The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is set to host the much-anticipated Chicago House Music Festival & Conference this August, celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage.
Originally launched during Memorial Day weekend in 2018, the festival has faced scheduling challenges, especially following interruptions from the COVID pandemic, which affected live music programming in 2020 and beyond.
Since then, the festival has struggled to reclaim its traditional slot, with its place taken by other events like the Latin music festival Sueños in Grant Park.
While DCASE managed to offer house music events in various formats, including single-day gatherings at Millennium Park and Humboldt Park, the festival’s consistent scheduling has been elusive.
This year, DCASE has rescheduled the Chicago House Music Festival & Conference to take place over four days from August 21 to 24, providing a schedule change that many attendees are thankful for.
However, the announcement of the actual programming just 16 days before the event has raised concerns among fans and performers about attendance and organization.
As house music enthusiasts prepare for the festival, the highlight is undoubtedly the main event on Saturday, August 23, at Millennium Park, promising a stellar lineup that will make it worth clearing one’s calendar for the day.
The program will kick off at 1 PM with a unique set by Tony and Andre Hatchett, two siblings renowned for their contributions to the Chicago house music scene as part of the Chosen Few collective.
The festival will feature prominent Chicago figures throughout the day, including DJ Pharris Thomas at 2:30 PM and ghetto-house pioneer Waxmaster Maurice at 4:30 PM.
Hip-house sensation Tyree Cooper will perform at 5:30 PM before the day concludes with a closing set from original Hot Mix 5 member Ralphi Rosario at 8 PM.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the main stage; the festival will boast three additional stages, each presenting a lineup of talented DJs that house music aficionados may not often have the chance to see.
On the North Promenade’s Soulful House Stage, Tommaso will take to the turntables at 4 PM, while CZR, the founder of Texture Recordings, will headline the South Promenade’s Chicago House Stage at 6 PM.
Meanwhile, on the Groove Garden Stage at the Double Clutch Beer Garden, deep-house veteran Specter will close the night at 8 PM, following performances from other notable artists.
In addition to the main attractions of Saturday, the festival will kick off its programming with the House Dance Summit Spotlight at the Chicago Cultural Center on August 21, providing a platform for dance enthusiasts and discussions about house music culture.
On August 22, the festivities will include the ‘Chicago House Music Festival at SummerDance,’ taking place in the Dance Studio at the Cultural Center and the Spirit of Music Garden.
This portion will feature local DJs Vince Adams and Lil’ John spinning tracks to get attendees moving on the dance floor.
Wrapping up the event on August 24, the Chicago House Music Festival & Conference will host ‘Wind Down: House on the Riverwalk’ at the Chicago Riverwalk, where Julio Bishop and DJ Jerome Baker will perform from 1 to 5 PM.
The varied programming of this year’s festival underscores the essence of Chicago’s vibrant house music scene and its commitment to maintaining the spirit of celebration despite previous challenges.
As the festival approaches, the excitement from the community is palpable, and it promises to be an unforgettable weekend for all participants and attendees.
While the lack of timely communication about the lineup might have dampened some spirits, the quality of the scheduled acts revitalizes hope for an amazing experience.
This festival truly deserves a larger audience and it’s crucial for DCASE to prioritize early announcements to build momentum and engagement.
As the house music community gears up for a weekend of dancing and celebration, the Chicago House Music Festival & Conference stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of house music in the city.
image source from：chicagoreader
