The Silver Room Sound System Block Party made its official return on Saturday, demonstrating a wide range of Black art at the Salt Shed.
Performers ran the gamut from Piwa, a young, alternative Zimbabwe artist, who sang an unexpected but delightful cover of Betty Davis’ 50-year-old funk song “Nasty Gal,” to the newly formed Black Opera Ensemble, which belted out everything from African American spirituals to traditional opera selections by Mozart and Georges Bizet.
Later, the same stage would be graced by the Red Clay Dance Company, DJs and legendary rapper Big Daddy Kane.
Showcasing that diversity of Black talent at an event historically considered a house and hip-hop institution was a goal of its founder, Eric Williams. And it’s a major reason why he decided to bring the party back after announcing its end — especially during America’s 250th anniversary.
“It’s just reclaiming what being American means,” said Williams 56, who owns the the Silver Room boutique in Hyde Park, where he also lives. “If you think about American culture, mostly it’s Black culture. The block party has been a celebration of music, art, dance and our contributions to this country.”
Originating in 2003, The Silver Room Sound System Block Party moved from an alley to a street in Wicker Park and then a festival in Hyde Park that drew approximately 40,000 attendees one year. However, the cost of producing such a large event, which was free for many years, became untenable for Williams. He eventually moved it to Oakwood Beach and charged admission, but it still wasn’t financially sustainable, and he ended the event in 2023.
Williams said reviving the block party at the Salt Shed allows him to reduce overhead costs. He also secured foundation and corporate support. A couple days before the event, he’d sold 3,000 tickets, which was below his goal, but he said he was willing to endure some growing pains.
“I’m hoping we get some last-minute ticket buyers,” he said. “At this point, breaking even for the first year is always good. I think we’re in a pretty good place. For me, it’s most important we have a good time, and we can build upon this for next year.”
The crowd was small during the initial hours of the block party, which was scheduled from noon until 10 p.m. An early-afternoon rainstorm may have been a deterrent. Others might’ve skipped the event due to a perceived high ticket price (around $100), which generated some complaints.
What they missed was a wealth of talent, a diverse group of merchants and a dynamic setup. The performers were spread across the outdoor stage, indoor stage, Three Top Lounge and vendor market. Popular entertainers included DJs Celeste Alexander, Gilles Peterson, Natasha Diggs, Rashida, and Craig Elliott. There were also special guest hosts, including actor Wood Harris, and a legacy award presentation honoring house artist and producer Jamie Principle.
“This music started in Chicago and these people are still alive,” Williams said. “I think we should honor them while they’re here.”
Those who did come said it was important for them to show up for Williams and honor the legacy of the block party, which impacted their lives.
“Eric, he’s been supporting the community for many years,” said Enoch Khepra, 52, who is from Bronzeville but now lives in Los Angeles. “I’ve heard some pushback of, ‘Oh, we have to pay $100.’ I put it like this: I’m helping out. All the years he supported, we need to support, too.”
Mark Andre, 55, of Kenwood, said he and his partner, Yolanda Calvin, bought their tickets the first day they went on sale.
“We were disappointed when we thought it might not come back because we felt like it brought so much to the city itself,” he said. “The block party was always about culture. It was always about community.”
Angelique Randle, 51, of South Shore said attending brought back fond memories of her time at previous block parties.
“I remember one year, DJ Jazzy Jeff came out and rocked the stage,” she said. “It’s a staple. As you get older, you like to have those memories. Hopefully this will be another good memory.”
The audience also included newcomers hoping to start their own block party traditions. First-time attendee Dana LaRue, 35, of South Holland, said she appreciated the event’s cultural focus.
“You hear so many negative things about Black culture and Black culture is so dope,” she said. “So to be fully immersed in it, it’s affirming. It’s liberating. So I’m excited to be here and enjoy all the Black excellence on display.”