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15 Finalists to Perform in Epic Showcase of Incredible Chicago Talent at Chicago Cultural Center Where a Panel of Industry Experts will Name the Winner

CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) in collaboration with Next Showcase USA are pleased to announce the 15 finalists selected to perform in the 2024 DCASE Chicago Made Music Showcase Finale, taking place Saturday, October 19 at 7pm (doors open at 6pm) at the Chicago Cultural Center in the Claudia Cassidy Theater (78 E Washington St). The 15 Finalists will perform before a live audience and panel of industry experts to win networking opportunities, performing opportunities, and one artist/group will receive the $10,000 grand prize. The October 19th Showcase Finale is free and open to the public. Early arrival is encouraged, the doors open at 6 p.m., concert start at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served; visit ChicagoMade.us for more information.

“We want all of Chicago’s aspiring artists to know that the City has their back,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Our creatives and our arts community are essential to Chicago being a world-class city, and the Chicago Made initiative is one of the many ways we are investing in our tremendous homegrown talent.”

“DCASE is committed to supporting our talented, diverse and innovative creative sector, providing the resources and opportunities to ensure Chicago continues to be their artistic home,” added DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “The Chicago Made Music Showcase is an invaluable launching pad for our city’s musicians and bands, and each year the Finale performance is one the best nights of live music in Chicago.”

Chicago Made is a DCASE-operated program that supports local creatives by connecting Chicagoland aspiring artists with the necessary resources to get started and keep going in the music, film and creative industries.

This year, more than 150 musicians from across Chicagoland auditioned for the 2024 Chicago Made Music Showcase, and from those auditions 20 Semi-Finalists were selected to perform at the House of Blues on September 30th. From that evening, a panel of industry professionals selected the 15 Finalists who will perform in the Finale on October 19th at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Chicago Made Music Showcase Finalists include:

• Da Legend
• Mike Lawry Baby
• Zia Jenaye
• St. John Family Hour
• Dr. Soul
• Clarice
• King Limitless
• M.E.H.
• NDPNDNT
• Zara Zaharieva
• Miata
• So Darling
• Zion Ali
• Song Bird
• Zaji Uchenna

Last year, the 2023 Chicago Made Music Showcase featured 16 finalists from more than 140 live auditions. Jasmine Marthel, the winner of the $10,000 grand prize, now performs her music nationally alongside her musical career here in Chicago. Jamiah Roger, one of the finalists, won a record deal with local label Delmark Records and the opportunity to perform at this year's Chicago Made Showcase at Lollapalooza. 2023 Finalist Queen Ari is set to perform at Taste of Chicago Grant Park, September 6.

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. A DCASE-operated program, Chicago Made 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.

Next Showcase USA is a non-profit Chicago organization that provides a platform that educates, motivates and accelerates artists in their journey to achieve next level success. For more information, visit NextShowcaseUSA.com.

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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.