The Chicago House Music Festival kicks off with a live performance by Mr. A.L.I. at Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion at 6:30 p.m. Bringing back the live element of soul and dance club music, Jere McAllister, Vick Lavender, Carla Prather and David Risque offer an ever-changing, multi-cultural melting pot of musicians. The group showcases everything from Afro-Latin rhythms to soulful harmonies with a touch of rock and roll to get your dance groove on.
The evening will also include the presentation of the Chicago House Music Award to Chip E, the producer and DJ influential in shaping the early recorded house sound with original hits "It's House" and "Time to Jack."
Saturday, May 25-Chicago House Music Festival
The festival will continue on Saturday throughout Millennium Park from 2 to 9 p.m. The Fam Jam Stage in Wrigley Square hosted by Lizzie G will feature family activities that include art making by Live Arts Studio, the House Kidz Youth DJ party led by DJ Galaxie and 12-year old DJ X2, dance downs and workshops with the Era Footwork Crew and a house dance workshop with Boogie McClarin. Families also don't want to miss the movement workshop with Ayodele Drum and Dance's Imania Detry. In the Park's North Promenade tent, the Deep House Stage will feature sets by Antonio Ocasio, Moodymann and others. The Chicago Stage on the South Promenade will include the music of Gant-Man, Jevon Jackson and more, while the Park "Chill" Grill Stage will feature DJs throughout the day and into the evening. House music fans can also browse the Vinyl Records Fair and marketplace, just east of Cloud Gate.
Headline performances at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on May 25 will feature London band Reel People. Internationally renowned for their original soulful house compositions and collaborations, this will be their Chicago debut. Other artists include legendary DJ and producer Tony Humphries from New York City and Chicago mainstays Gene Hunt, Mark Grusane and First Lady.
The music will continue with official free-admission after sets at various clubs throughout the city immediately following the festival. DCASE will host the series at participating venues including Smartbar (3730 N. Clark St.), Reggies Chicago (2015 S. State St.) and Latinicity Food Hall + Lounge @ Block 37 (108 N. State St., 3rd Floor).