7th heaven is a Chicago, Illinois-based rock band created by guitarist Richie Hofherr, Tony Di Giulio, and Michael Mooshey. Formed in 1985, it has continued up to present day with changing band members. The band was named by co-founder Michael Mooshey in 1985. The band name “7th heaven” was coined after a line from the song “rock around the clock” By Bill Haley & His Comets. The line: “we’ll be right in 7th heaven”.

7th heaven has charted #1 on the Midwest Billboard Charts three times in the past three years. The band has been heard on over 7 radio stations in Chicagoland with their hits “This Is Where The Party’s At”, “Time Of Our Lives”, “Beautiful Life”, “Stoplight”, “Better This Way” and “Sing”. Also known for the famous “30 Songs in 30 Minutes” medley of songs from the ’70s and ’80s, 7th heaven has been an entertainment staple for 34 years. Playing an average 200 shows a year, with an average of 100 outdoor events, 7th heaven has earned the right to say, “We’ve seen a million faces and rocked them all!”

Adam Steven Barta (born September 21, 1979) is an American actor, reality star, and musician from the Bronx, New York. He has had multiple charting singles on the Billboard dance chart, and is known for his duets and viral videos with reality stars and media personalities such as Alana Thompson (Honey Boo Boo) from Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Farrah Abraham, Margaret Cho, Nadya Suleman (Octomom), Tan Mom and Jonah Falcon.

Barta is also known for his collaborations with artists like Kathy Sledge (of Sister Sledge) and music videos featuring comedic stars such as Lisa Lampanelli that often land him in the press on sites such as TMZ. In 2017, he starred on the WE tv series Dr. Miami. In 2018 he released a single called “Peep Me Tonight” with hip-hop star Mariahlynn from the TV series “Love and Hip Hop New York”.

In 2018 he also released the viral hit, “Free 2 Be Me” with “Tan Mom” Patricia Krentcil which Howard Stern called an “earworm” and “the greatest song of all time.” In December Howard announced the music video had hit over a half million views in the first few days, as one of their most viewed videos of all time.

A bizarre cosmic collision propelled Alaska to Earth…and onto the fifth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” where she finished in the final 3 before returning and taking the crown as winner of season two of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.”

She has released three chart-topping studio albums, “Anus,” “Poundcake” and “Vagina” (available on iTunes), been a cast member of VH1’s hit reality series “Scared Famous,”released a young adult novel titled “Alaska Thunderfun and the Inner Space Odyssey” (part of the “Sickening Adventures” fiction series, available everywhere books are sold online), stars as Hattie in the short horror film “The Quiet Room” directed by Sam Wineman and toured the globe spreading her otherworldly message of love, kindness and gender non-conformity.

Alaska also co-hosts the wildly popular Race Chaser podcast with Willam and her Youtube videos boast over 60 million views with 15 million views alone (and counting) for 2017’s “The T.” She has over 1.7 million insta followers and over 1.1 million twitter & FB followers. Her message to humankind? “If you’re not wearing nails, you are not doing drag.”

The wildly talented Alex Newell is one of those brilliant artists with powerhouse vocals that comes around once in a lifetime. While best-known for his powerful performance as ‘Unique Adams’ on Fox’s “Glee,” Newell is now making headlines as he makes his Broadway debut in the revival of “Once On This Island,” which opened December 2017. Alex breaks barriers as ‘Asaka’ Mother of the Earth, which has traditionally been a female role. He steals the show with “Mama Will Provide” which New York Times says is “sung to rattle the roof by the ferocious Alex Newell”, and Entertainment Weekly raved “is a highlight and one of the show’s most memorable and most cheered moments.”

Newell was launched in to the national limelight in 2011 when he booked a guest role on Fox’s hit series, “Glee,” due to his success on the Oxygen competition series, “The Glee Project.” He won audiences over with his portrayal of transgender student, ‘Wade “Unique” Adams’ which ultimately secured him a series regular spot on the show.

Born in Salem, Massachusetts, Newell grew up in the small town of Lynn, just north of Boston. He notes that although his neighborhood was rough growing up, it was a melting pot of culture. He was exposed to dozens of different races, religions, and fine arts from a very young age, something that would help fine tune who he is today and what his career goals would be in the future. He found his love for music in church; his father was a deacon and his mother ran the choir. Every Sunday he would attend church and sing gospel songs with the choir. The styles of gospel music, dominant vocals blended with soul and the expression of personal beliefs were ingrained into Newell and he was able to start exploring and honing his talent. When Alex was six years old, his father passed away from cancer and he took refuge in song. By high school Newell had landed at a private Catholic academy with an impeccable arts program. It was here that he decided he knew what he wanted in life: to be a Broadway star, and to be on stage. He surrounded himself with music, and dedicated much of his life to concert choir – which was a crash course on every type of music he could think of. He dabbled in Opera, Jazz, A Capella, Chamber, Modern, and many other styles of music.

Newell learned from his work on “Glee” that perhaps his dreams of being on Broadway were not his only dreams, as his eyes were opened to the possibilities in television and in film. He has booked several projects over the years including two pilots, the independent feature, “Geography Club” (Huffington Pictures), and has performed in several theater productions. Alex is also signed to Atlantic Records. He released his EP, “POWER” and toured with Adam Lambert in February 2016, and his music was featured as a primary story point on HBO’s Martin Scorsese series “Vinyl”.

When not working, Alex loves to cook, shop, and has a passion for interior design. He also is a self-proclaimed YouTube addict. On the charity front, he supports the American Cancer Society, and is a role model and inspiration for LGBTQ teens worldwide. His personal goals include giving people motivation to be whoever they are, no matter how different, and to never change for anyone. He currently resides in New York City with his beloved dog, Nugget.

Alexis Tucci s a whole VIBE. Passionate and deeply committed to anything and everything dance music and a good time, this lil mama has done it all. But the one job carrying her to new global heights and gaining her international recognition, as well as her rapid US popularity in her 28 + year career, is that of the Disc Jockey.

Paired with more than 30 years experience as a successful rave, edm and nightlife promoter in the Midwest, this Saint Louis, Missouri native has withstood the test of time with her carefully curated sets and skillfully designed immersive underground events… currently recognized for her successful 9 year run with her event series Nightchaser and most recently receiving massive recognition for taking the LGBTQ+ community by storm with her fun loving, positive, community focused energy and  slamming disco and house sets! Coast to Coast, Alexis has been selling out shows in some of the biggest gay nightclubs and events in the country, and has become a staple on Fire Island  where she is often referred as Queen of Fire Island and mother. The latter a title she wears proudly.

From playing sold out shows at some of the country’s most popular nightclubs with Artists like Drake, Diplo, and Ookay to playing star studded celebrity birthday parties for the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio & Toby Maguire to shutting down festival stages Apollo has quickly became a premier Open-Format Dj. By the time he was 20 Apollo had become Western Michigan Universities Game-Day DJ for their football team and was DJ’ing in Stadiums for 30K+ people, By the time he was 21 he was headlining some of Chicago’s premier nightclubs with his signature fusion of Hip-hop, funk, Electro, house, latin & rock. Currently Apollo plays upwards of 200+ sets a year and holds residencies at Underground Nightclub (Chicago), FWD (Cleveland) and Blind Dragon (Chicago/LA). Apollo has also caught the eye of corporate brands such as Leo Burnett, Red Bull & Windy City Live where he is a recurring guest DJ. Through these connections Apollo has been able to create a massive online and real life following of party goers and people who love good music and continues to crank out genre bending sets and music in the studio when working on productions.

People always ask me, “When did you know you wanted to be a performer?” “How did you get started?” “What was the moment you knew?”…I can’t remember.I’ve racked my brain for this one defining moment where all of these pieces of a puzzle came together for me, and I thought, “Yes! I’m a performer!”

The truth is, the only thing I’ve ever known, the only thing that stays consistent for me after 15 years of performing is how it feels. How it feels to effect a room of people. To bring them together, whether its a class of dancers all moving in unison or a concert where I get to stand on a stage and see the music wash over an audience, that is the feeling. That is the thing that hit me and has never left.

I believe art can unify the world. I wouldn’t consider myself a consummate optimist, I’m a New Yorker after all, but I do believe in that. A song, a film, a performance, can unify a room. For a split second, strangers feel like they know one another and the differences that can so often divide us can, for this one moment, disappear. I believe art can bring the best parts of us to the surface and in a few magic cases, inspire to share the hidden parts of ourselves with the world.

It can expand our souls, so we’re 10 feet tall and open otherwise closed hearts. It can surpass language, upbringing, and even religion because ultimately, it’s a feeling. A feeling, which keeps us listening to the same song on repeat and watching a movie we’ve seen a hundred times.

That is why I am a performer; because I want to be apart of that feeling. I want to create a space for people to find that for themselves. I call myself a performer rather than only a musician because ultimately, that feeling comes for me when I give my art away. When the song is released, or the show is happening, when the audience gets to have it.

I believe art can be thought-provoking and smart and accessible. It can be fun and joyful and serious and intelligent, all at the same time. It can be complex because the most touching performances can be contradictory, just as we are.

I don’t think I always knew why I had to make music or put on a show. Because honestly, it’s hard. And often the road feels long with no rest stops in sight. But what I know, is that everyone needs a place to step off of their road, to have a place just for themselves and the best art provides that. I want to provide that. To make the place, the song, the show, the experience that allows someone to fill themselves back up again.

So for one second or minute or hour, we’re not strangers barreling down our roads, we’re a collective, all feeling that same thing that doesn’t just get us through, but makes us feel completely alive.

New to the scene but a veteran in the game, Ariana is a fashion model, entrepreneur, and our cities fastest growing DJ / Producer. She currently spins at a handful of Chicago’s hottest venues; such as Joy District, Replay, Progress, Wynwood, and others… Ariana’s vision to unify our diverse world through her music easily shows when you hear her live. She’s an open format DJ that infuses all genres of music in her sets, from hip hop, reggaeton to house and trap. Combined with seamless transitions and scratches, Ariana is candy for your ears and eyes all at once, and the energy she brings to the crowd is truly out of this world.

Avi Sic is a driving force.

Performing over 300 shows a year at a variety of venues, her passion for music and  unique style has gained the attention and respect of the entertainment field’s elite. From  concert venues and top tier clubs to high profile media events, Avi Sic is one of the top  open format DJ’s in the country. She also produces music which is fastely garnering a  long list of press attention.

With over a decade of experience, her DJ skills combined with diverse and high energy  performances set her apart from her peers. She rotates at festivals, entertains  celebrities, and has shared the stage as support for artist’s including Calvin Harris, Diplo, Cardi B, Doja Cat, Lil Wayne, Flo Rida, Jason Derulo, Lil Jon, RL Grime,  Gryffin and more. Avi is the official concourse DJ for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. Clients  include high profile brands such as Google, Nike, Red Bull, OnlyFans, and more.

Her performances remain in demand and truly authentic.

Barker has always had music in his blood. Born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, he was encouraged by his family to start his journey with music at age 10. With his mother maintaining a successful career as a pianist & recording artist with 15 studio albums, the prevalence and impact of music on his life can’t be understated. Starting with the saxophone, Barker developed his skills as a musician throughout his entire childhood, guided by many mentors & teachers in the areas of composing, jazz improvisation, and classical music theory. Putting those skills to work, he became a student at one of the highest regarded music conservatories in the country. There, he began to develop music production skills within Ableton before taking an extended break from music.

In 2015 after moving to Chicago where he now resides, he rediscovered his passion for music through his first exposure to EDM, and in 2019 began attending shows and festivals. Raver turned DJ & producer, you can now hear his unique house sound in his tracks across any streaming platform or catch him on the decks playing shows across the United States. With an approach to DJing that throws conventional single genre focus out the window, even the most hesitant dancers can’t help but get moving when Barker’s on stage.

Famed for her myth-busting lyrics on sexuality, motherhood, and identity, Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and now based in Atlanta — rapper and vocalist bbymutha is one of underground hip hop’s most daring and admired talents.

Emerging with a series of self-released EP’s and singles, her track “Rules” went viral in 2017 and earned her praise from the likes of Erykah Badu, Björk, Earl Sweatshirt, SZA, Kehlani, actress Amandla Stenberg. While bbymutha fits into Southern rap’s legacy of originality via a refusal to conform to any coastal trends, choosing instead respective local flairs for self-expression and her non-apologetic attitude. The result is a soundscape all her own—a slow, ice-cool Chattanooga drawl rapping through the distorted and progressive production that gives her an artistic voice all her own — earning her spot on Pitchfork’s 10 Rappers to Watch 2019, Vibe’s Best Female Rap Albums of 2018, Pitchfork’s Best Rap Albums of 2018, & FACT Mag’s Rappers to Watch 2018.

She candidly blends her life experiences into hard-hitting raps — where she pointedly brandishes her sexuality in the face of respectability politics: unapologetically celebrating women for their ambition, savvy, sexuality, & sometimes vulgarity. Her sharp + provocative lyrics (openly sexual, feminist, & positive) are leisurely wrapped-around beats that are typically endemic to experimental and electronic corners of the internet.

Bev Rage and the Drinks are a loud, fast, and brash queer garage-pop band from Chicago. Fronted by guitarist Beverly Rage, a 7- foot tall drag queen with hair and heels, the band is known for their riveting live show of all original songs. Rounding out the band are Sam Westerling (bass, Swimsuit Addition, The Iceberg), Mary Rose Gonzales (drums, Mystery Actions, Super Sonic Space Rebels), and Dan Jarvis (guitar, Diagonal, Black Glass). Formed in 2015, the band has shared the stage with bands such as Pansy Division, A Giant Dog, Hunx & His Punx, Shonen Knife, Marc Rebillet, and many more.

Billy Porter is an American Broadway theater performer, singer, and actor. He attended the Musical Theater program at Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School’s School of Drama, graduated from Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, and achieved fame performing on Broadway before starting a solo career as a singer and actor.

Porter won the 2013 Best Actor in a Musical for his role as Lola in Kinky Boots at the 67th Tony Awards. He credits the part for “cracking open” his feminine side to confront toxic masculinity. For the role, Porter also won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical. In 2014 Porter won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for Kinky Boots. He currently stars in the television series Pose for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and won the 2019 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, becoming the first openly gay black man to be nominated and win in any lead acting category at the Primetime Emmys.

Blake Lewis first came to national attention as one of the most unique contestants ever to compete on American Idol, and long before that, as a teenager, he was well-known as “Bshorty” in Seattle’s a cappella, hip-hop, and rave scenes. But with the release of his ambitious and completely independent third album, Portrait of a Chameleon, Blake is taking things to a whole new level.

The follow-up to the critically acclaimed Audio Day Dream (which sold 350,000 copies and spawned the top 40 single “Break Anotha”) and Heartbreak on Vinyl (the title track of which went to #1 twice on Billboard’s dance charts), Portrait of a Chameleon is “fun, sexy, and positive. I’d call it ‘future pop,'” says Blake. “Across the album, I juxtapose so many different kinds of music. It’s very anthemic, and there’s an epic feel. The album metaphor has to do with finding our colors, as we are all chameleons. I’m standing out on the cover because I’ve found mine. I will always continue to stretch the boundaries of the human voice and create the music that colors my life.”

Using Blake’s own painstakingly handcrafted library of sampled mouth sounds (“beatboxing, sound effects, vocal scratching, the works”) as its foundation, Portrait of a Chameleon runs the gamut from the reggae-tinged Nick Hexum co-write “She Gives Me Her Love” to the horn-laden funky-freshness of “Disco in Space,” from the sexy slow-jam “Lost in Heaven” to the poignant life-on-the-fringe cautionary tale “Not Today,” the latter inspired by Blake’s mother, whom he considers his main inspiration. The album also features the hard-hitting, bass-in-your-face “Your Touch,” the soundtrack to 2013’s Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 campaign — which starred Blake, played on more than 19,000 theater screens across the U.S., received more than 1.2 billion impressions, and has already sold 130,000 copies worldwide.

But perhaps the centerpiece of Portrait is the ’80s-tastic pop epic “Retro Romance.” A sonic sequel of sorts to “Heartbreak on Vinyl,” the frothy, feelgood ode to a Jordache-clad dreamgirl with “Suzanne Somers thighs” sounds like a final-love-scene song on a John Hughes soundtrack — meaning, of course, that it sounds totally awesome. “Duran Duran, the Cure, Depeche Mode, Prince, and Michael Jackson were always playing when I was growing up, on CD or on vinyl,” Blake says fondly of his proud ’80s influences.

However, Portrait of a Chameleon — out on Blake’s on Audio Day Dream Records and distributed through InGrooves — still has a hypermodern feel, and Blake is looking ahead, hoping that his “future pop” will connect with fans of all ages. “So here we go/A chance to start again/The melody is calling me/There’s no time to pretend,” he boldly declares in the album’s opening track.

“I never wanted to stick to one style or stay in one place,” Blake stresses. “And I haven’t been more proud of anything in my life than this album.”

“Blake Lewis is such an amazing talent, and Portrait of a Chameleon really delivers on showcasing all his skill and artistry.” — Ken Jordan, The Crystal Method

“Blake is a super-soulful and creative dude. We had a lot of fun writing ‘She Gives Me Her Love.’ Great vocal and beats.” — Nick Hexum, 311

Lauded for her commanding stage presence and brassy straight-shooting style, vocal powerhouse Brooke Eden flaunts a sassy flare in her trio of new songs that vulnerably detail her journey to love. Championed by Billboard as a “fiery country star-in-the-making,” Eden pairs her honest songwriting with punchy tracks from producer Jesse Frasure (Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Like, Little Big Town) to deliver her most authentic work yet.  Coupled with a trilogy of music videos that illustrate Brooke’s own path towards loving honestly, Eden confidently shares her romantic optimism and warmth, while sharing the joys of summer all year long.  With over 40 million on-demand streams already, Eden has garnered new critical acclaim with her trilogy of new tracks.  According to Rolling Stone, “with its loping banjo figure and some rhythmic swagger, … ‘No Shade’ is something to make you count the days until spring arrives.” Following with the release of “Sunroof,” Billboard says, “The breezy video, featuring Eden with her real-life girlfriend, feels as liberating, warm and lovely as the song itself.”  The music video for “Sunroof” almost instantaneously shot to the top of iTunes’ all genre chart and was viewed over 6 million times in its first week alone, leading to the video being nominated for the CMT Awards Best Family Feature of 2021.  Gay Times calls Eden the “queer country superstar we need and deserve,” as Eden actively strives to celebrate all forms of love within the Country genre.  The highly anticipated conclusion to her trilogy, “Got No Choice,” premiered on CMT’s Hot 20 in North America and was featured on the Viacom billboard in Times Square, prompting them. to state, “Eden has literally and metaphorically come into full control of her life in the county music scene,” and MTV News to declare, “Her bliss bleeds into every resonant, twangy note she sings.  It’s Infectious.”   For more information, visit Brooke Eden’s website at www.brookeeden.com, or follow her on any social platform, @brookeedenmusic.

27 year-old, Carlito Emmanuel Olivero hails from the windy city of Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in a household of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, his parents have always aspired to share with their 3 children the rich history of song and dance engrained deep in their Latino roots. As far back as he can remember music has not only been an undying passion, but an essential part of his existence.

The bilingual artist has been performing in English and Spanish since the young age of 5, pursuing his life’s intention of changing the world through his love of music. In 2007 responding to a Craigslist ad, Carlito auditioned for a lead vocalist role for the Latin Pop group Menudo. Later that year, an MTV reality television series titled Making Menudo premiered with 15 contestants competing to land a slot in the new band.

Besides a return to the original name, this 2007 lineup would be the first to live under the new age cap of 20. Carlito Olivero, along with 4 other latin hopefuls were formed as the new Menudo with an album planned for release in the fall. Signed to Sony Music, the group toured in support of their debut singles “Lost” and “More Than Words”.

The group disbanded the following year and Carlito relocated to Los Angeles to continue to pursue his singing career and move into the acting arena. Upon his arrival to Los Angeles, Carlito was tapped as a lead in Mario Van Peebles directed teen based film entitled “We The Party” (released 2012) and a year later in 2013 auditioned for the Hit TV show “X Factor” on fox. Ending the competition as a TOP 3 finalist and becoming one of the first latino contestants to ever participate on the show, Carlito has walked away with fans hearts worldwide.

With a lead role on HULU original series East Los High Season 3 & 4 along with 2 major films hitting theaters everywhere in 2017, Carlito is continuing to grow on both his acting and songwriting skills while collaborating with numerous industry pros. His first album released July 16, 2015 “Dreams Don’t Become Reality While Sleeping” now we wait anxiously for the release of his 2nd album “V2” scheduled to drop mid 2017. Carlito’s Urban based Rhythmic Pop flavored with occasional Spanish language have created a unique sound which sets him apart from the male vocalists in the current pop/r&b landscape.

DJ of EDM, House, and Groove.

Cookiee Kawaii became known outside New Jersey with the jittering, mattress squeaking club track “Vibe,” which went viral in 2019 and became even more popular the next year with TikTok users. Unrestricted by genre, the vocalist’s stylistic range cuts across Jersey club, R&B, and rap. The daughter of house DJs, Vanice Palmer was born into music and has been recording since the early 2010s. After she adopted her stage name, a display of her love for sweets and anime, the proudly queer artist has peeked above the underground New Jersey scene and now reaches club/dance fans across the globe.

DJ Bryan honed his video and music mixing skills at a young age making mix CDs for friends, working at a video store as a teenager and studying video production in college.  He started VJing at Northalsted bars like SPIN & Roscoe’s, and now works exclusively in the booth at Sidetrack The Video Bar.  Bryan also is please to VJ the annual Equality Illinois Gala and to DJ private and corporate events.  He has had the great pleasure of working in the booth with many pop stars like Erasure’s Andy Bell, Cazwell, Leona Lewis, JoJo, Kid Sister, Kim Petras and more.

DJ Bryan is pleased to return to the Pride Fest DJ Stage to play a mix of pop favorites and current hits with entertainment from Sidetrack Divas Zamora Love & Sapphire Feliciano.  Check him out spinning the dance floor at Sidetrack, VJing Sidetrack’s All Things Diva Wednesday nights as well as rotating as one of Sidetrack’s Show Tunes VJs on Fridays, Sundays & Mondays.

A lover of community, connection, and all things Chicago, CaSera Heining, best known as DJ Ca$h Era, continues to shake the room as a multifaceted, internationally recognized, performer. CaSera discovered her love for the craft in 2013 while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Radio Broadcasting and Video Production from Columbia College Chicago. Initially focused on becoming an on-air radio host, CaSera decided to invest in combining her love for radio and creating spaces filled with memories, love, and organic vibes from music coming through her speaker. CaSera is a producer at 720AM WGN Radio and a highly sought-after DJ in Chicago and beyond.

With over 7 years of professional experience, DJ Ca$h Era’s open-format and masterful mixing style has captivated crowds at a large variety of spaces such as nightclubs, bars, music festivals, private events, corporate galas, weddings, and much more. In addition, she has continued to curate and host her own sold-out parties such as, Mission: Kiss a Boo.

DJ Ca$h Era is the official DJ for the Coulee Sisters and current preferred and resident DJ for Chicago’s hottest venues like Hydrate, Scarlet Bar, The Promontory, Soho House, and more. DJ Ca$h Era has worked with notable brands including Nike, BET, Adidas, Beats by Dre, AT&T, and Jugrnaut. She has held stages at notorious music festivals including Lollapalooza, My House Music Festival, Pitchfork, Burning Man Music Festival, and more. She has also opened for well-known artists including G Herbo, Taylor Bennett, Jamila Woods, Ghostface Killah, and more. From Chicago to ATL and all the way to London, DJ Ca$h Era has brought energy, elevation, and true Chicago culture to every space, city, and event she performs at. Let her be your tour guide on your next musical adventure.

Diox is a 20-year young in-demand touring DJ from the suburbs of Chicago. It didn’t take much for Diox to fall in love with mixing, as music has always been a part of his life. Nevertheless, he always puts forth a unique & unpredictable blend of house, dutch, electro, & trance. His biggest Influences include Kaskade, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike, Sidney Samson, Chuckie, Dada Life, & Tiesto. Currently attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he definitely knows how to blend sounds of the college life with that of the club life. Not only that, he has been attending and following festivals since 2009, from Lollapalooza, to Ultra Music Festival to Electric Daisy Carnival to Sensation White. College Sound + Club Sound + Festival Sound = DIOX. Don’t miss any opportunity to see him.

Originally from Los Angeles, Martin has had a love for DJing since the early 2000’s collecting many CD’s, Vinyl records and MP3’s along the way. Martin made the move to Chicago in 2013 he has been working service at Hydrate night club since 2014 and as a DJ at Replay Lakeview since 2018. Throughout that time Martin has been able to share his open-format DJ style to many different venues and events in Chicago becoming a resident at local bars; Replay Beer & Bourbon, Barcocina, Progress Bar, Splash, and Atmosphere Bar. His gift of being able to blend old school classics with top records of today and every genre/era in-between has afforded him the opportunity to perform at some of Chicago’s most popular events, including Pride Fest 2021, which he is “crazy amped” to play for. See you there.

A force to be reckoned within the club scene, DJ Metro is undoubtedly one of the most respected DJ’s to come out of Chicago.

Since the age of 8, Metro has always had a special love for being a DJ, and has dedicated more than 15 years to trying to become known as of the best in nation. Not only has he climbed his way into being one of the most respected club/live DJ’s, he’s also making his mark on his second love. Chicago Radio. “Being apart of just any DJ mix show was never the goal or objective. Being a part of THIS DJ team, on B96, with THIS group of DJ’s, was always the goal. Now we just have to be patient and see what’s next”

His patience has clearly paid off. As of October 2014, Metro was asked to come on board with none other, then the Chicago Bulls. Every home game, in front 25,000 people inside of the United Center, you can see Metro behind the turntables playing music for people of all races and backgrounds, as the “Official Chicago Bulls DJ.”

DJ Metro has supported and shared the bill with all types of international acts such as Rick Ross, Juicy J, Lil John, Ariana Grande, Pitbull, Justin Bieber, Afrojack, Aventura, Wisin Y Yandel, and recently played at the United Center for Sade and John Legends personal parties. He has played around the nation from Alaska to Florida, and recently won an Ortofon DJ Battle sending him to Ibiza, Spain. On an every week basis, he plays at all types of clubs, spanning from the largest College Nightclub in the city, the largest teen clubs, and some of the sexiest Industry Nights in Downtown.

As you can clearly see, this is only the beginning of what looks to be a very long career for the Chicago native. Plans of working on his own production, plus expanding his nightclub residency in clubs around the nation, have already begun.

Now, as a practicing commercial litigation attorney, Vlad has been the open-format Resident DJ at D.S. Tequila on Saturday nights since 2016, when he helped start #DSLate. Vlad is also a monthly resident at Electric Hotel, ROCBAR, and Uproar in River North.  DJ Vlad has performed at venues all over the city, including Scarlet, ProgressBar, Splash, LIQRBOX, The River Kitchen and Bar, Old Crow Wrigleyville, Clutch Bar, Happy’s Bamboo Bar & Lounge, Maxbar, Play Chicago Kitchen & Cocktails, HVAC Pub, Tavern on Rush, Whiskey Sky (W Chicago Rooftop), Bar Umbriago, Newport Bar and Grill, and many others.

By fifteen, Vlad’s DJ business had grown, and he founded his first mobile DJ company, employing a staff of DJs, dancers, event coordinators, and audio/visual technicians. Vlad trained several young, aspiring DJs and held mixing and dancing workshops for entertainers and emcees. Before graduating from high school, Vlad’s company was performing at over 50 shows per year, from corporate events, weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, to high school dances, fundraisers, and local social events. In addition, DJ Vlad was booked at 17+ and 18+ club events, including several performances at the Warehouse nightclub and pop-up events such as Raver’s Fantasy, Club 500, and Existence.

In college, as tailgate chair of his fraternity, Vlad revolutionized the tailgate scene at Indiana University by putting on a complete performance on the grassy tailgate fields across from the stadium, with a generator, speakers, lights, and a live DJ. Soon, all of the other fraternities began putting on performances of their own. Shortly thereafter, Vlad landed his first residency as the Friday night headliner at Brothers Bar & Grill.