Block Party

This weekend I attended the annual Hideout Block Party. It's a two day music fest at a local venue called the Hideout. I think it's rapidly becoming my fave music fest here in Chicago because of its simplicity. It's held in a parking lot, not a park, so it's more isolated than Lolla and Pitchfork. Plus they host an eclectic lineup. Lolla is too massive and Pitchfork is a bit snotty, but Hideout is pretty chill. Like for Pitchfork there's a segregation of press and VIP areas whereas at Hideout, everyone with a badge is welcome into the VIP area. I acquired a photo pass for the boyfriend and me even though neither of us our avid photogs. Sometimes I wish I had one of those nice $2,000 cameras with a 10ft lens. But alas, it was me snapping away using a point and shoot camera in the photo pit amongst more heavy weight photogs. I do like taking pictures, though. I like being right up where the action is.

The best part about the weekend was the free beer. That's where the handy photo pass comes into play. We had free beer both Sat. and Sunday which was pretty cool. I think I deserve VIP access wherever I go. There are some people who I feel don't deserve VIP access because all they do is sit there and drink and really aren't anyone important. I'm not important either, but at least I'm doing the work unlike other douches who reap whatever they can get. This weekend I saw a lot of cool bands including a band from Israel called Monotonix that likes to set their drums on fire. I saw Ratatat and New Pornographers (probably my 6th time seeing them). I got a chance to see some people I hadn't seen in a while and just hang out with cool friends including my indie rock boys. The weather was really great, too. I know this is summer's last hurrah. I have a feeling I'm not getting to MI this year.

Last night after the Block Party, we went to see yet another show. We saw A Place to Bury Strangers, a band that's been deemed the "loudest band in NY." Surprisingly, I still had my hearing after the show, albeit with slight ringing. After the show, we talked to the lead singer a little bit. He was very cool and approachable. I hate rock stars who hide in their entourage or act bothered when you approach them. This guy was totally down to earth and cool. Yeah, it was a music weekend, alright. I'm back in show mode and it feels good. There are a ton of shows this week but most of them are up in air right now. I really want to see My Bloody Valentine, but I don't have a ticket or list access yet.

Going to these fests are good for me because I get to network but sometimes I still feel like such a hack, that I really don't belong there, that everyone is so much more successful and talented than me. But, I love being around the people who love music as much as me and can appreciate it. I think that's what really matters to me.

I feel inundated with writing assignments right now and need to get to work. It's probably going to be yet another busy week ahead, which is probably a good thing. I just need to figure out a way to get things done...like my laundry.