Share If you want to know one really cool “secret” at Lollapalooza, it’s the BMI Stage. Not only is it the shadiest area of Grant Park — in the grove of trees abutting Dusable Lake Shore Drive — it’s also where you will most likely see next year’s headliners before they break big. In the nearly 20 years since Lollapalooza has set roots in Chicago, the BMI Stage (since 2006), has been a constant showcase of the"next big thing.
” It’s where Lady Gaga (still performing with Lady Starlight) made her first appearance at the fest in 2007 — a year before her debut, “The Fame,” was released. It’s also where Kesha first popped up in 2009, leagues ahead of her primetime set at this year’s edition. There have also been sets from Halsey, Bebe Rexha and Cage The Elephant, long before they were promoted.
Unlike the other festival stages, which are largely booked by producer C3 Presents, the BMI Stage is unique as the organization curates the lineup for their corner of the park. In addition to offering a diverse lineup every year, BMI makes an effort to book local Chicago acts. In the past, Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa have taken the stage there.
This year, Mexican-American singer and guitarist Adan Diaz and Northwestern University alum-turned-rocker Hayes Warner are proudly representing. Hayes Warner. Danica Robinson “Our goal has always been to create opportunities for the artists and songwriters that we represent .
.. and it really has become the trusted ar.