Mother Of Pearl Block Party 2015 | Fusion Mag Photo Gallery

Mother Of Pearl Block Party 2015 | Fusion Mag Photo Gallery.

Txt: Denise Nelson-Prieto

Photos: Hector Riveroll

If you build it, they will come. I’m not sure if that was the mantra of the Mother of Pearl’s Block Party organizers, but that phrase encapsulates the events of last Saturday. The vinyl record store provided the perfect framework for an awesome, super-fun event. The event was at downtown’s Union Plaza and was the picture of urban hip. The district was alive with the buzz of all things bohemian—art, fashion, literature, music and of course, food, were plentiful.

People from every genre, age, and sexual preference swayed, bobbed and slammed to indie rock, cool electronic beats, hip-hop and punk. Aromas of great food, craft beer, sweat, perfume and a certain herb that shall remain anonymous provided a fragrant potpourri. A modern day gypsy marketplace was filled with hipsters bartering, stylish clothes, henna tattoos, jewelry, bags, soaps and most assuredly, vinyl records. The vibe was electrifying and there was a little something for everyone.

The free general admission policy helped draw a vast crowd to the event. Three V.I.P. areas had comfy mini-sofas, hookahs and booze. Multiple stages provided the platforms for 30 local bands, including Mattox, Nalgadas, Great Shapes and many more. The headliners were Neon Indian, Mike Jones, Peanut Butter Wolf, Part Time and J Rocc. The crowd was galvanized by the variety of music, and a feeding frenzy of movement could be seen everywhere. Most bands were limited to shorter sets, thus varying the soundscape every half hour or so.

Onlookers enjoyed the spectacle of this visceral cornucopia of self expression from the various bars and clubs that are housed in Union Plaza entertainment district.

The block party was superbly organized and beautifully executed, and was definitely a huge success. We look forward to next year’s event!