7th Heaven

7thheaven

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 Barta

Adam Barta

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.

Alaska Thunderf*ck

Alaska Thunderfck

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.”

Alex Newell

Alex Newell

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

Alexis Tucci

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.

 

Apollo X

Apollo X Cropped v

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.

Ariana and the Rose

ariana and the rose

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.

Ariana DJ

Ariana DJ

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

DJ Avi Sic

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

Barker

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.

Bbymutha

Bbymutha

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.

Belinda Carlisle

BelindaCarlisle

Early career and The Go-Go’s
Belinda Carlisle’s first venture into music was a brief stint as drummer for the punk band The Germs, under the name Dottie Danger, although illness (specifically mononucleosis) prevented her from ever performing with them live. Soon after leaving this band, she founded The Go-Go’s (originally named The Misfits), with friend and fellow music novice Jane Wiedlin. With bassist-turned-guitarist Charlotte Caffey, guitarist-turned-bassist Kathy Valentine, and drummer Gina Schock, the Go-Go’s became one of the most successful American bands of the early 1980s, helping usher new wave music into popular American radio, and becoming the first all-female band in rock history to ever achieve a #1 album, who also wrote their own music, and played their own instruments. The Go-Go’s recorded two more studio albums (including 1982 Vacation, which went gold thanks to the title track). “Head over Heels,” from their 1984 album Talk Show, made it to #11, but they never repeated the success of their 1981 multi-platinum debut, Beauty and the Beat, which featured the hits “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed”.

Belinda
The Go-Go’s broke up in 1985, and Carlisle embarked on a solo career (although she continued to work with fellow Go-Go Charlotte Caffey). Carlisle’s first album, Belinda, was released on I.R.S. Records, in 1986. This album was successful in North America and was certified Gold in the U.S. and Platinum in Canada. Her summer hit “Mad About You” peaked at #3 in the U.S. and topped the Canadian Singles Chart. “Mad About You” was followed by the Motown-influenced single “I Feel the Magic”, and by a cover version of the Freda Payne song “Band of Gold”. All three songs were included on her debut album. The single Since You’ve Gone was used only for promotion.
During this time, Carlisle also had songs featured on movie soundtracks, notably “In My Wildest Dreams” from the movie Mannequin, as well as “Dancing in the
City” from the Whoopi Goldberg movie Burglar.

Heaven on Earth
Belinda Carlisle changed her hairstyle significantly for her second solo album, giving up her California Girl blonde bob for a long auburn style for 1987’s Heaven on Earth. The musical style eschewed the 1960s-influenced pop of Carlisle’s first album in favor of slickly produced 1980s power-pop, and was released in the United States through MCA, and in the United Kingdom through Virgin. The album became a Top 5 bestseller in the UK and Australia, and was nominated for a Grammy Award. The album’s producer, Rick Nowels, previously worked with Stevie Nicks, and would later collaborate with Kim Wilde, Jennifer Rush and Madonna.

The first release from Heaven on Earth was “Heaven Is a Place on Earth”, which topped the single charts, not only in the U.S., but also in the UK and in several other countries (the dance mix of the song also topped the dance chart). The radio-ready song was further propelled by a video, directed by Academy Award-winning American actress Diane Keaton. The second single from the album was “I Get Weak”, which shot to #2 in the U.S. and #10 in the U.K. The song was written by Diane Warren. The third single from the album was “Circle in the Sand,” another Top 10 hit in the U.S., the UK, and Germany. “World Without You” was another British hit, followed by 1988 low-charting ballad “Love Never Dies”, making this her fifth single from the album in the UK. In the U.S., the fourth and last single, “I Feel Free,” a cover of the Cream classic, failed to reach the Top 40.

Runaway Horses
Carlisle’s follow-up to the success of Heaven on Earth was Runaway Horses, released on October 23, 1989. The album hit the Top 5 in both Australia and the UK, certified double platinum in Australia and platinum in the UK and in Canada, but failed to reach similar success in the U.S. The first release, “Leave a Light On”, peaked at #11 in the U.S., and became another Top 5 smash in the UK, Australia and Canada. The song features a slide guitar solo by George Harrison (see ‘Collaborations’). The second U.S. single, “Summer Rain”, reached #30 in early 1990. The song, which Carlisle noted was the most difficult song she had ever sung up to that point,[citation needed] peaked successfully at #6 in Australia, where it has maintained popularity, and the tune saw a cover version, in 2004, by the Australian group Slinkee Minx. It was the final release from Runaway Horses in the UK where it was released as the album’s sixth single in December 1990, peaking at #23 in January 1991. Whereas in the U.S. Carlisle’s success was decreasing, her popularity remained big in Europe and Australia. In 1990, further singles from the Runaway Horses album were successful as well: the title track, the summer mood influenced “La Luna”, a Top 10 in Switzerland and top 20 hit in Germany and Australia, and “(We Want) The Same Thing”, remixed from a country-styled release into a massive Pop hit, reaching #6 in the UK.

In the late Autumn of 1990, the Go-Go’s reunited for a tour to support their first best-of album, Greatest, including a new recording of the cover song “Cool Jerk” (Go-Go’s original cover featured on Vacation).

Live Your Life Be Free
In 1991, Belinda Carlisle released her fourth solo album, Live Your Life Be Free. The album marked somewhat of a return to 1960s-influenced music for Carlisle. The single “Do You Feel Like I Feel?” was accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek video, inspired by the B-movie Attack of the 50 Foot Woman. The title track, “Live Your Life Be Free”, merged 1960s influences with producer Rick Nowel’s trademark bombast, and featured a video that emphasized colorful imagery, fashion, and Carlisle’s photogenic face. Subsequent releases, “Half the World” and “Little Black Book”, were also hits outside the U.S., and although Live Your Life Be Free as an album flopped in the U.S., it was a success in Europe (Top 10 in the UK), while the title track was a Top 20 hit single in the UK, Australia, Italy and Sweden. To date, “Do You Feel Like I Feel?” is Carlisle’s final single to enter in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #73.

The Best of Belinda Vol.1
Still active in Europe and Australia with a record contract at Virgin Records, her 1992 greatest hits album, The Best of Belinda, Volume 1, reached #1, and was certified double platinum in both the UK and Australia. This first greatest hits album of her included all the hits taken from the Heaven on Earth, Runaway Horses, and Live Your Life Be Free albums, neglecting the ballad “Love Never Dies”, and the three I.R.S. singles from her first album; also, no movie-soundtrack songs appear on the collection. The US version of the Album was named “Her Greatest Hits” and included also songs from the first album Belinda.

Real
Belinda Carlisle’s fifth solo album, Real, was released in 1993, on the Virgin label, in the U.S. and in Europe. Produced without Nowels, the disc was a departure from Carlisle’s polished pop music formula. Even the album’s cover photograph featured her with very little make-up. Belinda Carlisle co-produced and co-wrote much of the disc, collaborating heavily with friend and former Go-Go’s member Charlotte Caffey. The album reached #9 in the UK, and its first single, “Big Scary Animal”, peaked at #12 in the UK. The second single from Real was “Lay Down Your Arms”, which made the Top 30 in the UK.
At this time, Belinda Carlisle also recorded “One by One”, on the soundtrack for the 1993 movie The Harvest.

The Go-Go’s reunited again, later that year, to support the retrospective double-CD Return to the Valley of the Go-Go’s, their second collection, which featured three new songs, including the single “The Whole World Lost Its Head”. However, the band broke up again, soon after the promotional tour

A Woman and a Man
Carlisle returned to the recording studio, and resumed working again with Rick Nowels. In 1996, she released in the UK and Australia her sixth solo album, A Woman and a Man, on the Chrysalis Records label. This album, consisting of mostly relaxed adult pop, revitalized her solo career in Europe, and included several hits. The leadoff single, “In Too Deep”, returned Carlisle to the UK Top 10, for the first time in six years, reaching #6. “Always Breaking My Heart”, written and produced by Roxette’s Per Gessle, also made the UK Top 10, peaking at #8. The album spawned two more UK hits: “Love in the Key of C”, and “California”. The album reached #12 in the UK, and was certified gold. As a result of A Woman and A Man’s UK success, the album was released in the U.S., during the Summer of 1997, on the small Ark21 label. Despite the recent successful comeback in Europe, and the promotional appearances Carlisle made on American television and radio, the album did not enjoy similar success in North America selling only 17’000 copies.In 1996, Carlisle recorded “I Wouldn’t Be Here (If I Didn’t Love You)” for the Two If by Sea official movie soundtrack. In 1997, she recorded “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love)”, from Walt Disney’s Hercules,

A Place on Earth – The Greatest Hits
In 1999, Carlisle released a greatest hits album in the UK, a double-disc on the Virgin label, collectively entitled A Place on Earth – The Greatest Hits. Carlisle recorded three new tracks for the album first disc, properly called The Greatest Hits, including the single “All God’s Children”, and the songs “A Prayer for Everyone” and “Feels Like I’ve Known You Forever”. The second disc of her greatest hits album, in fact entitled A Place on Earth, contained previously released remixes of some of her hits, plus a couple of B sides, which were previously unreleased at the time. Some of the remixes were by William Orbit, who also worked with Madonna on her 1998 Ray of Light album. The album was certified Gold in the UK and went on to sell an excess of 1 million copies worldwide.

Voilà
In 2007, the singer released her seventh album Voilà, which was her first full-length, solo studio album in more than ten years. The album was produced by John Reynolds. Consisting of a mix of French pop tunes and chanson standards, including covers of Françoise Hardy and Édith Piaf classics. Voilà was released via Rykodisc in the UK on February 5, and in the U.S. the following day, February 6, 2007. Carlisle was originally approached to make another pop rock album, but she declined immediately, in favor of recording this collection of songs, the style of which, she’d “absolutely fallen in love with” since moving to France in the early 1990

Betty Who

Betty Who

To understand where Betty Who currently stands in her career, it’s best to imagine her as she often stood as a kid: solo, in front of the bedroom mirror, belting out hits, dancing like everyone’s watching. Because as the Australian pop queen walked away from her record deal and in to her first independent album, she had a single mandate: “I am going to be the most me I can be.” That is, in part, why her third full-length statement is simply called Betty. It’s pure her: a brilliant swirl of pop—’80s, Y2K, and hyper-modern strains—that encompasses everything from intimate artful fare to darkly sexy bangers to full-on wedding reception shout-alongs. What’s more, these are songs about grown-woman emotions delivered by someone who rediscovered the drive and verve that fueled her rise through music in the first place. As Betty says, “It all came back to joy.”

Betty-Who-Market-Days-2023_BW-CK-DCS-scaled

There’s a reason Betty was tapped to remake the Queer Eye theme song for the uplifting series’ second season. It’s the same reason she’s soundtracked Pitch Perfect and made the Glee cast swoon, and that a certain legendary flash mob proposal video went viral to the tune of her 2012 debut single “Somebody Loves You.” Joy has always been in the music, but for Betty, her twelfth feeling had faded. “I didn’t understand how damaging it was to feel like I was never living up to expectation,” she says of her time on a major label. “When you’re in the middle of it, you think it’s driving you. When I came out the other side, I realized, no, I was devastated.” She wanted to handpick her team, sink or swim by her own choices, and share music while it’s fresh. With Betty, she did all of that and made an album that, as she puts it, “I’m more proud of than I could possibly say.”

The world got a taste of that with Betty’s first independent single “Ignore Me,” an uplifting ode to moving on set to warm, indie-tinged electropop. Likewise, synth-streaked dance cut “I Remember” takes on something sad—the dissonance that can bubble up in a relationship—and finds the sweetness there as Betty coos, “I don’t want perfect, I want you.” Our heroine not only split from her label in 2017, she got engaged, and the thrill of realizing you could spend your life with someone rings out on “Marry Me.” The song’s exuberance was inspired by the unabashed pop (namely Katy Perry) Betty loved as a teen. Meanwhile, the vintage JT-evoking “All This Woman” addresses a would-be lover but is really about Betty’s acceptance of her own body: “This is me saying to the man or woman I’m standing opposite, ‘This is what I want and you’re crazy if you don’t want it too.’”

These songs spilled out with a similar assuredness—among them, early teaser “Taste,” which Betty has described as “a little rock ‘n’ roll with just a touch of vampire fetish,” and Betty’s first official single, the achingly up-close, acoustic-powered “Between You & Me.” The process began in sessions between runs of her famously vibrant, intensely choreographed tour. She’d planned to write more when she came off the road, but instead realized she already had an album’s worth of songs she adored. So rather than iron them out in high-profile studios around Los Angeles, she absconded to a rental in Palm Springs with her two of her best friends, artist/producer Pretty Sister and decade-long collaborator Peter Thomas. They finished Betty in 10 days between shared meals and streaming sunshine. “It was one of the best times of my life,” recalls Betty. “I swear I’ll never make a record any other way.”

But that setting conjures the beginning of Betty Who, when the woman born Jessica Newham studied cello at Berklee during the week, then took the first train out to Providence so she could spend all weekend inventing her sound at classmate Peter’s family home. And that hustle itself mimics a theme of Betty’s childhood in Sydney: while her classical training began at age 4, she devoted every free second to Britney, Christina, *NSYNC, and MJ. The voices, the moves, the lyrics, the spectacle—she ate it all up, especially that feeling the best pop gives you: “When you hear it,” says Betty, “and go, ‘Oh my God, you literally wrote this about me.’ I’ve wanted to make music like that ever since.” In that spirit, Betty gives us what we need most right now: an excuse to dance in the mirror, license to trust our instinct, and knowledge that joy is never too far away.

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Bev Rage and The Drinks

Bev Rage Feature

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.

Big Freedia

Big Freedia

Freddie Ross Jr. (born January 28, 1978), better known by her stage name Big Freedia (/ˈfriːdə/ FREE-də), is an American rapper and performer known for her work in the New Orleans genre of hip hop called bounce music. Freedia has been credited with helping popularize the genre, which had been largely underground since developing in the early 1990s.

Freedia is a gay man who also embraces his “feminine side”; he believes gender is on a spectrum and is ambivalent about his pronouns, stating, “I’m gender nonconforming, fluid, nonbinary. If I had known the ‘queen’ in Queen Diva would cause so much confusion, I might have called myself the king!”

He has collaborated with artists including Beyoncé, who sampled his voice for her song, “Formation” and on her 2022 number-one hit “Break My Soul”, Lizzo, Kesha, New Kids on the Block, Jordin Sparks, Naughty by Nature, Boyz II Men, and with Drake on his 2018 number-one hit “Nice for What”.

In 2011, he was named Best Emerging Artist and Best Hip-Hop/Rap Artist in January’s “Best of the Beat Awards”, and was nominated for the 2011 22nd GLAAD Media Awards. In 2013, he got his own reality show on the Fuse Channel, which chronicles his life on tour and at home. On July 7, 2015, he released his autobiography God Save the Queen Diva!.

At the end of 2016, Freedia was featured in a local New Orleans television ad for Juan LaFonta Law Office, in which he is shown rapping with bounce music and dancers. In 2018, he released the EP Third Ward Bounce.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter

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

Blake Lewis

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

BLU 9

Blu 9

Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, she’s played Chicago’s clubs including Spybar, Primary Night Club (Poolhouse), Estate, Fedora Lounge, SC, SSS, Rodan, Crocodile, Studio 200 (Milwaukee) all the while holding a steady residency at Rivers Casino. If you are lucky and the night owl you can see and hear her at various afterhours across the city.

Her mixes can also be heard on several radio shows such as Strictly Dance Radio and Underground House TV. Also, she is currently working on projects and tracks with Afterdark Recordings and PhunkJunk Records.

Her sound is deep, smooth, and sometimes dark and complex, with soulfulness infused. Depending on her mood, the energy of the dance floor as well as her decision to play the electric violin and drums with her sets shapes and molds the vibe of the room.

Boy Band Review

BoyBandReview

Boy Band Review is the best Boy Band Tribute Show in the country! Bringing full production lights, video, choreography, harmonies, and energy, Boy Band Review has captured the hearts of fans with their #boyband shows that transport audience members back in time to the days of frosted tips and hunky front men professing their undying love.

Bringing some sweet hip thrusts and air grabs performed perfectly “N SYNC”, Boy Band Review, shows are an incredible throwback experience where fans relive the best years! They are playing to capacity crowds throughout the Midwest and spreading nationwide. They have played numerous high-profile events, private engagements, a Las Vegas residency at Planet Hollywood Casino, and countless venues across the country to capacity crowds. Boy Band Review is everyone’s favorite show since the 1990s!

Boy Band Review is the original 90’s Boy Band tribute from Chicago. Boy Bands Review has captured the hearts of fans with their show that transport audience members back in time to the days of frosted tips and hunky front men professing their undying love. The BOY BAND REVIEW is spreading nationwide and have already played high profile events including the NHL Stadium Series, Dustin Diamond’s Bayside Bash, Yelp’s Chi-beria Send-off, Summerfest in Milwaukee and numerous private events where BBR became everyone’s favorite Boy Band!

Brian Justin Crum

Brian Justin Crum 1

Brian Justin Crum is singer, songwriter, and stage actor hailing from San Diego, California. He attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. At the age of seventeen, BJC left San Diego to join the cast of the Broadway musical Wicked. He later joined the casts of the musical comedy Altar Boyz and the revival of Grease.

Brian became a part of the pop culture zeitgeist with his audition performance of Queen’s “Somebody To Love” on the 11th season of
NBC’s America’s Got Talent. He went on to secure his spot as a top 4 finalist. Brian’s energetic dance remake of Robyn’s hit from 1997, “Show
Me Love” hit number 2 on Billboard’s dance chart.

Brian has a brand new single, “Wild Side” released and is busy writing and recording his forthcoming EP with tour dates across the globe. He
continues to use his voice and new found visibility to advocate for the LGBTQ community in the hopes that future generations know they
matter in this world.

Brooke Eden

BrookeEden

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.

C*nty Meme

Cover Cunty MeMe

“C*nty MeMe (pronounced MiMi) is a rebel, a warrior with vulnerability as their shield and their tongue as their sword,” the passionate artist explains. MeMe is nothing short of an enigma who can’t be boxed no matter how hard one tries, mostly because they’ll burn the box to a crisp and then cook your ass for trying to force them in said box. The Chicago artist pulls inspiration from the past while simultaneously showing listeners visions of the future. There’s nothing Cunty can’t do, with their delivery oozing confidence it is impossible not to fall in love with the artist. With a blistering mixtape and raging EP under their belt, Cunty is preparing for world domination, now’s the time to prepare to serve under your new ruler…Cunty MeMe.

Carlito Olivero

Carlito

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.

Catfight

Catfight

Chicks that Rock!

Catfight covers pop and rock hits from the ’80s to today’s top 40. This all-female group keeps proving time and time again that girls just wanna have fun.

This all-girl band has been called “the darlings” of the Chicago cover band scene. From covering top artists of today including Brittany Spears, Icona Pop and One Republic, to playing classic favorites by Prince and Queen, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Catfight’s pure fun, party show.

From their humble beginnings to a host of high-profile events in Las Vegas, NV, and beyond….this litter of kittens has been playing their hearts out for over a decade!!! Join, LoriCat, MollyPop, Julie Pants, Little Lisa, Kimikat, and BabyCat as they tear their claws into every rip-roaring event this summer! Get ready to, 1, 2, 3 SOCIAL!

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus

ChicagoGayMensChorus

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus is an inclusive, community-based performing arts organization that creates musical experiences to entertain and enlighten, inspire change, and build community. Through colorful performances that blend traditional choral music with musical theater, jazz and pop, and a gay aesthetic, they seek to delight their audiences, enrich their members and explore issues relevant to LGBT people and their allies—enlivening Chicago’s cultural landscape and creating a better community for all.

The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) has been an integral part of Chicago’s cultural and gay communities since 1983. For the last three decades, they have entertained audiences across the continent with innovative musical programming, exploring everything from love to politics to the sometimes fabulous, sometimes challenging world of being gay-often all at the same time. Their always-memorable performances have included original musical revues; five popular productions celebrating the Sidetrack show tune experience; full-length book musicals including The Wizard of Oz, The Mikado, H.M.S. Pinafore and our original work – Ten Commandments – The Musical; traditional choral concerts and intimate cabaret presentations-all punctuated with their signature joyous irreverence.

CGMC has traveled extensively across North America, representing Chicago in cities including Montreal, New York, Denver, Miami, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. They have also brought entertainment back home, hosting choruses from across the United States and Europe to sing with the chorus here in Chicago.

Most recently, CGMC proudly sang “America the Beautiful” for the Illinois Marriage Equality Act bill-signing ceremony and was the featured guest choral performer for the star-studded concert, Broadway Rocks, with the Grant Park Music Festival in 2011. Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2001 and currently has four cd-recordings available: Cool Yule, featuring jazzy holiday selections; I Will Be Loved Tonight, a collection of their favorite love (and not-so-in-love) songs; Favorite Things, their second celebration of holiday music; and So Happy Together: Festival Gems, featuring all live performances from their appearances at the last three quadrennial GALA Festivals. CGMC has performed the National Anthem multiple times at world-famous Wrigley Field and for the WNBA Chicago Sky.

We Entertain.

CGMC delivers a unique entertainment experience found nowhere else in the city. We produce professional-quality shows that combine the best elements of musical theater, cabaret and traditional choral performance. But only CGMC can add that special “twist of gaiety” that can make each show fun, moving and memorable.

We Inspire.

Whether we’re representing the community while singing the national anthem at Wrigley Field or we’re providing rarely-seen GLBT-friendly entertainment in smaller cities downstate, CGMC serves as ambassadors and provides a positive image to countless thousands every year.

We Motivate.

Sometimes the message to take action can be delivered more effectively through song than through speech. That’s why CGMC has been heard regularly in the dome of the state Capitol (supporting GLBT rights and domestic partner benefits) and at major fundraising events throughout the city (often supporting AIDS-related organizations).

We Comfort.

CGMC is not only an integral part of the community, but we are a family. When asked to help, CGMC heeds the call. We’ve sung at at the Auditorium Theater honoring the victims of Sept. 11. We sing at smaller memorial services honoring local community leaders… and sometime our own members. We’re humbled to realize that CGMC’s presence can bring comfort and healing to those around us.

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus

CGMC FEATURE

“Choral, Cabaret and Musical Theater all Rolled into One”

See Performance Schedule

bio from cgmc.org

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus is an inclusive, community-based performing arts organization that creates musical experiences to entertain and enlighten, inspire change, and build community. Through colorful performances that blend traditional choral music with musical theater, jazz and pop, and a gay aesthetic, they seek to delight their audiences, enrich their members and explore issues relevant to LGBT people and their allies—enlivening Chicago’s cultural landscape and creating a better community for all.

The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) has been an integral part of Chicago’s cultural and gay communities since 1983. For the last three decades, they have entertained audiences across the continent with innovative musical programming, exploring everything from love to politics to the sometimes fabulous, sometimes challenging world of being gay-often all at the same time. Their always-memorable performances have included original musical revues; five popular productions celebrating the Sidetrack show tune experience; full-length book musicals including The Wizard of Oz, The Mikado, H.M.S. Pinafore and our original work – Ten Commandments – The Musical; traditional choral concerts and intimate cabaret presentations-all punctuated with their signature joyous irreverence.

CGMC has traveled extensively across North America, representing Chicago in cities including Montreal, New York, Denver, Miami, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. They have also brought entertainment back home, hosting choruses from across the United States and Europe to sing with the chorus here in Chicago.

Most recently, CGMC proudly sang “America the Beautiful” for the Illinois Marriage Equality Act bill-signing ceremony and was the featured guest choral performer for the star-studded concert, Broadway Rocks, with the Grant Park Music Festival in 2011. Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2001 and currently has four cd-recordings available: Cool Yule, featuring jazzy holiday selections; I Will Be Loved Tonight, a collection of their favorite love (and not-so-in-love) songs; Favorite Things, their second celebration of holiday music; and So Happy Together: Festival Gems, featuring all live performances from their appearances at the last three quadrennial GALA Festivals. CGMC has performed the National Anthem multiple times at world-famous Wrigley Field and for the WNBA Chicago Sky.

Chicago Spirit Brigade

ChicagoSpiritBrigade

The Chicago Spirit Brigade is a community-based fundraising organization whose purpose is to raise money and awareness for non-profit groups that provide direct care services to individuals with life-threatening challenges.

Chicago Spirit Brigade is a 501c3 non-profit organization and was formed in January of 2003 to raise money and awareness for other non-profits providing direct care services to people with life-threatening challenges.
Each time Chicago Spirit Brigade performs at an event, we take along our “spirit buckets” to accept the generous donations of spectators who have been moved by our thrilling performance and inspired by our mission. 125% of the monies raised go directly to the pre-selected beneficiary for that event.

Chomper

Chomper

DJ of EDM, House, and Groove.

Cookiee Kawaii

Cookiee Kawaii

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.

 

Crystal Waters

Market Days 2023 Performer CRYSTAL WATERS 01

Multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, pioneer, Dance Music Legend Crystal Waters was named by Billboard Magazine as one of the most successful Dance Music Artist in the history of the Billboard Dance Music Chart. In 2019 Ms Waters was featured in “Unsung” a TV documentary about the singers life . In 2022 Crystal received “Howard University’s Prestigious “Distinguished Post Graduate Achievement Award” and is also listed in the “Book of Who’s Who in Black America”.

Ms. Waters currently host her “I AM HOUSE Radio Show” on iTunes with over 7 million monthly listeners. Crystal’s radio show can also be heard on SiriusXM Channel 141 Saturday and Sunday nights 8pm EST.

As a House Music Icon with over 2.5 million monthly listeners and 100,000 followers on Spotify, Crystal continues to consistently tour and engage her enormous fan base. She boasts 12 #1 Billboard Dance Chart hits and 11 top ten songs. Her music has been sampled and covered by the likes of T.I. , Mary Mary, Pit Bull,  Alicia Keys, G-Easy and many more.

Crystal is best known for her songs; the groundbreaking 1991 single “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)”, it was one of the first House songs to crossover into pop radio, her 1994 single “100% Pure Love” spent a record breaking 48 weeks on the Billboard Pop chart , in 2021 it re-entered the Billboard Electronic Dance Top 10 chart and in 2007 her #1 European hit “Destination Calabria” with Alex Gaudino, it went to number 1 on Pop Charts in over 40 countries. 

Her accolades include 6 ASCAP Songwriter Awards, three American Music Award nominations, a MTV Video Music Award nod and four Billboard Music Awards. Always prolific, her latest release “Party People” with DJ Spen and remix by Michael Grey is a massive success garnering major support from the likes of BBC Radio One, Nexus Radio, Pete Tong, Carl Cox, Low-Steppa and more.

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CupcakKe

Cupcakke

Bold and outspoken Chicago rapper CupcakKe achieved viral success and critical acclaim with her brazen, unapologetically explicit songs and videos that channeled the likes of Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, and Gangsta Boo. Her work explores sexuality in graphic detail, and while many of her songs are humorous and playful, she has more serious, introspective material that deals with sexual abuse (“Pedophile”), racial issues (“Picking Cotton”), and LGBTQ empowerment (“Crayons”). She debuted in 2016 with a pair of raunchy EPs and a full-length, Audacious, following with the critically-acclaimed Queen Elizabitch (2017) and Ephorize (2018).

At the age of 14, CupcakKe began writing religious-themed poetry, performing in local churches. She started turning her poems into raps and uploading them to YouTube, receiving thousands of views. In late 2015, inspired by Khia’s hit “My Neck, My Back,” she decided to write sexually explicit material. The videos “Vagina” and “Deepthroat” appeared and quickly spread on the Internet like wildfire. Both songs appeared on her debut mixtape, Cum Cake, in February of 2016. S.T.D (Shelters to Deltas), named for Harris’ years spent in homeless shelters, followed in June, and the studio album Audacious arrived in October. The releases received praise from Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, MTV News, and numerous hip-hop websites.

Dancing Queen/ABBA Salute

Dancing Queen ABBA Salute cover 01

Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute is the ultimate tribute to the music of ABBA – sure to capture the hearts of fans and audiences of all ages! This live show is full of musical prowess, fabulous flair and fashion, and promises a mesmerizing ABBA experience for every Chiquitita, Super Trouper, Fernando, and Dancing Queen around!

Fronted by a dynamic Agnetha and Frida duo, the music of the greatest pop band in history comes to life in a joyful celebration of these timeless tunes. Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute is the Midwest’s longtime one-and-only resident ABBA tribute, with a repertoire of over 40 all-time favorite hits. From Waterloo to Mamma Mia, SOS to Knowing Me Knowing You, Honey Honey to Voulez-Vous, audiences won’t be able to help singing and dancing along with this high-energy homage to everything ABBA!

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Darren Criss

DarrenCriss

Darren Everett Criss (born February 5, 1987) is an American actor, singer, and songwriter. He rose to fame starring on the television series Glee (2010–2015) and received Emmy and Golden Globe acting awards for his leading role as spree killer Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018). He has also appeared on Broadway and in film and has released several musical albums.

A founding member and co-owner of StarKid Productions, a musical theater company based in Chicago, Criss first garnered attention playing the lead role of Harry Potter in, and writing most of the music and lyrics for, StarKid’s musical production of A Very Potter Musical. Criss has also starred on Broadway as a replacement in both How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. In 2015, Criss co-founded Elsie Fest which is touted as “New York City’s first outdoor music festival celebrating tunes from the stage and screen”.

In March 2017, Criss debuted his indie pop band Computer Games along with his brother Chuck Criss. In addition to his music endeavors, Criss starred in the second installment of Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story. Subtitled The Assassination of Gianni Versace (2018), Criss’s portrayal of spree killer Andrew Cunanan received acclaim from critics, and earned him an Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries, or Television Film.

Debbie Gibson

Debbie Gibson

Debbie Gibson burst onto the music scene at 16 and instantly became the youngest artist in history to write, produce and perform a number one hit, “Foolish Beat.” She is still the youngest female and has held the world record for over three decades. Gibson has sold more than 16 million albums and has starred in 17 musicals in 17 years, from Broadway’s Les Miserables to the West End’s Grease. In 2019, Gibson launched her SiriusXM radio show, “Debbie Gibson’s Mixtape,” on The Blend and joined NKOTB on The Mixtape Arena Tour. Later that year, she also served as a celebrity judge on Nickelodeon’s “America’s Most Musical Family.” In 2020, her single “Girls Night Out” soared to No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard and U.K. MusicWeek charts. Her guest starring role in the musical episode of “Lucifer” debuted May 28, 2021, on Netflix.

This summer, Gibson filmed “The Class” with Anthony Michael Hall and Charlie Gillespie. Gibson’s new duet of “Lost in Your Eyes” featuring Joey McIntyre, was released June 4, her new single “One Step Closer” was released July 16, and her first pop album in 20 years, The Body Remembers, was released August 20 on her own label Stargirl Records. She brings “Debbie Gibson & Joey McIntyre Live from Las Vegas” to The Sands Showroom inside The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas for a limited engagement in August and September. From No. 1 hits and platinum albums to starring roles on stage and screen, Debbie Gibson is a true entertainer with timeless talent and charisma.

DJ Bryan

VJ BRYAN

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.

DJ Ca$h Era

DJ Cah Era

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.

DJ Cindel

DJ Cindel

DJ Cindel grew up around Chicago where his endless exposure to house music led to his love, and eventual practice, of producing it. Having done so since the age of 15, he has especially honed his skills creating drum mixes and tribal-house vocals, earning him the title “The King of Drums”. Major influences such as Danny Tenaglia, Chus and Ceballos and Ralphi Rosario, along with his Puerto Rican roots, have helped mold his high-energy style into a successful career.

His big break came from a gig at Chicago’s Skybar, which led to a residency at Spin in Boystown where he held his own night called Sound Factory in the year 2006. Cindel later earned a residency at Club Ibiza in North Carolina opening for Hector Fonseca, as well as Palace on Ocean Drive in South Beach. He spent some time living in Miami playing other clubs such as Twist, Mekka, Euphoria, Therapy, white party, winter party, and getting an official yearly residency at Score nightclub.

Cindel made great strides by being named the WINNER of Matinee Las Vegas in 2013 and debuting at Circuit Barcelona Festival where he headlined the Beyond party in 2013. Other noted credits include working alongside two-time Grammy nominee Tony Moran as a part of Chicago’s Freedom Revolution at The Castle. He is the first DJ to play 2 consecutive years at Puerto Rico’s Choreographers Ball and was a headliner at Fly in Toronto for their Memorial Day Weekend Military Ball.

After a great year working hard on his craft and making a name for himself, Cindel was nominated and voted Best Circuit DJ at the Odyssey NYC nightlife awards, booked world Pride Toronto for two consecutive years playing the amazing TreeHouse party alongside world-renowned DJ’s Isaac Escalante & Alain Jackinsky and also headlined the official rooftop party at NYC pride. Cindel also made his big debut at one of the most popular and famous circuit events of today’s scene, XLSIOR Mykonos Greece.

Now back in Chicago, DJ Cindel continues to land bookings all over the US as well as internationally, holding 7 residencies in LA, Chicago, SF, Atlanta, Boston, Vancouver & Toronto. Cindel is very known for his deep tribal after-hours sounds mixed with lots of drums. No matter what the event or venue, he commits to giving you a set full of fantastic beats and quality sound.

DJ Cut Cuz

Cut Cuz

It’s your favorite cousin! DJ Cut-Cuz is a female DJ from the Westside of Chicago. She is the First Female DJ to graduate from Scratch Academy Chicago in 2013. Currently, she is a Teacher Assistant at Scratch Academy Chicago. DJ Cut-Cuz has played all over Chicago with sponsored companies such as RedBull and Bose. She was also a performing DJ at Ahh Fest 2016 along with holding residencies throughout the city. Let your favorite cousin take you on a musical journey!

DJ Dan Slater

DJDanSlater e1681151906982

Dan Slater is an Australian DJ and Producer based in the United States.

After years in the club scene as one of the most in demand dancers and show producers, Dan’s love of music eventually lured him onto the decks – and this new chapter has gained him the attention of promoters and clubbers around the world.

He has been bringing his upbeat, chunky house sound to dance floors across the globe, and his talent for sculpting the energy of a party is in a league of its own. He draws from the progressive sounds of the European club scene, as well as the Latino fire of South America as he moves seamlessly between house, circuit, tech and deep house.

Dan Slater Market Days 23

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He kicked off his DJ career as winner of the Sydney Mardi Gras DJ Spin-Off Competition. Since then he has gone onto sets and residencies at some of the biggest parties around the world including; Winter Party Festival (Miami), White Party Palm Springs, Matinee USA, XLSIOR Mykonos, WE Party (Madrid), White Party Week (Miami), Brüt (London), The Zoo Party (San Diego), Heaven (London), Hydrate (Chicago), Munich Pride, Taurus (Santiago), Nightingale (Los Angeles), FFF (Tel Aviv), The Week (São Paulo & Rio de Janeiro), Prism Festival (Toronto), Jubileo (Mexico City), BORDELLO (Lausanne), Joining Hearts (Atlanta), San Francisco Pride, ANGEL (Shanghai), PAPA Party, Stereosonic, Sydney Mardi Gras – the list goes on…

Dan’s foray into the studio for production has seen him produce remixes for Cher, Alfie Arcuri, Carmen Elektra, Nat Conway, Britney Spears, Paulini, Ultra Nate and Marcia Hines. His first release, ‘Minute Of You’ saw him collaborate with JimJam, and featured soul diva Nalaya. Dan’s next releases ‘Sold My Soul’ and ‘Respectable’ are with Australian singer-songwriter, Zoë Badwi.

DJ Diox

DJDiox

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.

DJ Laura B

DJLaura B

bio from hydratechicago.com

Packed dance floors and long lines prevail at clubs when Laura B is spinning. Her ability for any music genre has had the crowds moving in the clubs since 1982 in Chicago. Open format remains her specialty, but make no mistake: she has held residencies with specific genres including house, hip hop, and top 40. This talent kept Laura B a buzz and moved the “Bee” into Queen Bee status. Her experience has kept her working hard hailing over 13 years of residency at Excalibur/Vision Chicago’s largest Nightclub and over 16 years residency Hydrate Nightclub Chicago’s premier gay club where she still reigns. Other residencies also included Manhole, Hunters, and Club Escape, all in Chicago. Most recently she can be found regularly at Lark, Joy District, and STK.

Chicago radio waves have broadcasted several “live from the club” mix shows with Laura B. Q101 aired her show Alternative Beats for several years where she spun trance, techno, and house live from the club Aura every Thursday night. She also played for Energy 97’s Friday night dance parties. Prerecorded mix sets were heard on B96 and several Internet radio shows spanning decades.

For over 20 years she’s provided her skills for Runway Fashion Shows in Chicago including pre-production planning, music selection, and sound engineer for each fashion event. Fashion shows were held in several different locations including the Drake Hotel, Germania Place, and White Star Nightclub.

During Chicago’s festival season Laura provided and continues to provide her DJ skills on many stages in Chicago. Windy City Rib Fest, Andersonville Midsummer Street Festival, Pride Fest Chicago, and Northalsted Market Days.

Laura B continues to thrive using her musical expertise and shows no sign of slowing any time soon. This Queen Bee is sticking around for good!

 

DJ Laura B

Laura Bee e1623792317794

Packed dance floors and long lines prevail at clubs when Laura B is spinning. Her ability for any music genre has had the crowds moving in the clubs since 1982 in Chicago. Open format remains her specialty, but make no mistake: she has held residencies with specific genres including house, hip hop, and top 40. This talent kept Laura B a buzz and moved the “Bee” into Queen Bee status. Her experience has kept her working hard hailing over 13 years of residency at Excalibur/Vision Chicago’s largest Nightclub and over 16 years residency Hydrate Nightclub Chicago’s premier gay club where she still reigns. Other residencies also included Manhole, Hunters, and Club Escape, all in Chicago. Most recently she can be found regularly at Lark, Joy District, and STK.

Chicago radio waves have broadcasted several “live from the club” mix shows with Laura B. Q101 aired her show Alternative Beats for several years where she spun trance, techno, and house live from the club Aura every Thursday night. She also played for Energy 97’s Friday night dance parties. Prerecorded mix sets were heard on B96 and several Internet radio shows spanning decades.

For over 20 years she’s provided her skills for Runway Fashion Shows in Chicago including pre-production planning, music selection, and sound engineer for each fashion event. Fashion shows were held in several different locations including the Drake Hotel, Germania Place, and White Star Nightclub.

During Chicago’s festival season Laura provided and continues to provide her DJ skills on many stages in Chicago. Windy City Rib Fest, Andersonville Midsummer Street Festival, Pride Fest Chicago, and Northalsted Market Days.

Laura B continues to thrive using her musical expertise and shows no sign of slowing any time soon. This Queen Bee is sticking around for good!

DJ Martin

DJMartin

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.

DJ Metro

Dj Metro

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.

DJ Rae Chardonnay

DJRaeChardonnay

Rae Chardonnay Taylor is a DJ and Arts Administrator with a background in events management and production.  She began DJing in 2010 and has since held residencies at venues in Chicago including Underground Wonder Bar and The Promontory and has circulated many private and public events to share her musical styling techniques. She is the Founder of Black Eutopia, a series of segmented programming intended to cultivate space for marginalized communities. She is also a co-founder of Party Noire. Rae utilizes her passion for activism to create community outreach and development strategies through event coordination. Her involvement in programs  at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Stony Island Arts Bank,  School of the Art Institute and various arts organizations have catapulted her career in unimaginable ways. She is dedicated to encouraging a life of open-minded learning and expression.

MUSICAL EXPLORATIONS INCLUDE HOUSE FROM AROUND THE WORLD, SOUL, FUNK, DISCO & HIP HOP FROM THE NEW AND OLD SCHOOL. RECENTLY NOTED AS CHICAGO’S BEST DJ BY THE CHICAGO READER, SHE IS DEDICATED TO MAKING BACKS SWEAT ON THE DANCE FLOOR.

Rae Chardonnay Taylor is graduate of Columbia College Chicago, holding a B.A. in Arts Management.

DJ Vlad

DJVLAD

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.

DJ X-tasy

DJ XTasy FEATURE

bio from mixcloud.com

Born in Mexico City, but raised in the northwest side of Chicago IL. Julio Gomez, also known as D.j. X-tasy, had a passion for music since the age of eight. His ability to mix different genres and decades of music has made him one of Chicago’s most talented and favorite DJs!

Today, D.j. X-tasy holds residencies all over the city and suburbs. Make sure to follow him on all social media to stay up to date with his latest appearances.

Known for his unique and diverse talent, Julio Gomez (DJ X-Tasy) has been in the LGBTQ community for over ten years.

DJ X-Tasy debuted in the LGBT+ community since 2009 with one of the longest long running 18+ nights, “Wild Thursdays.”

His unique way and ability of mixing different genres has given him the ability to rock any crowd no matter the race or age, and has made him one of the best in Boystown!

With his ability to mix different eras and genres of music, he can pretty much rock any club or venue he gets to perform.

DJ X-tasy

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Born in Mexico City, but raised in the northwest side of Chicago IL. Julio Gomez also known as D.j. X-tasy Had a passion for music since the age of eight. When he saw that set of turntables and mixer inside his brothers room, he was just amazed what those things can do to two songs. His first gig was at his 8th Grade luncheon. At that moment he knew this is something he really wanted to do. His ability of mixing almost every type of music genre and decade has given him the opportunity to rock different crowds in the city of Chicago.

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DJ ZEL

DJZel

ZEL is an open format DJ who hails from Carol Stream, IL. She is affiliated with CAS Music Group, Scratch Music Group, Deftal, and Method Musicis. DJ ZEL is now based in Chicago and she currently works as the official DJ for the Chicago White Sox!