Music notes: On Parr at Viper Alley

Young love

What Generation Xer doesn't know the '80s anthem “St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)”? The song, from the soundtrack of the Brat Packer film “St. Elmo's Fire,” was a monster hit and a staple of senior proms for years. John Parr, the musician behind that and other hits (“Naughty, Naughty”) will perform this weekend in Lincolnshire. He'll be joined by ex-Bo Deans singer/songwriter Sammy Llanas.

8 p.m. Friday, July 13, at Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire. Tickets start at $15. Go to viper-alley.com.

The indies are here

The Pitchfork Music Festival, Chicago's annual celebration of cutting-edge rock, is finally here! Nearly 50 bands will perform this weekend at Union Park, and the lineup again features an eclectic array of artists and sounds, from the electric noise-pop of Sleigh Bells to the anthemic guitar rock of Japandroids. Other highlights include buzz bands Wild Flag, Cloud Nothings, Vampire Weekend, Feist, Beach House and Dirty Projectors. There will also be numerous vendors and activities on site, including programs on books and video games, a record fair, food and more. Pitchfork remains a vital (and relatively inexpensive) part of music culture in the Chicago area.

Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday, July 13, and at noon Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15, at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $45 per day. Go to pitchforkmusicfestival.com.

Leppard still running

I was never a big fan of '80s metal, but British band Def Leppard always stood out. The band had an uncanny knack for inserting pop hooks into its thunderous guitar-heavy sound, and frontman Joe Elliot's vocals hit the perfect balance of shriek and soul. The band makes a stop in the suburbs next week. The opener will be fellow Reagan-era rockers Poison. Bring your lighters.

7 p.m. Thursday, July 19, at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. $29.50 to $95. Go to ticketmaster.com.