Block parties are always fun, but when the party brings together music, movies, food and drinks for a good cause, it’s bound to be a huge success. And that’s what the producers of CineFest Backlot Block Party are setting up Aug. 28-30 on the Cinespace Studios’ campus.
The “Behind-The Scenes” music, movies and food festival, being produced by concert impresario Ron Onesti’s Arcada Productions of St. Charles, will display “the history of Chicago filmmaking and the continuation of that history being made here today at Cinespace,” says Onesti.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Cinespace Studios’ CineCares Foundation whose mission is to decrease the amount of violence by providing positive alternatives to the vulnerable children and families in their shared North Lawndale neighborhood.
Some 30 popular bands rockin’ on three stages and some of Chicago’s most popular sweet and savory food trucks will hold forth on approximately recently cleared five acres on Cinespace property, entering at 16th St. and Western Ave.
Musical headliners so far are Bret Michaels of Poison, Blue Oyster Cult, Quiet Riot, The Michael Allman Band, The Chicago Six (’85 Chicago Bears Band with Dan Hampton, Otis Wilson and Steve McMichael), Carlise Guy and The NuBlue Band (Daughter of Buddy Guy), Mr. Blotto, Roots Rock Society. Stay tuned for more band announcements.
Show times are Friday, Aug. 28, 5-11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29-30, noon till 11 p.m.
Radio personality Erich “Mancow” Muller will be one of the event hosts, with more to come.
Exhibits, such as the Blues Brothers’ 1970s Bluesmobile and a 1920s Ford from The Untouchables, depicting some of the biggest hit shows shot in Chicago will be scattered around the campus along with display of various filmmaking equipment and props.
Movies will be showcased throughout the site, starting with Charlie Chaplin’s 1915 one reeler, His New Job, and include Ferris Beuller’s Day Off, The Blues Brothers, Barbershop, Batman, The Untouchables, U.S. Marshals, The Fugitive, Backdraft, A League Of Their Own, Home Alone, Hill Street Blues and many others.
Scenes from some of these films will be projected large on exterior building walls.
Onesti, president/CEO of Onesti Entertainment Corp. for the past 30 years, produces concerts, festival and corporate events nationally, including music extravaganzas at the Historic Arcada Theatre. He says he and his staff of around 100 have been working on assembling CineFest for the past six months.
CineFest tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door with VIP upgrades available. Purchase tickets here or call 630/962-7000. Parking available at Western Ave. and 16th Street.
