. The co-headliners couldn’t have been more different, but was a primary example of the previously traveling turned stationary tradition’s commitment to diversity that makes Chicago a global destination around this time every year.

Considering the sheer scope of H.E.R.’s vulnerable yet empowering repertoire, it won’t be long before she’s topping a future Lollapalooza bill, giving those who got in on the ground floor quite a memory to share.

An entirely original reunion of garage rock revivalists The Strokes was a considerable reason the crowds came on Thursday with front man Julian Casablancas, guitarist/keyboardist Nick Valensi, fellow guitar/keyboard player Albert Hammond Jr., bassist Nikolai Fraiture and drummer Fabrizio Moretti basically picking up precisely where they left off. In terms of area audiences, it’s been nine long years, though given additional seasoning from so many solo projects and spot touring as a whole internationally, everyone’s performance abilities may have even been better than the group’s steamrolling stretch throughout the 2000s.

In fact, The Strokes stuck primarily to that period, treating faithful and newcomers alike to the best of “Is This It,” “Room On Fire” and “First Impressions Of Earth,” all of which recalled the mega-fest’s alternative roots. Of course, the question remains if this will be a long term continuation of the group’s aggressive insistence or merely a momentary reconnection, but regardless of its shelf life, Lollapalooza was simply the place to be.

For the more EDM-minded, The Chainsmokers had the fireworks exploding and smoke stacks shooting to the sky within seconds of starting its dance floor-filling party that appeared to be the largest. The DJ/producer duo comprised of Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, accompanied by guests galore including Lennon Stella and Daya, kept right on unloading their own and countless collaborative hits, inciting a rush of endorphins at each momentum-building turn.

On the singer/songwriter side, soulful folker Hozier debuted thought-provoking tunes off “Wasteland, Baby!” and ensured he’s well beyond a one-album wonder. Along with all the essentials from his self-titled breakthrough, his intoxicating presence surely made demand skyrocket for the “Take Me To Church” troubadour’s Chicago Theatre stretch from November 3-4.

With two Grammy Awards and seven Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, Lauren Daigle was possibly the most decorated on this date and her larger than life voice (that’s regularly earned realistic comparisons to Adele) amply lived up to expectations. Tunes from her latest long player, “Look Up Child,” were beefed up by a horn section and overflowed with hope as she offered encouragement for increasingly challenging times.

H.E.R. also leapt off the Grammy screen (where she took home trophies for “Best R&B Album” and “Best R&B Performance”) as a soulfully engaging singer/songwriter who brought an Alicia Keys-level of excellence while bouncing between acoustic guitar, bass, keyboard and banging out some drum beats. Considering the sheer scope of her vulnerable yet empowering repertoire, it won’t be long before she’s topping a future Lollapalooza bill, giving those who got in on the ground floor quite a memory to share.

---

Lollapalooza continues at Grant Park through Aug. 4. For additional details, visit Lollapalooza.com.

For additional information on The Strokes, visit TheStrokes.com.