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
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is pleased to announce the schedule for the Chicago House Music Conference and Festival, Thursday, May 23-Saturday, May 25. The House Music Conference on Thursday, May 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington) will feature workshops and panel discussions for DJs, musicians and industry professionals. The festival on Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25, in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) will feature a family area and multiple stages of national and local DJs along with performers, including Jay Pritzker Pavilion headliners: Reel People, Gene Hunt, Tony Humphries, First Lady, Mark Grusane and more.
Admission to the conference and festival is free. For complete details, visit ChicagoHouseMusicFestival.us.
As the birthplace of house music, gospel music, urban blues and other beloved genres, Chicago invites music lovers from around the world to celebrate the its music legacy at three consecutive weekend festivals - the Chicago House Conference and Music Festival (May 23-May 25), the Chicago Gospel Music Festival (May 31 and June 1) and the Chicago Blues Festival (June 7-9) - on stage in Millennium Park, at the Chicago Cultural Center as well as in music venues and clubs throughout the city.
Thursday, May 23-Chicago House Music Conference
The House Music Conference at the Chicago Cultural Center from 6-9 p.m. will include panel discussions on topics related to branding, culture, artistry and the business of house music throughout the building in Preston Bradley Hall (3rd Floor South), Millennium Park Room (5th Floor South) and the Washington Room (5th Floor South).
The evening's keynote panel at 6:30pm in Preston Bradley Hall is Anatomy of A Groove: House In Borrowed Space, discussing what goes into making space for the house music community and creating successful events. Moderated by DJ Duane Powell, panelists include Robert Williams, the founder, father and former owner of legendary clubs that include The Warehouse and Music Box; Eric Williams with the Silver Room; curator Rae Chardonnay, co-owner of Party Noire; and legendary promoters Ronda Flowers and Koko of RFK Promotions.
Additional conference highlights include the panel More than a Woman: Moving Beyond the Boundaries, discussing gender stereotypes in the music industry and how to set new standards, and Jeff Craven, founder of Large Music, speaking on Distributing and Licensing House Music in the Digital Age.
The Chicago House Music Conference is free and does not require advance registration.
