Winter Block Party

Chicago Public Media (WBEZ-Chicago) will host its 3rdAnnual Winter Block Party for Chicago’s Hip-Hop Arts 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the Chicago Urban Arts Society, 2229 s. Halsted Street, Chicago.

This year’s event will again feature a visual art and a graffiti gallery exhibition by some of Chicago’s most notable and up and coming contemporary artists, along with a marketplace, Hip-Hop barbershop, film screening, live sampling showcase, a one-on-one B-Boy/B-Girl battle hosted by the Legendary Brickheadz, an open mic academy and music all afternoon by Chicago DJs including Itch 13, Sweatpants Money and more.

The day’s festivities will culminate at 8 p.m. with a live studio audience event with the founders of Chicago house music entitled Original Style: Exploring the History of Chicago House. Hosted by Kevin Coval, Original Style will feature house music pioneers Jamie Principle and DJ Frankie Knuckles as well as Robert Williams (owner of the Warehouse and Music Box), Reggie Corner (House music promoter) and others. Following the event, an after party will be held featuring DJ Ron Trent and DJ Jesse De La Pena.

Admission for daytime events is $5/$3 for WBEZ members and students (ID required); evening events $15/$12 for WBEZ members and $10 for students (ID required).  For more information, visit WBEZ.