In December 1997, Eric Williams opened the Silver Room at 1410 N. Milwaukee in Wicker Park, selling jewelry and hosting intimate music and art events. As the store evolved into a commercial and cultural hub, Williams became an important voice in the community—and while serving on the board for the neighborhood’s chamber of commerce, he voiced his frustration about its street festivals largely ignoring musicians of color.
Silver Room Block Party Dozens of mostly local acts from a wide variety of genres perform on outdoor stages and in indoor venues in Hyde Park, including the parking lot of Harper Court (5235 S. Harper) and half a dozen nearby storefronts. Sat 7/20, noon-10 PM, multiple locations, free, all ages
Eric Williams We had no generators. We had extension cords coming out of my house. No permits, no security, no nothing. The first year 200, 300 people came.
Eric Williams All my friends are artists, and I DJ, so it was not hard to find people to perform.
Mario Smith Eric invited everybody, right? And he took care of everything—and he made everybody feel included. I noticed that from the beginning.
Eric Williams Before we moved to Hyde Park, I remember thinking, “This is probably 10,000 people.”
