The Chicago Blog

Lakeview was hoppin’ last weekend during Rock Around the Block. Lincoln and Belmont were packed on Saturday with hundreds of people eating, drinking, shopping, and rocking.

photo by Hanna Pageau

This year’s line-up featured an array of bands covering many genres, so there was something for everyone. “This year we have the best cover bands in the city” said Lindsey, a Star Events employee working at the event, “and Led Zeppelin 2 is a band that we have special for this year’s festival.” While there, I saw the band 40% Steve, one of the great cover bands Lindsey mentioned. They played a mixture of contemporary pop-rock and classic rock hits as well as some 90’s alternative. On the other stage I also saw classic rock group FNR, who delivered an arena experience even in the intimate outdoor setting.

photo by Hanna Pageau

Music wasn’t the only thing that rocked at the festival, there were food vendors and a shopping area with booths from sponsors and local businesses. Food options included hot dogs, burgers, Star Fruit smoothies, Nicholas Restaurant items, and various snacks. Soda and water were available, and sponsors Budweiser and Bud Light sold beer to those over 21. Other booths included sponsors such as the Chicago Tribune as well as new businesses like ChintownMenus.com — an online-food delivery website with great local deals.

photo by Hanna Pageau

Singles Softball Sundays — Chicago’s singles co-ed summer softball league also had a booth at the fest. Ben, an organizer with Singles Softball Sundays said it’s a great way to meet people and it’s the only league you can join by yourself or with friends. The league meets in Lincoln Park — games start on August 4th, but there is still time to sign up. Go to www.s3softball.com and use the promo code “rockaroundtheblock” to get $20 off your league fees. “We also always go to our sponsor bars after the games for free pitchers and food specials!” Ben said.

Another interesting booth, Chiro One Wellness Centers was giving free back and spine exams at the event. Chiro One is a community outreach business whose mission involves screening the public and educating people on back and spine health. “People get their eyes and teeth checked all the time, most people don’t think of getting their spine checked, but it’s just as important” said Chiro One employee Jasmina Patel. At their clinics — which are all over the city and the surrounding areas, the proceeds benefit community charities. The great thing about Chiro One Wellness Centers is that they dedicated to awareness. “Most people take drugs when they have back pain- we’re always popping pain pills when they don’t solve the real problem. How many people do we need to reach before everyone goes to get their spine checked regularly?” Jasmina explained, “Getting your spine checked is important, and Chiro One does it holistically while giving back to the community.”

The ARFhouse tent

Another charity-wise booth was ARFhouse Chicago, a local no-kill all volunteer animal shelter. ARFhouse was founded in 2004 and their mission is to reduce the homeless pet population in Chicago through rescue, fostering, and adoption programs. At their booth, they had a few adorable dogs who are up for adoption to connect with the festival-goers and to raise money for their cause. I didn’t hesitate to donate a dollar for this important and often over-looked cause. “We partner with other rescue shelters in the area, so we’re very local-based as an organization” said a woman at the booth. Some of the rescued cats and dogs go to events around the city to raise awareness for their cause. Look for ARFhouse at future festivals, events at Sox games, and next years Pride fest.

There were also arts and crafts vendors at the event who showcased their specialties. There were local painters, jewelry makers, and booths selling purses and accessories. One booth in particular, Baraka had jewelry from all over the world. “All our jewelry is ethnic and every piece has a story” said owner Ran Deren. Baraka means “blessing” in Morocco, which is where some of the jewelry is from. Other pieces are from Nepal, Egypt, and other areas in the Middle East and Asia. Much of the jewelry featured turquoise which means harmony and good luck. Other pieces had elephants on them meaning power and patience. “There is a spiritual-ness to all our accessories” said Ran.

Children’s activities at the event included a giant wave and surf board to take your picture on, a craft and games tent, and Wow Balls — inflatable balls children climb into and roll around in on a water-filled pool. Wow Balls allow children to crawl or walk around on the water and not get wet as their ball floats on the surface. They run around, bounce off each other and have lots of giggling fun while their parents enjoy the music and festivities.

Wondering what the line up was like so you can see what to expect for next year? Here it is:
Saturday’s bands included: Old School of Folk Music Presents: The Dreamtree Shakers Trio at noon, 40% Steve from 1-2:15pm, Underwater People from 3-4:15pm, Mr. Blotto from 5-7pm, and 16 Candles from 8-10pm all on the Lincoln Belmont Stage.
Happiness Club at noon, FNR from 1-2:15pm, Libido Funk Circus from 3-4:15pm, Wedding Banned from 5-7pm, and Hairbangers Ball from 8-10pm all on the Center Stage at Melrose.

Sunday’s bands included: Trash Martini from noon-1:15pm, Breakfast Club from 2-3:15pm, Too White Crew from 4-6pm, and Led Zeppelin 2 at 7:00pm on the Lincoln Belmont Stage.
Supernaut from noon-1:15pm, Rock U from 2-3:15pm, Maggie Speaks from 4-6pm, and Mike & Joe from 7-9pm on the Center Stage at Melrose.

Overall, Rock Around the Block was a fantastic time to shop, eat, listen, and enjoy a nice summer day in Lakeview.