Who all is involved with organizing the fest?
The Crossroads Summer Block Party is organized by the three owners of Golden Sound Records and the manager of Mildred's Coffeehouse. Other groups that have helped to organize the event are Record Machine and Midwest Music Foundation.
When did you come up with the idea and why?
In early May, it came to our attention that many businesses in the Crossroads and the CCA (Crossroads Community Association) wanted to be a part of a large concert event in the Crossroads. We had been wanting to put together an event like this, so the timing was pretty good. Although the event was put together quickly, we feel it will represent the Crossroads and Kansas City in a great way.
Have you ever organized an event on this scale? How hard is it to block off a street in the Crossroads? Do you just have to get a permit or something?
Golden Sound Records has worked at and organized events like this before (including a showcase at this year's Middle of the Map festival), but this will be the largest event that we have organized so far. It actually isn't as easy as you might think to block off a street in downtown KC. You do need a permit, and there are many steps you have to take to get it. Not to mention a permit for noise, trash removal, selling alcohol, etc. Lots of permits.
Did you pick this weekend because it's All-Star weekend? Are you expecting a big crowd?
We do expect a great crowd! We believe that this event has a lot going for it. To start with, the bands we have are, we believe, the best in KC. On top of that, we have much-loved food trucks serving up delicious street food, and Snow & Co. will be offering Boulevard beer and other drinks. We feel that the typical First Fridays crowd will love and appreciate this event. Hopefully the fact that it falls upon All-Star weekend will bring a few more people out and show off how great our city is to out-of-towners as well.
Any plans to do more of these types of things?
Yes. We hope to make the Crossroads Summer Block Party an annual event. And as Golden Sound Records grows, we will be putting together more events throughout the year.
