There’s nothing like a block party to bring neighborhood folks to the yard. And Eric Williams, owner of the Silver Room boutique, throws a block party that can’t be beat.
In 2002, the Silver Room put on its first block party, catering primarily to its most loyal customers and friends. Over the years, the event gradually expanded until attendance reached the thousands. With larger crowds came a larger lineup, and the free festival became more and more difficult for the Silver Room to manage on its own.
Ron Trent, Adrian Loving, and the Frankie Knuckles Foundation presented an opening reception at the Stony Island Arts Bank on Friday, July 15, to showcase and discuss house music. Early risers on Saturday sweated to Gypsy Yoga and Cycle Therapy before the main festivities began.
“It’s really for the people,” Eva said of the block party, making an expansive gesture that took in not just the outdoor stages but also the festival’s live muralists, face-painting stations, food stalls, and other vendors.
Williams was also enthusiastic about the degree to which attendees at the party had participated as more than just fans. He sees this as key to keeping the festival vital for years to come. “We want everybody to get involved, either to volunteer, donate an art piece, or bring some money to be involved in some way, so they can buy in and take ownership of their own entertainment.”
