WEST LOOP — Guster and Third Eye Blind will headline the 30th annual Old St. Pat's "World's Largest Block Party" June 27-28.
Every year, the outdoor festival brings more than 18,000 visitors to the intersection of Madison and Des Plaines streets for two days of music, food and beer hosted by Old St. Patrick's Church.
Also on the lineup for the two-day festival is G Love and Special Sauce, Stephen Kellogg and The Leadfoot playing Friday before Guster. On Sunday, No Love For Linus will open for Third Eye Blind.
The festival, co-sponsored by WXRT-FM, has a reputation for matching up singles at the annual event that has been running since 1984.
The Rev. Thomas Hurley, Old St. Pat's pastor, says more than a hundred Chicago couples have met and married after meeting at the fundraiser. Hurley said last year he doesn't think the boozy festival contradicts his church's principles.
"It's been a very deliberate part of our mission to have outreach to young adults," he said. "Sadly enough, I think there's a lot of young people who think church can be kind of dull and boring, and I think for a church to be throwing a party of this significance with some pretty cool music, and cool bands, I think that adds a lot to our identity.
"I think people will get a kick out of that, and I'm glad they do. I'm looking forward to it," he said.
Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door and include free drink tickets.
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