Written by Tony Engelhart
If you’re a hip native Seattleite, then you are probably already aware of the two day sweat fest know as the Capitol Hill Block Party. If you’re new to the Emerald city or will be visiting in July, listen up.
For the past 10 years, historic Capitol Hill in downtown Seattle has opened up its South side to host one of the only true alternative music festivals in Washington State. You aren’t going to find major label acts here, nor are you going to be subjected to any washed up arena acts trying desperately to hold on to their youth. No, this party only features the best in independent music. And this year the promoters have booked in another great line-up which will most definitely turn up the heat on the two, already blistering, July days.
Unlike other huge festivals, this one has the cozy feel of backyard barbeque with all your closest friends, “The Block Party is definitely a community event, and though people travel to it from all over the US, the focus is on Seattle’s Capitol Hill and the underground music community that thrives there,” said Kip Kouri, of Tell All Your Friends Publicity. “It is focused on new talent playing an intimate festival environment at a low ticket price. The Block Party is also rooted the Northwest and the majority of acts performing come from the amazing pool of talented groups in the Northwest.”
With well over 50 bands playing on four stages, there is literally something for everyone, but there are a few acts that shouldn’t be missed by anyone attending, “Les Savy Fav, Girl Talk, Devotchka, Common Market, Key Key and His Weathered Underground, Vampire Weekend, The Physics, The Dodos, Akimbo and The Hold Steady are a few that are generating a lot of excitement” said Kouri.
Since the festival’s inception, KEXP—the Seattle-based independent radio station which streams would wide at kexp.org—has been, not only a sponsor but, has also had an impact the acts that play at the two day event, “It just was a natural fit for us to be involved,” explained John Richards, morning DJ at the member supported radio station. “We got together a long time ago as 95% of the bands every year are core KEXP bands. Our input on artists is more of an influence, I know they look at what we're playing a lot of and championing and book accordingly.” KEXP will broadcast several live performances and John Richards and Cheryl Waters will host their shows Friday and Saturday day and night from the festival.
If you want to see a few up-and-coming acts before they get scooped up by a corporate label, the Capitol Hill Block Party is your back-stage pass to inevitable greatness. And the beer is cheap too.
