Presented in partnership with Vocalo, WBEZ, and Young Chicago Authors.
Hip-hop has long brought people together who have fought for social justice.
The Winter Block Party is a family-friendly celebration of hip-hop’s present and future. This year’s theme, U.N.I.T.Y, highlights and celebrates the accomplishments of female artists through all mediums – written word, dance, music and imagery. Beginning at noon, hands-on activities and live performances will entertain and educate guests.
K...
Presented in partnership with Vocalo, WBEZ, and Young Chicago Authors.
Hip-hop has long brought people together who have fought for social justice.
The Winter Block Party is a family-friendly celebration of hip-hop’s present and future. This year’s theme, U.N.I.T.Y, highlights and celebrates the accomplishments of female artists through all mediums – written word, dance, music and imagery. Beginning at noon, hands-on activities and live performances will entertain and educate guests.
Kick off the day with a with a dance workshop followed by an all-styles women’s dance showcase. Events continue with a live broadcast of Vocalo’s Morning Amp, MC Olympics (a triathlon for rappers!), and a DJ showcase and competition + a Hip-Hop Marketplace.
Apart from live dance demonstrations and workshops, guests can get their hands dirty and “Chalk the Wall,” watch a graffiti artist tag a shirt or a bag with their name and kids can read to the storybook barber for a free haircut!
Smartbar and G-MAN will feature Pop-Up Hip-Hop Art Gallery, the Chicago Hip Hop Theater, curated readings, spinning by Ayana Contreras from Reclaimed Soul and more!
Free and Open to the Public!
A full list of events and activites are below:
MAINSTAGE
12-1pm Dance workshop
1-2pm All Styles Women’s Dance Showcase (B-girls, tappers, footworkers and more with commentary on style)
2pm Gear/Marketplace interviews
2:30-3:30pm Live Broadcast of Vocalo's Morning AMP
3:30-4:30pm MC Olympics (triathlon for rappers)
4:30-6pm DJ Showcase #Fortheladies. Four DJs will compete to become a monthly resident on Vocalo Radio. (The top 2 will carry over to the Evening Concert)
All Day: Marketplace, Chalk the Wall, Storybook Barber (free haircuts to kids who read their favorite story!)
SMART BAR
All Day:
Graffiti Art Gallery
Face Painting
Graffiti Tagging
Secret Stickers
Boombox Pinatas with a Photo Opp!
G-MAN
1-2pm Chicago Hip Hop Theater
2-3pm Writing workshop for MCs before the MC Olympics
3-4pm Curated Reading
4pm 21+ ONLY
4-5pm Music
5-6pm Ayana Contreras from Reclaimed Soul
6-7pm Ayana spins
10pm DJ Ayana Contreras spins during after party