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Saturday, October 21 at the Chicago Cultural Center

16 Finalists Perform at the Epic Showcase of Local Talent for a Chance to win $10,000 Grand Prize—Showcase is Free and Open to the Public

CHICAGO – The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) in collaboration with Next Showcase USA are pleased to announce the 16 local artists and bands selected to participate in the 2023 Chicago Made Music Showcase Finale. The talented finalists will perform before a panel of industry experts with the public cheering them on, Saturday, October 21, 7-10 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at the Chicago Cultural Center in the newly renovated Claudia Cassidy Theater located at 78 E. Washington St., 2nd floor north. All are invited to support local artists by attending the free showcase, where the winners will be announced. Seating is first come, first served; visit ChicagoCulturalCenter.org for more information.

The annual 2023 Chicago Made Music Showcase is a DCASE program that provides Chicagoland based local musical talent the opportunity to showcase their work live in front of top executives and talent buyers from the music industry.

The 15 finalists were selected by a panel of industry professional judges during three pre-qualifying audition dates this past September. More than 140 live auditions were held with more than 300 applications submitted to DCASE. The selected artists will perform live in front of industry professionals at the 2023 Chicago Made Music Showcase Finale to be considered for the following opportunities:

• Win $10,000
• Live paid performance opportunities at DCASE produced events
• One-on-one career consultations with top entertainment lawyers and/or career development experts in the music industry

2023 Chicago Made Music Showcase Finale Panelists

• Daryl D. Jones P.C., Entertainment Attorney
• Esther Calloway, Sofar Sounds, Artist Booking Operations Manager, Central North America
• Doe Williams, Executive/Artist Manager
• Julia Miller, President and CEO Delmark Records

2023 Chicago Made Music Showcase Finale Performers

• Deonte Baker
• Liam Taylor
• Jamiah Rogers
• Queen Ari
• The Remedy
• Ty Simms
• Kopano
• Starlet
• Wan00
• Denarie Love
• Ace Da Vinci
• Paige Kizer
• Jasmine Marthel
• Zia Jenaye
• Big Kid
• Nick Henderson

The 2023 Chicago Made Music Showcase is presented by DCASE in partnership with Next Showcase USA

MEDIA: Cameras are invited to capture b-roll. Interviews must be arranged in advance, contact Hibo Aden, hibo.aden@cityofchicago.org.

Chicago Made supports local creatives, entrepreneurs and artisans who make our city the artistic and economic hub that it is. Chicago’s TV and Film, music and other creative industries jump-start neighborhood growth, drive cultural identities and lead ingenuity felt worldwide. We’re here to support Chicago’s makers and dreamers by connecting them to the resources they need to get started and keep going. The Chicago Made program aims to support Chicago’s creative community and directly connect emerging artists to the City of Chicago’s most visible festivals, events and cultural programming. Learn more at ChicagoMade.us and join the conversation on social media using #ChicagoMade.

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Chicago Cultural Center
Completed in 1897 as Chicago’s first central library, the building was established as the Chicago Cultural Center, the nation's first and most comprehensive free municipal cultural venue, in 1991. One of the most visited attractions in Chicago, the stunning landmark building is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes, as well as free art exhibitions, performances, tours, lectures, family activities, music, and more – presented by the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and many others. Learn about the latest events and news at ChicagoCulturalCenter.org and by following the Chicago Cultural Center on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city—to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city—serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.