Hideout Block Party Tue Sep 02 2014

A Hideout Block Party How-To

By Sarah Brooks

My favorite Chicago music festival of the year is swiftly approaching, bringing with it high-caliber acts that are sure to please a happy crowd of sweater-wearing music lovers (yes, it is supposed to be oddly chilly this weekend, to my elation). If it's your first trip to the glorious Hideout Block Party & Onion A.V. Fest, you're in for a lovely weekend full of outstanding tunes, local fare and a heightened appreciation for the beautiful city of Chicago. Here's a handy Hideout how-to guide for all of the whos, wheres and whats to ensure that you have a seamless festival weekend.

Where to Connect With Your Past Self

Death Cab for Cutie may be the set I'm most excited to hear all weekend. Mainly because I spent many of my teenage years poring over their brooding, notable albums such as Transatlanticism and The Photo Album. Their introspective lyrics are raw and cutting, yet still retain a quality of sheer beauty. Having seen Ben Gibbard sets with other outfits, such as The Postal Service, I can ensure you that this set won't disappoint and you might just have a spiritual experience as you listen to their gorgeous folk music catalog underneath the Chicago stars.

Where to Hear Folk Music Genius

The Handsome Family set is fairly early on Friday, but extremely worth catching. Husband and wife duo Brett and Rennie Sparks are able to create dark, haunting folk music with elaborate story lines and striking imagery. They've been recording music for nearly a decade, their first album Odessa released in 1995. Their musical catalog reflects their evolution as artists and also as human beings, as Brett experienced an emotional breakdown in 1996. Their music therefore reflects the raw, visceral human experiences we all face throughout our lives. Head over to their set to hear such tunes as well as more whimsical numbers off of their most recent album, Wilderness, featuring each song title as a different animal.

Where to Hear an Impassioned Speech

Tim Tuten, co-owner of the Hideout, amps up my excitement for the Festival tenfold each year that I attend. His passion when announcing bands before they grace us with their presence onstage allows us to take a step back and connect with why we love music and why live music is so necessary in such a fast-paced, hyperconnected world. We are able to hone in on the reasons why we decided to attend the Hideout Block Party, and to discern our own passions as we watch Tim Tuten live out his authentic path.

What Set Will Put You in Awe of Your City

The War on Drugs has been crafting atmospheric folk music since 2008. With each release, their sound becomes more developed, more lush, more bold. Their 2014 release, Lost in the Dream, details exactly where their sound will place you: enveloped within the avenue of your own thoughts and the ambient atmosphere that they are able to effortlessly create. The brainchild of Kurt Vile and Adam Granduciel, The War on Drugs will undoubtedly leave you speechless and pensive in the packed festival landscape, meandering along with your thoughts as the music weaves through your soul.

Where to Feel The Funk

Funky METERS have been recording music together for 31 years. No, seriously. Thirty-one years of funk jubilation and collaborating with notable artists such as the legendary Dr. John and timeless Paul McCartney. While many of the members of the New Orleans outfit have rotated in and out, two founders, Art Neville and George Porter Jr. remain and have ensured that the sound has retained its pristine and original qualities for the past 31 years. Enjoy a set that's all about funk, with a bit of blues and jazz fusion, as you dance it out in the Chicago sun.

Where The Breakthrough Set of The Weekend Will Be

Sylvan Esso's self-titled debut is one of my absolute favorite releases this year. Vocalist Amelia Meath is so effortlessly cool, while the group's sound created with Nick Sandborn introduces a musical style that is equally edgy. Amelia's idyllic vocals blended with Nick's unique electronic backings create an interesting blend for a truly distinct sound. Stop by for Sylvan Esso's set to see an artist that will definitely only increase their popularity as the days move forward.

Where To See A Familiar Hideout Block Party Presence

Do you feel like you see Jon Langford's name on the Hideout Block Party lineup every year and wonder if you are mistaken? Well, you're not. He has performed many years at Hideout with one of his various groups. Are we upset about this? Absolutely not. Langford is a Chicago music institution and the festival wouldn't be complete without hearing him croon out a few tunes. This year, he performs with Bad Luck Jonathan, a supergroup that is sure to bring the rock sound and turn it up a notch.

Full Hideout Block Party/Onion A.V. Fest Schedule

Friday, Sept. 5:
Death Cab For Cutie - 8:30pm
Hamilton Leithauser - 7:15pm
The Handsome Family - 6:20pm
Bad Luck Jonathan ft. Jon Langford - 5:30pm

Saturday, Sept. 6:
The War on Drugs - 8:45pm
The Dismemberment Plan - 7:30pm
funky METERS - 6:30pm
Mac DeMarco - 5:15pm
Sylvan Esso - 4pm
Valerie June - 3pm
Empires - 2pm
Plastic Crimewave Vision Celestial Guitarkestra - 1:30pm

The Hideout Block Party & Onion A.V. Fest takes place at The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) on Friday, Sept. 5, and Saturday, Sept. 6. Tickets are still available, for $39 for a single-day ticket and $65 for a two-day pass.