The First Annual CineFest Backlot Block Party, August 28, 29 and 30 is a “Behind-The Scenes” music and food festival celebrating film and television projects that have been shot in Chicago. Approximately thirty bands on three stages and some of Chicago’s most popular sweet and savory food trucks will converge on the grounds of Chicago’s Cinespace Studios, one of the largest film and television studio campus outside of Hollywood. Onesti Entertainment is producing the event which will benefit CineCares, the charitable foundation of CineSpace Studios that provides scholarships and supports local civic and children’s charities.
Exhibits depicting some of the biggest movies and TV shows shot in Chicago will be scattered around the movie backlot property. From current blockbuster television projects Empire, Chicago Fire and Chicago PD to classics including Charlie Chaplin’s His New Job, Ferris Bueller’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 will be showcased. Various props and filmmaking equipment will also be displayed. Erich “Mancow” Muller will be one of the on-stage hosts…And there just may be a few celebrity sightings around those stages!
As the festival grounds are shared between CineSpace Studios and Lagunitas, Chicago’s largest craft brewery, Lagunitas will be the featured beer of the event. Musical headliners at press time include 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. Many more are soon to be announced.
Tickets for the event are $20 in advance, $25 at the door with VIP upgrades available. For tickets or more information, log onto www.cinefestchicago.com or call 630.962.7000. The event is located 2600 west 16th Street in Chicago. Plenty of parking is located across the street at Western Avenue and 16th Street.