Hiero Day Is Free This Year, With Common, Abstract Rude, Cellski and More

Hiero Day, the long-running annual Oakland block party, will be free this year, organizers have announced. The initial lineup announcement includes Chicago legend Common, L.A.’s Project Blowed maestro Abstract Rude, Ultimate Breaks and Beats co-creator Breakbeat Lou and others, with more to come. As is custom, the Hieroglyphics crew and its various incarnations will also perform.

Update, 8/30: Added performers include Cellski, Medusa, Macarthur Maze, the Architect, DJ Black Woman, Kev Choice, DJ D-Sharp, Oke Junior and Kingmakers. Paris, previously announced, is no longer on the final lineup, seen below.

Hiero Day takes place Monday, Sept. 4, and serves as a de facto 30th anniversary celebration of Souls of Mischief’s debut album 93 Til Infinity. Now that admission will be free, those who had bought tickets for his year’s Hiero Day will be refunded, organizers announced.

Hiero Day will also move locations this year, and be held in Frank Ogawa Plaza directly in front of City Hall, reflecting the event’s new association with the City of Oakland. Other sponsors include the Oakland A’s, Bartable, and Soul Beat.

Numerous ancillary events are scheduled around Hiero Day, including pre-parties as well as a Souls of Mischief mural reveal in East Oakland.

More details can be found on Hiero Day’s Instagram or website.