On Sunday, the Wylie Street block of Reynoldstown will become something of ground zero for the Atlanta DIY music community as a host of local musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and supporters gather for the first ever Sorry, Mom! Block Party! Organized by Ari Fouriezos, owner and operator of Sorry, Mom! Productions, an Atlanta-based promotions and production company, the event is part impromptu music festival, part networking session meant to inspire discussion and collaboration while also serving to celebrate the progressive gains of a transformative year in local arts and music.

Originally intended as a housewarming party for close friends and family, Fouriezos’ idea soon evolved into a far bigger and — as she puts it — more meaningful event. She didn’t necessarily have any explicit goals in mind, but she did feel compelled to put on something the would reach further into the community, beyond herself and the people she regularly interacts with as an organizing force in Atlanta music. “There are so many hardworking and talented entrepreneurs here in Atlanta,” Fouriezos explains. “I love the idea of putting a face to a brand and allowing people to connect with and learn from others. The idea is to celebrate our community as a whole and not just limit it to the music scene.”

Two of the central complaints that have continued to plague the arts culture in the city are the divisions between different scenes and the under representation of women and minorities. Although these are longstanding issues with deep-seated underlying causes, Fouriezos believes there is currently a movement of young artists in Atlanta who are willing to speak out and question the outmoded, business-as-usual practices of the industry. “Their commitment to holding the major local players accountable is crucial to a healthy local scene,” she argues. “There is still a lot of work to do here to ensure their voices are heard, but it’s on its way.”

It’s this spirit of progressive innovation, of diversity and inclusiveness, that the block party seeks to tap into on Sunday. Breaking down barriers between disparate groups and promoting equal representation is a long game that requires patience and passionate dedication. It also takes humility and a willingness to understand that we all share common goals that outnumber the fissures that divide us. By bringing together a wide assortment of people and organizations who are deeply invested in growing and evolving local arts and music, Fouriezos hopes to not only spur critical dialogue and debate, but to also set a unifying tone that can lead to better cooperation and a greater sense of ownership and belonging among all parties.

“If we continue to talk about the importance of having more women and people of color in the music scene,” she contends, “and all of us who are capable support as many women and people of color playing music as possible, more will feel encouraged to pick up an instrument or learn how to run a sound board. I feel like this is extremely important, and we can only educate and encourage others to feel welcome in the community if we are all recognizing we have common goals and determining where we can help each other most… I want to see us thinking constructively about these issues, and how to make these people who may be considered different due to race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or anything else, feel welcome, rather than assuming that ill content on the part of people outside of your community is the root of the problem.”

But while helping to foster cultural change was a major impetus for organizing the event, Fouriezos wants to remind us that it’s still a party and the mood should be one of celebration. To help build and maintain a festive atmosphere, there will be plenty of live music and maybe some libations to be had. After all, communication works best when interactions feel comfortable, natural, and organic. At the end of the day, Fouriezos wants people to have greater awareness about the barriers many artists face in the city, but, perhaps more importantly, she also wants to shine a light on those who are putting in the hard work to tear down those hurdles.

“I work with music because it connects people; this is just an extension of that and I hope it can impact more people. I want to show my support for everyone who is interested in making Atlanta a better place to live and do business. If the people who attend feel like they’ve learned something and maybe even feel inspired to do something beyond themselves, I’ll consider it a successful event!”

The Sorry, Mom! Block Party! takes place this Sunday, May 29, at a pair of houses on Wylie Street in Reynoldstown (addresses, lineups, and set times are listed below). The event is scheduled to run from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Donations of $5-10 are strongly encouraged. All proceeds will go to Yancey Ballard to support their top surgery.

Sorry, Mom! HQ: 1115 Wylie St. SE (Wylie & Cleveland)
City Mouse – 3:45
Dendera Bloodbath – 4:30
Kristen Englenz – 5:15
To Do List – 6:00
Satisfiers of Alpha Blue – 6:45
Band & the Beat – 7:30

The Purple House: 1058 Wylie St. (Wylie & Esten)
This house will feature an open stage with revolving 15-minute sets or roughly three songs per act. Artists wanting to perform can sign-up on-site on a first come, first served basis.

More Info
Facebook: Event page