Loll-Apple-ooza

If you’re planning to spend time in Grant Park for Lollapalooza, you’ll want to download the free Lollapalooza iPhone app. Unlike the mediocre brochure-ware we’ve seen in some of these “corporate” apps, this one offers high functionality where it really counts: schedule management and the map. Browse the interactive schedule by day, by who’s playing right now or by stage. Further organize things alphabetically or by time. Build your own schedule to keep track of your choices. (It does not include a conflict-manager, so for better or for worse, you can schedule yourself to be at two shows at stages a half mile apart at the same time.) Want to know more about an act? Click on their name and check out their bio, link to YouTube or iTunes, where you can conveniently sample or buy their music. I wish more drill-down points on the map were available than just the stages, and that more general information about the event was on the app itself, but those are minor quibbles relative to the functionality of this free app. Please they’ve got this groovy Lolla Ball thing that you can wave at the stage—it flashes and changes colors—and make your own little light show. (Hallucinogens sold separately.) (Brian Hieggelke)