'1st St. Block Party' to feature live mural painting

Local company Here and Now is bringing music, art and more to Downtown with the 1st St. Block Party: Dream in Color, on Saturday, Aug. 23.

“We’re looking to bring something colorful and exciting in terms of entertainment, really focused on music and kind of highlighting local artists,” Maurizio Romero, co-founder and creative and marketing director, said.

Adam Sorrell, co-founder and project manager, said the company has hosted events throughout the city before, but wanted to go bigger for Dream in Color.

“We definitely had a lot of success doing these smaller events, and it was pretty organic, too. I mean, we play the right music (and) we set the right vibe,” Sorrell said. “And people just like it. And so it’s just kind of scaling that up.”

Sorrell said they wanted to create a family-friendly event with a festival-style atmosphere.

The event will have two stages with a rotation of artists throughout the day, including Aaron Bliss, Sunny Boys and J. Worra.

“We have three national act headliners booked, and they’re house, electronic style, DJs and producers,” Romero said. “As far as the local talent, we’ve actually put together a lineup of artists we’ve been working with for years.”

The event will take place along First Street NW, between Rosemont and Summer avenues, with vendors, music and more.

Sorrell said they wanted to bring new energy to the area.

“We just want to shine a light on that area, because these business owners have been cutting their teeth there for forever,” Sorrell said. “And it’s honestly really cool, I mean, you can see the train tracks from there. It’s just like a very raw, cool part of the city.”

The area was part of the inspiration for the title Dream in Color, according to Romero, who coined the name.

“When it comes to putting those three words together, it’s all about being able to see the city for what it is,” Romero said. “Especially in an industrial area ... it’s not like pretty on the outside, but you could really see the beauty in it.”

Inside Hollow Spirits Distillery, there will be a silent disco and arcade.

Two artists, Josh Patterson and Andres “Benzo” Chavez, will be leaving a mark on the area with a permanent mural that will be painted live during the event.

“You’re going to get to see something that’s going to become a landmark in that area. So that’s, I think that’s really cool,” Sorrell said. “Because we’re really able to actually put a stamp on the area.

“I think that’s a really cool experience for the festival goers as well.”

Romero said he drew on his upbringing to shape the festival’s goals.

“I’m born and raised here, and it’s a beautiful place, but it’s a tough place,” Romero said. “And I think being able to create opportunities like this for the city and really bring hope to different areas is where Dream in Color kind of comes in for me.”

'1st St. Block Party' to feature live mural painting