House Music Fest To Honor 40 Years Of Iconic Chicago Genre With Free Downtown Events – Block Club Chicago

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DOWNTOWN — House music was born 40 years ago in Chicago and went on to revolutionize the international world of dance music.
This year’s Chicago House Music Festival and Conference will commemorate those important decades of music history with events, seminars and of course, performances — all free.
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The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced the lineup and schedule Thursday, highlighting artists like Tony Touch, ANANÉ, Ash Lauryn and Karizma.
The celebration kicks off Thursday, May 30 with an “Open House: Celebrating 40 years of Chicago House Music” at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. The day will include DJ and dance workshops as well as a screening of a house music documentary.
The conference on Friday, May 31 at the Cultural Center will offer sessions on topics like the Latine influence on house music culture and how to make money as a musician in the age of streaming. The keynote Fireside Chat will feature Steve “Silk” Hurley of S&S Chicago with guest Jimmy “Jam” Harris, the Grammy-winning producer and songwriter.
The official pre-party takes place Saturday, June 1 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., with performers like Gene Hunt, Stacy Kidd, DeeJay Alicia, Sonny Daze and more. That day will also feature the Inaugural House Music Parade and Festival in the South Loop, led by Chicago legend DJ Farley Jackmaster Funk and Delece Williams.
The main event will be the free festival on Sunday, June 2, which will take place on various stages at Millennium Park Downtown, 201 E. Randolph St.
The main stage at Jay Pritzker Pavillion will host performers including Wayne Williams and Alan King of the Chosen Few DJs, Tony Touch, Ash Lauryn, Lori Branch and more.
The Chicago House Stage on the North Promenade will be the home of the Queer Fam Pride Jam all day. The event, a kickoff to Pride Month, celebrates LGBTQ+ families, kids and allies with all-ages activities including dance lessons, DJ sets, performances and more. This is a new home for the Pride Jam, which took place at Salt Shed last year.
Keewa Nurullah (Kido) & Kristen Kaza (Slo ‘Mo), the co-founders of the Queer Fam Pride Jam, told Block Club in an email: “We are so excited to bring the Queer Fam Pride Jam to Millennium Park and to kick off Pride Month with the House Music Fest. House music is a family affair and with the Pride Jam, we are honoring its queer roots with a safe and celebratory space for LGBTQ+ families, youth and allies.”
This year not only marks 40 years of Chicago house music; these celebrations are also part of Millennium Park’s 20th anniversary year.
For more information on the Chicago House Music Festival and Conference, visit the website.
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