Pitchfork

Spread the word! The Silver Jews will make their first-ever American festival appearance this summer at the Pitchfork Music Festival. David and Cassie Berman announced the good news last night on MTV2's "Subterranean", and we couldn't be happier.

Or could we? Def Jux star Aesop Rock and chaos merchants Man Man have also been added to the festival. Fuck happy-- we're downright ecstatic.

Here's the lineup so far:

• Silver Jews
• Aesop Rock
• Man Man
• Spoon
• Yo La Tengo
• Mission of Burma
• Ted Leo/Pharmacists
• Mountain Goats
• The National
• Jens Lekman
• Tapes 'n Tapes
• Hot Machines

And we've still got 24 more artists to announce!

The Pitchfork Music Festival lands in Chicago's Union Park this July 29-30, and is set to feature 36 bands on three stages. Promising all the hospitality-- and economical ticket prices-- that have become a staple of our events, we'll be unloading one-day passes for a mere $20, while fans planning to attend both days can scoop up two-day passes at the absurdly affordable rate of $30.

Kids, that's 83¢ per band. You can't even get a pack of gum for that!

Of course, this is about more than just amazing music: Our goal is to create a summer festival that provides an overwhelmingly positive experience for both the fans and musicians. And in keeping with that, there will also be plenty of other great stuff happening on the premises: Our pals at Chicago-based independent community radio station WLUW will be setting up their notoriously gargantuan record fair on the premises, and DEPART-ment will roll out a massive craft and clothing fair-- and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

So let's step back and see if we've got this right: 36 of the absolute best artists in independent music. Playing over the course of two summer days. In Chicago. On three stages. For $30. We know, it sounds crazy, but we're pretty sure it'll be worth it.

Tickets are already on sale, so don't screw around and be all surprised if you miss out. You never stop regretting these things.