Aahh, the Capitol Hill Block Party—always a highlight of the summer social calendar. For two glorious days and nights, the Block Party offers attendees golden opportunities to hook up with fellow attendees; to commit scandalous, debauched acts; to consume outrageous quantities of fast food and alcohol; and, most importantly, to digest the fascinating liberal propaganda that various activist and nonprofit groups have benevolently displayed on their tables. Er, I mean it’s all about the music, dude. Yeah, the music.
Speaking of which, this year’s extravaganza promises to be as hot as the hottest hottie you see over there in the beer tent. I know that’s hard to believe, but it’s true. With over 40 bands on three stages, this party will have a lot of something for everybody. We got your freak folk. We got your beloved indie pop (and, for shits and giggles, we also got indie rock). Craving dirgey psychedelia? We got that, too. Uplifting, backpacker hiphop? (Mic) check. Metal of unbearable heaviness? Fuck yeah. Punk rock? Silly question, Poindexter. Smoosh? It’s a given. Rock on an epic scale, with beards? But of course. Murder City Devils? OMFG, yes! Do we have the ever-popular “and more”? You need to ask? This is Seattle. That’s how we roll.
Actually, I lied when I said it was all about the music—please forgive me. The Block Party is also about a multitude of vendors peddling scrumptious food, snazzy garments, desirable arts and crafts, massages, tattoos, etc. If that weren’t enough, musician/comedian Reggie Watts is jetting in from his new home in New York to regale y’all on the main stage with his witty repartee. Last but not least, the Block Party helps to foster a sense of community within Seattle’s sprawling music scene, even if only for one weekend. Here, the various factions can come together to share anecdotes, get sunburned, drink to moderation, and gain a new appreciation (or disgust) for styles of music they ordinarily wouldn’t hear up close and personal. And a portion of your reasonable $12 entry fee benefits Vera Project and Home Alive. See, your indulgent fun actually helps people.
You’ll notice some differences with this year’s Block Party. It will be moving one block south to Pike Street, and swapping Sunday for Friday, while adding Neumo’s and the Bad JuJu Lounge as stages. We think the changes will do you good.
So come on out to the Block Party. But please be advised: You’re gonna need a ginormous capacity for fun. Forewarned is forearmed.
Read more:
Who to See: Block Party Band Guide
Speaker Speaker Generate a Buzz