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.
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.
"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.
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.
"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."
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