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Finalists to Perform in Epic Showcase of Local Talent at Chicago Cultural Center, October 19,
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 open auditions for the 2024 Chicago Made Music Showcase. 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. The annual Chicago Made Music Showcase invites all Chicagoland musicians to audition for a chance to perform before a panel of industry experts to win networking opportunities, performing opportunities, or even the $10,000 grand prize.

“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 immensely 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.”

Auditions for the Chicago Made Music Showcase will be held on the following dates at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E Washington St.)

• September 14, 12-3pm
• September 16, 6-9pm
• September 17, 1-9pm

Secure your In-Person Audition Slot at this link.

All solo artists and bands must be a resident of Chicago, and must audition in-person to be considered for a slot in the Finale Showcase. Auditions are free of charge. A panel of industry professionals will judge all auditions based on stage presence, voice, originality, and creativity.

Twenty Semi-Finalists will be selected from the auditions to perform at the House of Blues Foundation Room, September 30. That evening fifteen Finalists will be chosen to perform in the Chicago Made Music Showcase Finale, Saturday, October 19 at 7pm (doors open at 6pm) at the Chicago Cultural Center in the 200-seat Claudia Cassidy Theater, where the winners will be announced. All are invited to support local artists by attending the free showcase. Seating is first come, first served; visit ChicagoCulturalCenter.org for more information.

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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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.