Three days
of free panels
and concerts
under the stars
in the greatest
city on earth
The Chicago House Music Conference will offer free industry workshops and panel talks at the Chicago Culture Center on May 23, followed by the festival in Millennium Park on May 24 and 25.
Produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events with support from the Chicago Transit Authority, The Chicago House Music Festival is an event for every music fan — from casual admirer to recording professional — featuring industry seminars, multiple stages and a family area.
The Conference will feature workshops and panel discussions for DJs, musicians, and industry professionals. The festival will feature multiple stages of national and local DJs along with performers, including headliners Reel People, Gene Hunt, Tony Humphries, First Lady, Mark Grusane and more.
Admission to the conference and festival is free. For complete details, click on this.
ALSO READ: Chicago honors Vince Lawrence for contribution to House Music
As the birthplace of house, gospel, and blues, Chicago invites music lovers to celebrate the House Conference and Music Festival May 23–May 25, as well the Chicago Gospel Music Festival May 31 and June 1, and the Chicago Blues Festival June 7–9.
CHICAGO HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL | HIGHLIGHTS
CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER | THURSDAY MAY 23
MILLENNIUM PARK ROOM
7:30–9:00 p.m.
Deconstructed: A Look Underneath the Hood of Modern House Track Work with DJs and Producers, Ron Carrol and Hiroko Yamamura.
6:00–7:00 p.m.
More than a Woman: Moving Beyond the Boundaries
Moderator: DJ First Lady, program director, media personality, educator
Panelists: DJ Val (Valerie Mezydlo), DJ, producer, remixer for Plant Records; Lady D (Darlene Jackson), DJ, producer, owner of D’lectable Music, professor at Columbia College, member of Super Jane; La Spacer (Natalie Mercedes), DJ, producer, event organizer and co-founder of TrQpiteca
WASHINGTON ROOM
7:30–9:00 p.m.
Branding: Personal or Otherwise
Moderator: Vince Lawrence, president and producer, Slang Music Group
Panelists: Lewis Williams, chief creative officer, Burrell Communications; Johnathan Hoffman, chief marketing officer, Spirit Industries Partners; Chris Clarke, director of music, Leo Burnett Advertising
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Distributing and Licensing House Music in the Digital Age
Speaker: Jeff Craven, Large Music
PRESTON BRADLEY HALL
6:30–8: 30 p.m.
Anatomy of A Groove: House In Borrowed Space
Moderator: DJ Duane Powell
Panelists: Robert Williams, founder and former owner of legendary clubs The Warehouse and Music Box; Eric Williams, Silver Room; Rae Chardonnay, DJ and curator; Ronda Flowers and Koko, RFK Promotions
MILLENNIUM PARK | FRIDAY MAY 24 · SATURDAY MAY 25
Friday, May 24
JAY PRITZKER PAVILION
7:45–9:00 p.m. Mr. A.L.I.
7:30–7:45 p.m. Presentation of the Chicago House Music Award to Chip E
7:30–7:15 p.m. 8FatFat8
Saturday May, 25
JAY PRITZKER PAVILION
7:45–9 p.m. Gene Hunt
6:30–7:45 p.m. Reel People Live
4:30–6:30 p.m. Tony Humphries
3:30–4:30 p.m. First Lady
2:00–3:30 p.m. Mark Grusane
Hosted by Discopoet Khari B
FAM JAM STAGE (WRIGLEY SQUARE)
8:00–9:00 p.m. The Era Footwork Crew’s Performance & Dance Down
7:00–8:00 p.m. Movement Workshow with Imania Detrey
6:00–7:00 p.m. The Era Footwork Crew’s Footwork 4 The Youth Dance
5:00–6:00 p.m. Boogie McClarin House Dance Workshop
2:00–5:00 p.m. House Kidz Youth DJ Party w/DJ Galaxie, DJ X2, Lizzie G
DEEP HOUSE STAGE (CHASE PROMENADE NORTH)
7:00–9:00 p.m. Antonio Ocasio
5:00–7:00 p.m. Shannon Harris
3:00–5:00 p.m. Moodymann
2:00–3:00 p.m. Rae Chardonnay
CHICAGO STAGE (CHASE PROMENADE SOUTH)
8:00–9:00 p.m. Gant-Man
6:00–8:00 p.m. Jevon Jackson
4:00–6:00 p.m. FLX
3:00–4:00 p.m. Nicky Dvine
2:00–3:00 p.m. David Sabat
PARK “CHILL” GRILL STAGE
6:00–9:00 p.m. Mark Farina–Mushroom Jazz
4:00–6:00 p.m. Sean Alvarez–Eclectic Groove Garden
2:00–4:00 p.m. Josh Werner–Atmospheric Audio Chair
Sunday, May 26
MAXWELL STREET MARK
12:00–2:00 p.m. DJ Jes
About the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.
