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The 4th Annual House Music Block Party, the two-day festival of sound and life, has come to an end, leaving revelers wet and breathless with its array of locally, nationally and internationally renowned DJs. If you missed it, BOY DID YOU MISS IT!!!
As part of its community interaction initiative, Undaground Element Events & S&S Records/S&S Chicago strive to create memorable experiences that transcend socio-economic, racial, ethnic, and generational barriers. And they did not fail to deliver! The House culture, symbolized by it presence of one love, fellowship and peace allowed House heads and enthusiasts, from babies to octogenarians, to enjoy the family atmosphere as the heavy beat floated through the air.
On Saturday afternoon, the space was awash in picnic blankets and chairs as gatherers soaked in the warm rays of the sun peaking through the ever increasing clouds. The piña coladas were flowing, thanks to the on-site vendor, and friends broke out their own beers, wines and spirits. There was no shortage of sophisticated adult beverages enjoyed responsibly by the partiers, as their bodies swayed to the beat of both old-school and new-school joints. And the tacos, also available at one of the on-site vendors, made for many a happy tummy.
If you were there, you were treated to a trip down memory lane, from 30 years ago to 30 days again and all spots in between. But as the sky grew darker, it was that pure HOUSE ENERGY that kept people dancing as the rain drops fell. You can’t stop the House! Admittedly, it was a touch hedonistic as the lights flashed and danced over what was then an adult-only crowd, though some young ones were still spotted on the dance floor. (Hopefully no one called DCFS. LOL) Fred Astaire had nothing on us dancing in the rain.
On Sunday afternoon, families were once again in full bloom as round two of the picnic festivities were underway. The spirit of the event blew away the storm clouds that had been forecasted for the day and everyone basked in absolutely perfect conditions for an outdoor music event. Those close-by enjoyed the artistry of a young guest as she danced with her hula hoop in an impressive display of talent! Partiers also donned the “uniform” of the day by stocking up on official block party attire for sale at the on-site vendors. Old friends gathered and new friendships were made in front of both DJ stages.
Then night fell across the event and it was wall to wall bodies dancing and jumping and jacking, cameras in the air with multiple FB Live broadcasts that screamed “I was there!!!!” No doubt NASA satellites detected a noticeable spike in the earth’s temperature on that block as sweat flowed like the Nile off the bodies in motion. It was a sight to behold: the look of rhapsody on the faces of the untold hundreds of partiers, young and old, and the unsuccessful attempts of Chicago’s finest from the 009th District to remain composed and still. Yeah! We caught you dancing!
Without a doubt, the event was a success and we hope that everyone who attended has great stories and pictures to share! The House Music Block Party is a labor of love and we thank Undaground Elements Events, the City of Chicago, sponsors of the DJ stages, everyone who helped bring the event to fruition and make it memorable, from the lighting technicians to the security officers to the guys who brought out and set up the fences and porta-potties. And we thank everyone who came out to support the event. We know you had many choices and we’re pleased beyond measure that you chose to spend your weekend with us!
Special Thanks To All Of The People Who Participated & Made This Possible
STEVE SILK HURLEY • MAURICE JOSHUA • JULIAN JUMPIN PEREZ • DJ SKIP • PAUL JOHNSON • STACY KIDD • MICKEY MIXIN OLIVER • SCOTT SMOKIN SILZ • MARIO SMOKIN DIAZ • DJ JES • MIKE LOVE • DJ THREEJAY • BEARWHO? • RUBB SOUND SYSTEM • MARTIN EZ • HYPERACTIVE • MILTY EVANS • IZ & DIZ • LADY D • SCRUBFISH • CZ BOOGIE • LOVEBUG • GROOVIN KIKI • JOHN MORK • T-MIXWELL • BUCKY FARGO & MAREA • MIZZ CHAVEZ • RALPH & LOUIE • LENNY ALFONZO • IKAIKA • TONY COMFORT JONES • ERIN BLACK IRISH • NICO SALAZAR • CAVEMAN • KEITH CLUBHEAD • PATRICK WAYNE • ZEEK • JON ILER • ERIK FLASH • MIDWAY HUSTLE • KARL ALMARIA • NUMO DAN • LEE FARMER • MADDJAZZ • JAMEISHA TRICE • ANDREW EMIL • RANDALL DEAN • VINNIE ACCARDO • PAUL NAJERA • VICTOR CORREA • VINCE MELO • VYBEZ • PURPLE • BEANS & RICE • SOURCE 1 • THOMAS KELLY • JACK RICHARDS • JAMES DEAN • TCAL 312 • DJ TUTT • MINDTZA • TIM-X • RHAPSODIC • LUIS VAZQUEZ • THOMAS JAYY