2017’s Capitol Hill Block Party began with two music panels open to the public free of charge at Grimm’s. The first was entitled “Band Survival and Strategy in a Post-Industry World.” Xanna’s Takeaway: Everything old is new again; as in the 1950s and ‘60s, it’s all about the staggered release of (digital) singles over the big kerplop of an entire album. You still have to tour and if you want airplay, bring your music to the radio station in person. Photo above and seated left to right: Kelly Fleek (moderator), Matt Ashworth, Leigh Bezezekoff, Troy Nelson, Jodi Ecklund, Marco Collins, and (above) a vintage deer head who’s seen and heard it all before.
The second panel, “Resistance as Art – Gender, Race, Class and Sexuality as The Artist’s Platform For Change,” began with sobs about the presidential election and how it stymied works in progress. Xanna’s Takeaway: “Mixed genre” booking is a way to find more open minded audiences and, when the panel audience questions devolve into plugs for upcoming gigs (doesn’t it always), it’s time to leave. But overall, it was a good first exploration into identity-influenced music. Seated left to right: Kelly Fleek (moderator), Carlo Tulloss, EJ Tolentino, Irene Barber of Dust Moth, Sasha Bolof, and Emily Nokes of Tacocat.
The privacy fence for the VIP area—what could be inside? Keep reading…
Jen Stippich of MacGregor Event Staffing takes a breath before the VIP rush.
The VIPs of the VIP Lounge! Bob Marley’s granddaughters, Zuri and Shacia, promoting their family’s line of skin care products, Marley Natural (they also sell smoking paraphernalia). My favorite was the hand cream made with Sativa oil (non-psychotropic). www.marleynaturalshop.com
Patrick Galactic playing a rogue, free unofficial showcase at Everyday Music on 10th Street.
Tim Basaraba (Downstream/Substation) and with Mary of Oliver Elf Army at Everyday Music.
Lucy Dacas on the Main Stage.
Eastern Souvenirs at Neumos (The Modelo Stage)
Sloucher on The Vera Stage.
Noname on The Main Stage. When I politely asked if I could photograph her in the VIP Lounge, she put her hand in front of her face. Hmm. Hence her name?
Pizza break at Big Mario’s.
Kyle Craft and his endearingly “loud voice.”
The Gods Themselves at Barboza.
Adorable gay guys chilling in the VIP.
Zuri and Shacia Marley mixing the beats.
VIP Lounge filling up!
And the crowd kept growing…
ALL Photos by Xanna Don’t
Tags: Barboza, Big Mario's Pizza, Capitol Hill Block Party, Capitol Hill Block Party 2017, CHBP, Eastern Souvenirs, Everyday Music, Kyle Craft, Lucy Dacas, Marley's Naturals, Neumos, Noname, Shacia Marley, Sloucher, The Gods Themselves, Zuri Marley
