The Chicago Blackhawks, 2013 Stanley Cup Champions

This post is devoted to everything Blackhawks because I am in love with them. This was the best season of sports I have ever witnessed firsthand: from the Blackhawks' record-breaking winning streak to a Stanley Cup Final game on my birthday; from hugging strangers in the rafters of the Madhouse on Madison after Brent Seabrook's overtime goal in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals to every, single time I got to hear the roar of the crowd as Jim Cornelison sang the National Anthem; from waving my rally towel after the Blackhawks defeated the LA Kings in double overtime of Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals to kissing the Stanley Cup; it has been a short but thrilling season and I'm so fortunate to have been able to attend so many games and see so many historic moments for hockey and sports in general. 

As I mentioned in my Telluride posts, the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in Game 6 of a great championship series against the Boston Bruins. I was in Colorado when I witnessed their victory, and while I happily sobbed on everyone I met in Telluride and initiated a small, celebratory pub crawl, I was not in Chicago to partake in the insane post-game celebrations. I did, however, manage to get back in town just in time to greet the players and snap a few photos of them partying and hoisting the Stanley Cup at Rockit Bar & Grill. (And by "just in time," I mean that I literally got off the plane and drove straight to Rockit.) A few days later, two million of my friends and I packed downtown Chicago to be part of the Blackhawks' parade and rally celebrations. I've included some photos from that as well, but to see more head over to Do312.

The greatest trophy in sports, the Stanley Cup. 

The Captain and his Playoffs mutton chops, Jonathan Toews

Champagne showers for the fans!

Alternate Captain and my favorite Defenseman, Duncan Keith

Marian Hossa, one of the most skilled players in the NHL. He's a beauty to watch.

Alternate Captain and complete stud muffin, Patrick Sharp

Andrew Shaw and his badass scar. He's hockey tough.

 Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson is the king of blocked shots.

2013 Conn Smythe Trophy winner (Playoffs MVP), Patrick Kane 

 The crowd continued to grow outside of Rockit.

Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, who has a knack for scoring clutch overtime goals

Veteran Jamal Mayers showed off his dance moves (and awesome Playoffs facial hair).

 The Captain and I have at least one thing in common: we both love champagne.

See what I mean? 

Impressive rookie Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp took a moment to enjoy the scene.

The pride of Minnesota, Nick Leddy 

Seabrook a.k.a. Seabsie 

Viktor Stalberg a.k.a. "The Swedish Rocket." (He's super fast.)

Saad with Lord Stanley 

Incredible season for goalie Corey Crawford. Hats off. He also gives one hell of a speech. 

Bryan Bickell (with Patrick Sharp) had his best season yet.

More fans

The crowd at the Blackhawks Rally in Grant Park

I love this version of Lord Stanley.

Shortly after this photo was taken, Duncan Keith gave his epic "Braveheart" speech. 

Red and black taking over the streets!

Dreams come true

Lollapalooza: Friday

After an eventful week, the Friday of Lollapalooza arrived and Grant Park filled with thousands of sweaty, neon-clad, music fans for the seventh year in a row. As usual, I had a blast despite feeling pretty old (because apparently you're old the minute you're not a baby hipster now). Below is a recap of day 1. More to come...

Dr Dog was a solid way to kick off the weekend. Good old psychedelic rock 'n roll.

My psychedelic journey continued with Australia's Tame Impala. I've seen them a couple times now and I always enjoy their sunny, sprawling tunes.

SBTRKT was one of my Lolla highlights. I just love these guys.

Now, on Friday, it's not uncommon to see people (a.k.a. 17-year-olds) completely hammered by sunset. There are always fans who overdo it on the first day of a festival (a.k.a. 17-year-olds). Unfortunately for me, I happened to be surrounded by a herd of them during Passion Pit's set, so I didn't get to enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. Such is the nature of the music fest, though. 

Dawes brought the Americana folk to Lolla on Friday. Pretty stuff.

DJ Zebo wins the "WTF" award for Friday. I was walking to get a spot for Black Sabbath and couldn't help but stop and observe the stage antics. 

It always cool to see some legends live, so I was obviously stoked to see the Godfathers of Heavy Metal, Black Sabbath. I have to say, in my years of going to Lolla, I've never seen more people (a) at the Bud Light stage in general - it was legitimately hard to move - and (b) in leather. It was awesome.