Preview: 11th Annual Hideout Block Party

By: Brett Hickman

Tuesday August 28, 2007

Chicago, IL
For years now, Tim and Katie Tuten have been the proprietors of one of Chicago's gems: the Hideout (1354 W Wabansia Ave Chicago, IL 60622 773-227-4433). And for the past 11 years, they've thrown a big party for all to come and enjoy some of the best music has to offer, bestowing upon the festival the name: Hideout Block Party.

Since its inception in 1996, when it was just a very large backyard BBQ, the Hideout Block Party has become something infinitely greater, a music festival with real pull. Consider last year's, the Block Party's 10th Anniversary. Local record label Touch & Go celebrated their own anniversary (their 25th), bringing such acts along with them as !!!, Big Black, Girls Against Boys, Killdozer, Ted Leo + Pharmacists, Man Or Astro-Man, Pinback, Quasi, Seam & Shellac. Considering many of the artists reunited just for this one gig, says something for the power not only of the label they called home, but of the Hideout as well. The Hideout has always felt like a home away from home and the people there like family. The family that you want to revisit, not those lunatics you make up excuses not to see at holidays.

Over the last 11 years the Hideout's Block Parties have raised over $100,000 for various local charities. This year the Hideout is helping out the following charities: Tuesday's Child, Literacy Works and Drummond School.

There's no doubt this will be the best way to end the summer.

Friday, September 7th:

6:00 PM - South Stage - The Cinematics. This Scottish duo released their debut full-length on TVT Records earlier this year and have garnered a reputation of being a fun band to see live.

6:30 - North Stage - Scotland Yard Gospel Choir. This Chicago band has its roots in the lush, orchestral sounds of groups such as Belle & Sebastian and have opened for the likes of The Arcade Fire and Spoon. Look for their new album soon on Chicago's Bloodshot Records.

7:00 PM - South Stage - The Changes. A favorite of mine in particular, this local band have only grown more assured live since first seeing them at the bottom end of a bill on a Wednesday night at the Double Door, to being the only unsigned act on 2005's Lollapalooza to headlining shows of their own.

7:30 - North Stage - The 1900s. Having just played Lollapalooza 2007 to rave response from festival goers, this local group continues to build on positive press for their 2006 release Plume Delivery.

8:30 - South Stage - Bloc Party. Kicking off their North American tour at the Hideout, the band continues their exhaustive schedule behind A Weekend In the City, their newest album.

10:00 - Truck Stage - Scary Toesies Puppet Theater. This is described as "an avant-garde, mobile theater [that] will provide an abstract and confusing show filled with double meanings and mixed messages" according to the Hideout's website. By 10:00 I'll probably be drunk enough to enjoy watching puppets. Hooray!

Saturday, September 8th:

12:00 PM - Truck Stage - Steve Krakow. Krakow will organize 100+ guitars at noon. Anyone, of any age, can bring a guitar and amp and Steve will lead them in a 30-minute guitar "drone." Sounds like the perfect answer to the previous night's hangover if you ask me.

12:30 - South Stage - Cass McCombs. McCombs is moving to Chicago and the Hideout are welcoming him. Look for his newest album on Domino Records this fall.

1:15 - North Stage - The Golden Horse Ranch Square Dance Band. This sounds delightful!

2:15 - South Stage - Head Of Femur. Chicago favorites, the band has pared down their members to a more manageable 5 (from 21 on Hysterical Stars) and will be no doubt performing songs off of their upcoming Limited Edition EP Leader and the Falcon due out October 02nd.

3:15 - North Stage - O'Death. Appalachian Bluegrass that knocks 'em dead at New York City's Bowery Ballroom. Get the jug out, ma!

4:00 PM - South Stage - Dan Deacon. You've probably seen Dan Deacon surrounded by fans in a sweaty Fred Flintstone t-shirt. Or perhaps you were at this summer's Pitchfork Music Festival to see the Chicago Fire Department pull the plug on Dan's set as the sheer force of his admirers spilled out of Union Park's confines. Either way, all signs point to this being one performance not to miss.

4:45 PM - South Stage - Mucca Pazza. This 30-member, punk rock marching band has been hailed by Conan O'Brien and will lead a parade. That should be a sight to see.

5:15 PM - North Stage - Punk Band. Hideout bartenders and soundmen will perform.

5:30 PM - South Stage - Art Brut. With the release of It's A Bit Complicated, this UK act has solidified itself as one of the smartest and most enjoyable around.

6:30 PM - North Stage - Blue Ribbon Glee Club. 25 member choir doing their take on songs by The Clash, Fugazi, the Pixies and many more.

7:00PM - South Stage - The Frames. Lead singer Glen Hansard is coming off three big successes: The Cost, The Frames' excellent new album, Once the independent film sensation he co-stars in, and having completed a tour of Australia opening for Bob Dylan (who personally chose the band). And they're just about one of the best live acts you'll ever see to boot.

8:30 PM - South Stage - Andrew Bird. Bird will bring his eclectic take on indie-rock to one of his favorite places to play, The Hideout.

So yeah, the rules: All ages, rain or shine, no refunds or exchanges, all patrons subject to search, Photo ID required for all will call or guest list ticket pick-ups, line up and set times are subject to change, food and beverages (along with other items) are sold at the venue for cash only. No knives or weapons, chains, blankets, outside food and beverages, camelbacks, bota bags, tents, flags, chairs, video cameras, audio recording devices, pets, drugs and drug paraphernalia and fireworks. Bike racks will be available at the main entrance at Wabansia Avenue and Elston Avenue. The Hideout recommends taking public transportation. Not just because parking is limited, but because you'd be helping out Mother Earth, too.

Have fun! See you there!