Capitol Hill Block Party 2019 Review

I have lived in Seattle for 9 years and have never attended the CHBP. This year, I decided it was time to go, with an open mind and experience it for myself.  I had taken a look at the line up, and there were many bands that I was excited about. My first dilemma was parking. I did notice the car parks had hiked up their prices and typically it was between $25-40 to park. I got lucky, my friend, a fellow band photographer offered me a guest spot at her apartment. It was a 20 minute walk but I was very grateful.

Day one I arrived around 6:45, entry was smooth, staff were friendly, and I made my way to Neumos to shoot Red Ribbon, a band I have enjoyed for several years.  I had made the decision ahead of time not to attempt the main stage as there was no general pit for the band photographers, and to be honest I was more attracted to the local bands, especially the line up at Cha Cha’s.

After Neumos, I headed to Cha Cha’s and caught half the set of UK Gold, which I loved the name as I am English, and they were great. Next up was Blood Drugs, who were so good, a punk vibe which is my main interest. The last act was Wimps who I love, and it was Rachel’s last show for a while as she was about to give birth. They did not disappoint, high energy, very fun band. The crowd at Cha Cha’s was a mixed age range and on the whole not as intoxicated as the general young crowd outside. I dashed over to Neumos to catch The Black Tones, before headed home. Such a fun night.

Day two I felt more familiar and prepared. I arrived earlier, around 4 and headed to The Vera Stage to shoot Wild Powwers, I am a huge fan. They killed it. At this time in the day, the crowds were less intoxicated, so you could walk around a little easier. I headed to Neumos to see Tres Leches after, and I have to say this was the highlight of the festival for me. I am a fan of theirs, and have shot them before, but wow, they put on a fantastic performance. Super impressive, the crowd loved them and I have a feeling they made many new fans that night.  I left Neumos and headed over to Cha Cha’s. It was so difficult to move through the crowd, it was sold out so absolutely packed. I pushed my way back to Cha Cha’s and felt very relived to be there.

Spesh were amazing, they really put on a fun show. The crowd loved them, and most of the audience was dancing. I love Spesh as they have such a Brit 90’s vibe, so good. Next up was Dyed, who I had not seen them before, they were so good, and so fun to shoot.

Day three I was settled in and felt that Cha Cha’s was the place to be.  The Carols were the first band up, I have seen them before but it has been a while. They were as good as I had remembered.  I decided to make a dash for food after the set and must give a shout out to Café Pettirosso. I am vegan and another band photographer had suggested I try them. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. They make amazing corn dogs, I also tried the chilli and lavender shortbread. I would highly recommend them if you are in the area.

After eating I headed back to Cha Cha’s. Terminator played next, I am a fan of theirs so was excited to catch their set.  They were great, as ever. It was Veronica’s last show with them as she moves to NYC, so it will be interesting to see what they do next. Collate from Portland were next. They were fantastic, high energy, the crowd love them.

Headlining were Razor Clam.  A fellow band photographer asked if I had seen them before, I said no, and he said I was in for a treat. He was not wrong, they blew me away.  They were so fun to shoot, very interactive with the crowd and really knew how to put on a show.  I took so many photos of them, they were a photographer’s dream.

I am glad I went to Block Party and would go again. Cha Cha’s did become my refuge, and I took the opportunity to speak to a few locals as I really wanted their input. They all had a similar opinion, they felt the party has been hijacked and is now too commercial. I hope the organizers can work with locals, and find a compromise for everyone . I will be back next year.

While Becki was focusing on the next big thing and catching smaller stages we also headed to the Main Stage where Phantogram absolutely dominated the end of Friday playing some new songs from their latest album along with fan favorites including, “Fall In Love,” “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore,” and “Cruel World.” Earlier that day Mitski played on that stage reaffirming why she is so adored so much. Reminding us all why we should be our own Cowboy. From the local side our favorites were Bearaxe and Actionesse who brought such high energy to the small basement at the Cha Cha setting the bar high for the rest who followed.

Saturday was the only sold out day of the event and walking in we could tell that everyone was just as excited as us ready to catch Lizzo. The star who has been building a steady following the last few years has exploded into the mainstream with her latest record, “Cuz I Love You.” Her fans also love her and proving it by packing the streets that night inside and outside the festival fences. She was impressive as ever and she and her dancers dazzled the stage projecting ions of positive energy. We also had a chance to check out the Wild Rose stage that was setup for the first time and Moon Palace, Whitney Monge, Left at London, were our highlights.

Sunday ended the festival with a band we enjoy catching at festivals because honestly that is what they excel in, STRFKR. The stage was packed with many people wearing costumes and the most memorable moment was one of them dresses as a wizard crowdsurfing along the huge crowd on a very hot day. Amine was another crowd favorite before RL Grime closed down the festival on the main stage making everyone dance along leaving with the best vibe.

Article/Photos by Becki Thorley and SB