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Chicago House Music Festival, Millennium Park, June 2

Chicago House Music Festival Pre-Party, Navy Pier, June 1

Chicago House Music Conference, Chicago Cultural Center, May 31

Chicago Cultural Center Open House: Celebrating House Music, May 30

 

CHICAGO—Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced today the City’s 2024 lineup of free House Music programming, celebrating 40 years since the music genre was born in Chicago, and revolutionized dance music internationally. Making a return to Millennium Park for the 20th Anniversary Summer Season, the 2024 Chicago House Music Festival will take place Sunday, June 2 from 10am–9pm featuring an incredible lineup of local and international DJs. Headlining the Jay Pritzker Pavilion are Tony Touch, ANANÉ, Ash Lauryn, and Karizma performing before Farley Jackmaster Funk King of House Music, Wayne Williams and Alan King of the Chosen Few DJs. On the North Promenade of the Park, Slo ‘Mo / Kido hosts Queer Fam Pride Jam, a youth and queer family-friendly event with dance lessons, DJ sets and more from 10am-1pm, followed by Viva Acid presenting top local DJs until 9pm. Full lineup below.

“House Music is a global phenomenon born and raised in Chicago 40 years ago, with roots that go back even further. Like Blues, Jazz, and Gospel that came before, House is our true cultural heritage as a city—it galvanizes Chicagoans, celebrates our diversity, innovation, and joy and invites the world to join in,” shared Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Leading up to the June 2nd Chicago House Music Festival, DCASE will present three days of free House Music events including the Chicago Cultural Center’s Open House (May 30) featuring House DJs spinning throughout the historical building alongside new visual art exhibitions and arts programming from 4-8pm.

The next day, the Chicago House Music Conference (May 31) brings engaging panels with House music icons and experts to the Chicago Cultural Center featuring Keynote Speaker Steve "Silk" Hurley of S&S Chicago. DCASE Senior Policy Analyst - Music, Frayne Lewis shares, “During this milestone anniversary year, the Chicago House Music Conference continues to offer a crucial platform for the House Music community to come together and discuss roadmaps into the industry, address pressing issues affecting the community, reflect on 40 years of creativity and dream for the next 40.”

There will be a special Chicago House Music Festival Pre-Party (June 1) at Navy Pier showcasing Stacy Kidd, Gene Hunt, and more, before the festivities culminate in Millennium Park for the 2024 Chicago House Music Festival (June 2), as part of Millennium Park’s 20th Anniversary Season.

The lineup of legendary House DJs and local talent will have audiences dancing throughout the first week of National Pride Month this June. Programming info enclosed; for more information, visit ChicagoHouseMusicFestival.us.

“This is a huge year for House Music as we celebrate 40 years of the genre’s first releases and a cultural movement started in our great city,” shared DCASE House Music Programmer David Chavez. “DCASE is excited to contribute to the citywide celebration alongside events all year produced by Chicago House legends, including the Inaugural House Music Parade led by DJ Farley Jackmaster Funk of #House40 Anniversary, the non-profit organization House Music 40 led by Vince Lawrence and Chip E, the Chosen Few DJs, and many others.”

Led by Chicago legend DJ Farley Jackmaster Funk and Delece Williams, #House40 Anniversary organization will produce the Inaugural House Music Parade and Festival, Saturday, August 31 at 10am in the South Loop. For more information visit www.thehousemusicparade.com.

House Music 40 is a non-profit organization to raise awareness of the significant contributions made by Chicago House Music artists to the global music landscape while providing financial support for Chicago House Music DJs facing ongoing health concerns. Visit www.HouseMusic40.com for a calendar of their events.

Enclosed is the full lineup for the City’s 40th anniversary Chicago House Music Festival events. For DCASE’s 2024 calendar of festivals and events, visit Chicago.gov/DCASEcalendar. Additional details about programming in Millennium Park and citywide will be announced in the coming weeks. Sign up for the DCASE Newsletter and follow on Instagram (@chicagodcase), Facebook and X for the latest updates.

Chicago House Music Festival and Conference is sponsored by MP Garages and Chicago Transit Authority.

 

Chicago House Music Festival Programming Lineup

Thursday, May 30 | 4-8pm | Chicago Cultural Center
Friday May 31| 5-10pm | Chicago Cultural Center
Saturday, June 1 | 1-10pm | Wave Wall Stage, Navy Pier
Sunday, June 2 | 10am-9pm | Millennium Park

 

Open House: Celebrating 40 years of Chicago House Music
Thursday, May 30, 4-8pm
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington
Free

• 4-7pm - DJ Workshop with We Jam Academy (1st Floor)
• 4-7pm - Film screening of House Music documentary in Claudia Cassidy Theatre (2nd Floor)
• 4-6pm - DJ Kenny Ray in Preston Bradley Hall (3rd Floor)
• 5:30 & 6pm - House Dance Workshop with Boogie McClarin in G.A.R. Hall (2nd Floor)
• 6-8pm - DJ CTRLZORA in Preston Bradley Hall (3rd Floor)

 

Chicago House Music Conference
Friday May 31, 2024, 5-10pm
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington
Free

 

Welcome and Remarks
5-5:30pm, Preston Bradley Hall (3rd Floor)

 

Beyond the Beat, Dancing with Purpose: Exploring love, consent, and accountability on the dance floor with underground culture creators in Chicago and beyond
5:30-6:30pm, Millennium Park Room (5th Floor)

From intimate gatherings to bustling clubs, underground culture creators play a pivotal role in shaping the experiences and values of nightlife communities. This panel brings together a diverse array of artists, promoters, and activists to explore how these foundational principles manifest within underground nightlife spaces. Join us as we collectively envision ways to cultivate safer, more inclusive spaces where love, consent, and accountability thrive at the heart of the underground culture movement.

Panelists

• Aria Pedraza (Ripe Productions)
• James Bangura (Black Rave Culture)
• Jenny Fox (Eden/Globe Thotter)
• Moderated by: Jermaine Collins (Resident Advisor)

 

The Last Hurrah: Making Money with Music in the Streaming Age
5:30-6:30pm, Washington Room (5th Floor)

The business model for making money with music has come a long way. The digital divide and low payouts associated with streaming services like Spotify have left many wondering how to monetize their music for maximum profits. SYNC licensing music for ads, TV, and film is one way. Another is working with aggregators that collect your payments – many times licensing fees and publishing royalties go uncollected. Music supervisors and placement companies are at the forefront of this industry and we’ll hook you up with all the essentials so you can start getting PAID today.

Panelists

• Ira Antelis – Antelis Music
• Brandy Ricker – Music Supervisor
• Haroula Rose – Songwriter/Filmmaker
• Moderated by: Shannon "Skip" Syas - S&S Chicago, Inc.

 

Prep & Process: The Singers and Songwriters of House
6:15-7:30pm, Preston Bradley Hall (3rd Floor)

Singing/Songwriting can be a lucrative career. We’ll speak with some of dance music’s most well-known performers during a 30-minute panel to help you find your creative voice. This will be followed by an intensive 30-minute roundtable where we’ll pair attendees and panelists to demonstrate singing/songwriting techniques and answer questions. In the last 15 minutes we’ll come back together and sum up our group experiences.

Panelists

• Carla Prather – Singer/Songwriter - Nervous Records
• Jon Pierce – Singer/Songwriter/Author – T's Box
• Byron Stingily – Singer/Songwriter Insomniac Records Ultra Records
• Dana Divine – Singer/Songwriter
• Moderated by: Dani Sanders aka Black Widow – Chicago Defender & Southside Weekly

 

The Latine Influence on Chicago’s House Music Culture: How Latine culture has impacted the sound of Chicago’s homegrown dance music.
6:45-7:45pm, Millennium Park Room (5th Floor)

Chicago's House music scene has long been celebrated as a global phenomenon. From the underground clubs to the mainstream, the Latine influence has been a driving force, infusing House music with a diverse range of rhythms, instrumentation, and cultural nuances. As we celebrate the cultural diversity that defines Chicago's House music, we will also address the challenges faced by Latine artists in gaining recognition and representation within the industry. By recognizing and honoring these contributions, we aim to amplify the voices of Latine artists and foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of musical cultures in shaping the global phenomenon that is House music.

Panelists

• Louie Gomez (Bassment Tapes Records)
• Janesita (Radio Muevelo)
• Julio Bishop (Real Deep Recordings)
• Moderated by: Luis Baro (Viva Acid)

 

Keep-a-Knockin’ (But You Can’t Come In): Activating Change Within The Recording Academy
6:45-7:45pm, Washington Room (5th Floor)

The title of a potent Little Richard tune, the architect of Rock & Roll who famously never won a GRAMMY for his music. Jay-Z ruffled feathers this year by suggesting the GRAMMY’s most prestigious awards were withheld from certain people, up to and including his wife, Beyonce. Does the house/underground dance music community want a seat at the GRAMMY table? Is legitimacy at stake when you buy in or opt-out? Frankie Knuckles, Masters at Work, David Morales and Maurice Joshua have all won and it's been proven that nominations and wins increase opportunities and revenue. Hear from nominees, winners, and staff of The Recording Academy on what creators and fans of house music can do to activate the change you want to see.

Panelists

• Sarah Jansen – Senior Executive Director, Recording Academy Chicago Chapter
• Terry Hunter – 3x GRAMMY Nominee
• Maurice Joshua – Grammy Award Winning DJ/Producer
• J.Ivy – 3x GRAMMY Winner
• Moderated by: Dani Deahl (Chicago Chapter Governor, DJ & Producer)

 

Keynote Fireside Chat
8-9:15pm, Preston Bradley Hall (3rd Floor)

4-Time GRAMMY® Nominated House Music Pioneer Steve "Silk" Hurley of S&S Chicago

and special guest, 5-time GRAMMY® Winning Producer, “Jimmy Jam” Harris of Flyte Tyme

Moderated by: First Lady - Multimedia Personality & Pioneering House Music Female DJ

 

Chicago House Music Festival Pre-Party
Saturday, June 1, 1-10pm
Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave – Wave Wall Stage
Free

 

Navy Pier, Wave Wall Stage (1-10pm)

• 1-2:30pm - Mickey Oliver and Mario Smokin Diaz
• 2:30-4pm - Julio Bishop b2b DJ Frique
• 4-5pm - CTRLZORA
• 5-6pm - LoveBug
• 6-7pm - Sonny Daze
• 7-8pm - DeeJay Alicia
• 8-9pm - Stacy Kidd
• 9-10pm - Gene Hunt
• Hosted by: Melissa DuPrey

 

Chicago House Music Festival
Sunday, June 2, 10am–9pm
Millennium Park, Multiple stages
Free

Main Stage (Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 1-9pm)

• 1-2:15pm - Lori Branch
• 2:15-3:30pm - Ash Lauryn
• 3:30-4:45pm - Karizma
• 4:45-6pm - ANANÉ
• 6-7:15pm - Tony Touch
• 7:15-7:45pm - Farley Jackmaster Funk
• 7:45-9pm - Wayne Williams and Alan King of the Chosen Few DJs
• Hosted by: Carla Prather & Natty Figgs

 

Chicago House Stage (North Promenade, Millennium Park, 10am-9pm)
10am-1pm Slo ‘Mo / Kido present Queer Fam Pride Jam
Produced by legendary queer dance party Slo ‘Mo & South Loop children’s boutique Kido, the Queer Fam Pride Jam celebrates LGBTQ+ families, kids and allies with all-ages activities including dance lessons, DJ sets, performances and more. Visit queerfampridejam.com for more info.

 

In partnership with Viva Acid

• 1-2pm - Andrew Emil
• 2-3pm - DJ Jes
• 3-4pm - Janesita
• 4-5pm - Jana Rush
• 5-6pm - Microdot
• 6-7pm - Flores Negras
• 7-8pm - Johnny Fiasco
• 8-9pm - DJ Slugo
• Hosted by: Luis Baro

 

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.

 

Millennium Park
Celebrating its milestone 20th anniversary season, Millennium Park delivers a world-class collection of architecture, landscape design and art that provides the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, interactive art and family activities. In Millennium Park, you’ll find a spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of the city, a destination for all Chicagoans and visitors alike. In addition to the more than 80 free events to be presented throughout the summer, a special four-day 20th Anniversary Celebration will take place July 18-21 across the Park featuring award-winning headliners, activities for families and youth, workouts, new public art, dance performances, concerts, and fireworks — presented by DCASE with the Grant Park Music Festival and others and supported by the Illinois Office of Tourism, Millennium Park Foundation and others.

Millennium Park is the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top 10 most-visited sites in the U.S. Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open daily from 6am to 11pm. Plan your visit at MillenniumPark.org; follow us on Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago), Twitter and Instagram (@Millennium_Park); and join the conversation on social media using #MillenniumPark.

 

About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming nearly 8 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases over 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago. The Pier is proud to provide free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate, and connect communities across the city and globe. For more information, visit NavyPier.org.

 

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