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MS MR Plays House Party in Lakeview Ahead of Lollapalooza Set

By Ariel Cheung | July 31, 2015 8:44am

LAKEVIEW — If you're a fan of the alt-pop band MS MR (or, for that matter, watermelon on popsicle sticks) prepare yourself for a cold, hard dose of envy.

The duo showed up early for its Friday Lollapalooza show to play a more intimate venue on George Street: Chad Gordon's apartment.

Alt-pop band MS MR performed at Chad Gordon's George Street apartment in South Lakeview on Wednesday. Gordon won a contest for Airbnb hosts. [Airbnb/Ryan Lowry]

Gordon, 41, won a house party and private concert Wednesday from Airbnb, a community marketplace for renting out homes and apartments for short stays.

More than 2,500 people entered the contest out of about 4,000 Chicago hosts. Gordon also got six VIP three-day passes for Lollapalooza, which takes place this weekend in Grant Park.

Watermelon, snacks and hot dogs were offered as part of a private party and performance featuring MSMR after Airbnb host Chad Gordon won a contest. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]

"It's a fun day, and I've got a very eclectic group of friends here. It's crazy," Gordon said Wednesday. Gordon is studying for his master's degree in San Diego, so renting his apartment while he's away helps cover his expenses.

Airbnb delivered: bringing hot dogs, snacks and T-shirts for a backyard BBQ, plus supplies for Lollapalooza survival kits like ear plugs, sunglasses and gum.

Airbnb brought sunglasses, towelettes and ear plugs so guests could create their own Lollapalooza survival kits. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]

MS MR vocalist Lizzy Plapinger and producer Max Hershenow — who also uses Airbnb both as a host and while on tour — were "significantly impressed" by Airbnb's impromptu stage.

MSMR producer Max Hershenow and vocalist Lizzy Plapinger sign autographs and chat with fans during a private show at the home of an Airbnb host as part of a Lollapalooza-themed contest. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]

"This was really f---ing pro," Plapinger said. "It's just like playing a house party, which is pretty much how most people start as a band. So it's nice to retrace our steps and feel like we're knocking off a thing that we should have done in the beginning."

One thing was for sure, Hershenow said: "It'll be the best-sounding house party, though."

Chad Gordon (center) won a private concert by indie band MSMR through an Airbnb contest that got more than 2,500 entries from Chicago hosts. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]

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