Meghan Murphy is an actor/singer/producer/solo artist currently performing in the worlds of Theatre, Music, and Cabaret. Her incredible range of talents has taken her all over the world, creating and performing in countless musical theater shows and concerts, delivering her long-running one-woman show, The Big Red Show, and singing in her Chicago-based blues band, Everybody Says Yes.
In a city brimming with classic blues and jazz divas, Lynne Jordan stands apart. Not only do her soaring vocals dip effortlessly into blues, jazz, funk, rock and even country but her bawdy personality wins over any crowd. Her talent so dazzled the Second City that the late Chicago film critic Roger Ebert declared her his “favorite diva.” Backed by her sizzling band The Shivers, Jordan quickly developed into a Chicago institution, playing jazz and blues clubs, swanky lounges and even the charity circuit throughout the country. She brought her special brand of storytelling, raw humor and performance to New York and Atlanta with her sold-out show, “A Musical Tribute To Nina Simone.”
Although Jordan’s nuanced singing and standout style echo Simone’s musical legacy, the singer’s warmth and grace point to her Midwest upbringing. Growing up in Dayton Ohio, Jordan came from a family of church-going singers who encouraged humility. She down-played her big voice until she was singled out to star in school musicals. From then on, there was no way to hide her gifts. Arriving in Chicago to study at Northwestern University, Jordan promptly changed her major from journalism to theater and has been performing non-stop ever since. She performed as an Arts Ambassador representing the City of Chicago in Moscow and Kyiv and has graced stages throughout Europe and South America and is currently featured in the Jazz Opera, “Don’t Worry, Be HaRpy” by French composer Isabelle Olivier. The cast of four U.S. singers and an all-French orchestra triumphed but the real challenge for Lynne was when she portrayed all four characters in a solo tour de force performance. “I was terrified at first, but the experience was exhilarating!” The show returned to Paris for a third tour in June 2016. She has released two CD’s to date and is featured on recordings by Tom Waits, Urge Overkill and several compilations, most notably a tribute to Janis Joplin: “Blues Down Deep: Songs of Janis Joplin” which also featured Etta James, Otis Clay, Taj Mahal & Koko Taylor.
Boasting an effervescent selection of music and stories for her Nina Simone tribute, Jordan sold out Chicago’s City Winery and did the same in New York and Atlanta. “For so long, I was told to nail my music to a genre or language and like her, I never did. I will sing in English, French, Hebrew or Japanese. It’s the song and the story that matters. To me, she represents the indie spirit of individuality and inclusiveness.” Showcasing all that individuality, Jordan offers up an eclectic array of music to the audience as they get to experience the multi-faceted diva glory—alongside the excellent musicianship and energy of her band the Shivers – which Chicago has been enjoying for decades. She has written a one woman show with LA playwright Andrew Barrett. A GREAT BIG DIVA and reading from the script in December 2017.
She has recorded with Tom Waits; The Punk group Urge Overkill; Alligator Records Blues artist Toronzo Cannon; featured amongst Taj Mahal, Etta James, and Koko Taylor on Blues Down Deep: A Tribute to Janis Joplin and her own CD’s: Bit o Fun and Holiday Shivers. Lynne performed in Jazz Operas in Europe, performed her own one-woman show, and is a featured vocalist with Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues.
Lynne has traveled the world with her band the Shivers including a life-changing performance in Kyiv, Ukraine in Freedom Square before an audience of 250,000. Jordan has performed her works at numerous Live lit (storytelling) shows in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Moscow, Rio, Riga, and Paris and is featured in the book: Chicago Storytellers, From Page to Stage.Because she is a popular entertainer in Chicago, she has honed her storytelling skills with every song, in every concert and event, and created a one-woman show “A Great Big Diva” that includes her wonderful stories and music.
Lynne is a 3Arts Make a Wave Artist, and recipient of the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago: Outstanding Achievement in Music – Rhythm & Blues award in 2017-2018. She is currently enjoying a “Diva Residency” as an artist in residence at the Raue Center for the Performing Arts in Illinois. Lynne is presently working on two new recordings: one includes original material from Corky Siegel, Toronzo Cannon, and John Cameron Mitchell and the other is exclusively classic blues tunes from the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s.
One of the greatest Latin Hip Hop/Freestyle/Pop divas to come out of the 1980’s music scene is the legendary Lisa Velez also known as Lisa Lisa of the 80’s supergroup Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. Produced by Full Force, the group shot straight up the charts and went platinum several times over their first few albums. Their freshman album “Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force”, had her break-out hits “I Wonder If I Take You Home” and “Can You Feel The Beat”. Those two songs alone helped to launch the underground genre of “Freestyle music” into the mainstream.
Then the amazing 80’s supergroup did it again with the second album “Spanish Fly” by crossing over to the pop charts with mega-hits like “Head to Toe” and “Lost In Emotion”. If that wasn’t epic enough they sealed that success with their third album “Straight to the Sky” releasing another music number one pop single called “Little Jackie”. Needless to say, Columbia records had instant superstars on their roster of artists.
As the ’80s faded out and the ’90s came in with a new sound merging both the dance music and hip hop seamlessly, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam rode that wave to a fourth album “Straight Out of Hell’s Kitchen”. The group collaborated with 2 of the 90’s hottest producers Robert Clivilles, and the late David Cole, a duo known as C&C Music Factory on a song called “Let The Beat Hit Em”. The song went on to be one of the biggest dance singles of that decade.
The album, “Straight Out Of Hell’s Kitchen, ” was named after Lisa Velez’s childhood neighborhood. The youngest of 10 children, born in the Hell’s Kitchen section of New York City, Lisa aspired to be a singer very early on in life. At age 13, Lisa would sneak out to nightclubs where she met Mike Hughes of ”Cult Jam”. Mike introduced her to Full Force, the guys that would become her life-changing music producers. Full Force’s Bowlegged Lou, Paul Anthony, and B-Fine were immediately impressed with Lisa’s angelic sounding voice. The collective works of producers & artists would soon launch three individuals Lisa Velez, Mike Hughes, and Alex Mosley now known to the world as Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam to super-stardom.
Throughout her journey, Lisa Lisa became the first Latin platinum artist to be recognized nationwide. She has paved the way for some of the Latin female artists to come after her, such as Selena and Jennifer Lopez. As the group went their separate ways in 1994, Lisa released her first solo album “LL77” on Chrysalis records which included a Top 40 hit “Skip To My Lu” and her first Spanish track “Cuando Me Enamore”. Driven, Lisa branched off into the acting world in the mid-’90s. She first gravitated to the theater world performing in Broadway and off-Broadway plays such as “Barrio Babes” and “West Side Story”. Then in 2001, she hit the television airways as a young sharp-witted mother Gloria Morales in the popular Nickelodeon series “Taina” that lasted 2 seasons. Lisa also made an appearance on the hit series Law & Order in 2003 as a desperate mother who made a bad decision to save her terminally ill son’s life and ends up on the wrong side of the law. This role showed the world her acting diversity.
After more than 30 years of being a trailblazer in the music business and gracing the acting world Lisa’s journey is far from over. Lisa and her team Robert Drieslein “Bobby Dee Productions” & “Uncle Snoops Army” the legendary Snoop Dogg himself are working on bringing some amazing things. Lisa Lisa continues to tour the world with her band SoDisrespectful and her dance ensemble. Stay tuned!
Kristine Elizabeth Weitz, widely known by her stage name Kristine W, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and entrepreneur. She is most widely known as a dance music artist. Born and raised in Pasco, Washington, she found early success competing in pageants and talent contests, winning Miss Washington and a preliminary swimsuit award as well as a NFT award in the Miss America pageant. Kristine W is now one of the most popular dance club artists of all time, with 17 #1s to date on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. She is currently listed among Billboard’s 8 Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists, and she was ranked number three in Billboard’s Top Dance Artists of the Decade. She is especially popular in the gay community and is an outspoken supporter of LGBT rights, frequently performing at pride rallies and charity events for pro-LGBT organizations throughout the U.S.
After competing in Miss America, Kristine W moved to Las Vegas, where she regularly performed at the Las Vegas Hilton and won “Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year” for several years. Kristine W was recognized by the city of Las Vegas for her record-breaking number of shows, which lead to June 28 being officially designated as Kristine W Day by the state of Nevada. Those performances lead to her first record deal and subsequent debut single, “Feel What You Want”, marking the singer’s first of 17 #1s on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Kristine W is also tied for third place with Beyoncé for the most consecutive #1 hits with nine. In addition, her album The Power of Music is one of only three albums in the history of the chart to produce at least seven No. 1s from one album (Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream [2010] also had seven, and Rihanna’s Anti [2016] had eight).
KaJahn Ari, a Chicago native, had shown a great love for the arts at a young age and began on the path of a Triple Threat at the age of 5. She started out in talent shows within the Chicago Public School system and Praise Dancing for various community church audiences. After her parents seeing the spark of pure and original talent, she received some formal training in Ballet and Gymnastics. In her middle school years, she expanded her talent by joining the Drama Club, Concert Choir and Show Choir along with formal Vocal Tech training. During this explosion of talent discovery, she was a participant in The Young Americans Workshop and the Darrin DeWitt Henson Dance Workshop.
In the summer of 2009, KaJahn continued her journey by joining the Community Engagement Program of the Joffrey Ballet Chicago. This intensive summer program included performances at Millennium Park and culminated with a community performance at the boat house in Chicago’s Humboldt Park. As a reward for her hard work and dedication, she was offered a Scholarship into the Joffrey Ballet Chicago Bridge Program for 2009-2010. While in high school, she was a member of the Rich South Starettes Dance team, the School Choir and performed throughout 2010-2011 at various community events with a Hip-Hop Dance Crew called CrossXout.
In 2012 decided to take her singing career to the next level and becoming a recording artist. Working with her dad made her want to go to the next level. “I want to dance to my own music”. From there she began to expand on her vocals and teamed up with her cousin/writer Simone Ingram to create her first song “Voodoo” in 2014. After the passing of her dad, it only put more fire into her spirit. She spent the remainder of the year recording her own music at home with her fathers studio equipment the was left for her. She made herself a soundcloud account and started sharing her music and gaining a following. By the summer of 2015 she was opening up for great performers like Tyra B, Do or Die and performing at clubs and sold out local venues.
Today, KaJahn Ari plans to pursue her educational goals along with seeking out new and creative avenues in the performing arts. Her passion for performing continues to drive the need to expound on her talents by gaining new and challenging roles in theater, choreography and song.
Known for his tribal and progressive house sound, as well as tech, disco house, deep house, trance and techno – Joe Pacheco brings this and more to Market Days. Pacheco, a DJ since 2015, has been a resident DJ for a New York-based party, M.E.A.T. He also is a regular in Atlanta, Miami and Columbus, Ohio.
Serving you that NYC Big Room Sound, Joe Pacheco will take you on a euphoric journey reminiscent of the Concrete Jungle he grew up in.
Having spun in major world capitals such as Mykonos, Amsterdam, London, Sydney, New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles for parties such as WINTER PARTY FESTIVAL, XLSIOR Mykonos, M.E.A.T., HIM PARTY, BEYOND, and GPS along with superstar DJs such as Nina Flowers, Alex Acosta, Tom Stephan, Rick Braile, Paulo Pacheco, Anne Louise, GSP, and Danny Verde, Pacheco continues to hone his craft with each experience he encounters.
Inspired also by an international sound, he delivers a sensual sound that spans the electronic dance music spectrum; with a mixture of addictive beats and powerful vocals, be prepared for your deep-seated carnal soul to emerge
Grammy winner and 3 time Grammy nominee Jody Watley; multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer/independent label owner and style icon is one of the architects of 21st-century Pop/R&B/Dance music.
From her groundbreaking marriage of rap & R&B (1987’s “Friends,” a collaboration with hip-hop legends Eric B. & Rakim) to her vision-forward marriage of high fashion, street fashion, and music in the ‘80s (long before it became the norm), to her fusion of jazz and underground club culture with keen pop instincts, and the ease with which she crossed and still crosses genre, Watley forged the template that is now everybody’s playbook.
To date as a solo artist, she’s had 6 Hot 100 Singles, 15 Top 40 Singles, 13 #1 Dance Singles, 2 #1 R&B Singles.
Listed as one of Billboard Magazine’s Top Female Artists and Top Dance Artists of All Time in 2018; Winner of the Best New Artist Grammy in 1987, Jody Watley’s entire career has been about looking forward, drawing inspiration from personal heroes and iconoclasts always ten steps ahead of the pack since her days as the original female lead and sound of the group Shalamar. The Chicago native’s eclectic repertoire – R&B, hip-hop, House, jazz, pop, drum & bass, ambient, spoken-word – is built on a positive vision and a strong taste for artistic and aesthetic risk. The Jody Watley concert experience is an energetic hit packed music journey spanning decades.
Classic Hits Include: Looking For A New Love, Don’t You Want Me, Friends, Everything, Real Love and More.
You know you’re not just another indie soul band when your city sends you halfway around the world to showcase the sound of 21st century Chicago. Or when the mayor of Chicago personally invites you to play his inauguration concert or calls you to entertain foreign dignitaries. The JC Brooks Band came from humble beginnings, dreaming about getting the cool kids to shake it at the Empty Bottle and since have collected a wide range of fans around the globe.
Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy befriended the post-punk soul group after they scored a viral hit with their amped-up re-imagining of his song “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart”, performing it with them at Chicago’s Park West and inviting them to appear at Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival alongside heavy hitters such as Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and the Band’s Levon Helm. Jake Johnson and Aubrey Plaza appeared in a music video with them. The taste-making crate diggers at the Numero Group were impressed enough by the band’s take-no-prisoners live show to include them in their Eccentric Soul Revue, where they had the pleasure of collaborating with the spectacular Syl Johnson. The JC Brooks Band has shared stages with a staggering array of artists, from legends like Robert Plant, Buddy Guy, and Chicago, to indie faves Peter Bjorn & John and the Dismemberment Plan, and soul stirrers Fitz & the Tantrums, Sharon Jones, Lisa Loeb, Lee Fields, and Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens.
Erupting with raw emotion, JC Brooks unleashes his soulful shouts and heart-wrenching falsetto over the relentless rhythm of guitarist Evan Pinter, drummer Kevin Marks, bassist Theodore Berry IV, keyboardist Jeremy Tromberg and percussionist-extraordinaire, JoVia Armstrong. JC Brooks and his band are a force to be reckoned with, leading the Chicago Tribune to call them “the real deal” and MOJO Magazine identifying them as “one of the hottest US soul acts”, while the New York Times praised their “neo-soul glory” and the Onion AV Club declared their first album “relentlessly catchy”. It’s live, it’s compelling, it’s now, it’s theatrical. So theatrical, in fact, that they were tapped to star in the critically-acclaimed run of the Tony Award-winning musical “Passing Strange” at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts.
After a forced hiatus this band is a sleeping dragon awakened from hibernation and hungry. Whether they’re wowing crowds in the US, Canada, or Europe, the JC Brooks Band has toured, warred, scored, and they’re not to be ignored. Bear witness, for they’re on the move and they’re ready to make you MOVE by any means necessary.
In the US and abroad Jacob Bjorge has earned a reputation as a creative innovator, combining high octane future-focused rock with the artistic imaging of contemporary art & fashion. Jacob creates a world that is unique to his cowboy past and rock n’ roll present.
Jacob Bjorge has capitalized on his years as an entertainment producer to become an artist with a unique vision. From bespoke videos & visuals to installation art, each Jacob Bjorge show is a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether it’s turned up to 11 or playing to an intimate crowd, Jacob has developed sets that can be performed on large stages or in intimate nightclubs, both electric and acoustic.
For well over a decade, iPOP has been booked at festivals, clubs, corporate events, and weddings all across the Midwest. With an emphasis on variety, the band seamlessly transitions from genre to genre – from Top 40 favorites, to Classic Rock, to Country, to Hip-Hop, to 80’s & 90’s nostalgia – all performed with an engaging stage show!
bio from swishcraftmusic.com
Whether it’s Hip Hop, R&B, Funk, or House music, she’s in there. You’ve heard her voice on Mousse T’s “HORNY”, on “NASTY GIRL”, and “KEEP PUSHIN”, but we must go on to mention a few others like, “I AM THA 1”, “STAND BY ME”, “GLAMOROUS LIFE”, “SHOUT IT OUT”, “MOVIN UP”, “BREAKAWAY”, & “NATURAL HIGH”. She’s had numerous UK, Aria, and Billboard top tens, (including 6 Billboard #1 dance-charters), and is still going strong!
Who is she? She’s Inaya Day!
Besides writing for herself, Inaya has written for Bootsie Collins, Randy Crawford, and Missy Elliot, to name just a few. In addition to house music, Inaya writes, records and performs gospel, musical theater, jazz, hip-hop (Queen Latifa, MC Lyte, Missy Elliott, Sean Puffy Combs, Big Daddy Cane, etc), and R&B. Seeking to gain more control over the fate of her music, Inaya started her own record label, Ny-O-Dae Music, from which she’s released the titles, “HIGHER PLACE”, “CHASE ME”, “THAT NIGHT”, “ONE WAY” (which graced the ARIA chart in 2011 and 2012), the reggae-flavored, “JUMP UP & DOWN”, and “LOOKING FORWARD”.
Inaya also had a moment in film when she acted and sang as “Jiffy” in “WHO SHOT PAT?” with Sandra Bullock in 1989.
It’s no wonder that this card-carrying member of the Actor’s Equity Association, groomed in church and musical theater (THE WIZ, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, etc), would become one of the most prolific writers and frequently heard voices on the Universe’s dance floors.
Listen out for Inaya’s music, including her collaboration with Crystal Waters & Stonebridge, “LONG DAY”, her collaboration with Marc JB of Bimbo Jones, “EVERY BREATH” (w/mixes by Bimbo Jones, Frankie Knuckles, Tony Moran, GoldLock & Octagon) Billboard #6 “STRANDED” with Dirty Disco, and her 2016 Swishcraft Music release “DO WHAT WE DO” with Bit Error & Country Club Martini Crew, on a dance floor near you.
bio from allmusic.com by Matt Collar
Singer/songwriter Greyson Chance is an emotive, pop-oriented artist known for his lyrical, often piano-based material. Chance first garnered attention online before breaking through with his 2011 debut, Hold on ‘Til the Night, which hit number 29 on the Billboard 200. His sound has grown ever more nuanced, incorporating textured electronic production alongside his acoustic work, as on 2019’s Portraits and 2021’s Trophies EP.
Born in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1997 and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, Chance first began playing piano at age eight. In April 2010, a video of Chance performing Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” at his middle-school talent show was uploaded to YouTube and went viral. It soon caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres, who invited the 12-year-old to perform on her show, and eventually signed him to her then newly launched eleveneleven record label. A deal with Interscope followed, and in December 2010 he delivered his debut single, “Waiting Outside the Lines.” The full-length Hold on ‘Til the Night followed in 2011 and cracked the Top 40 during its first week of release. The EP Truth Be Told, Pt. 1 arrived in 2012.
Chance continued to tour and record over the next few years. As he matured his voice deepened, and his taste shifted toward nuanced indie rock and alternative electronic pop. He showcased this sophisticated sound on his 2016 EP Somewhere Over My Head. Included on the set were the singles “Afterlife,” “Hit & Run,” and “Back on the Wall.” Also that year, he guested on tyDi and Jack Novak’s dance track “Oceans.” Chance came out as gay in July 2017, making the announcement via social media and stating that he was happy and proud of who he was. The dramatic single “Low” followed that December. A spate of singles appeared over the next year including “Lighthouse,” a collaboration with DJ/producer Fabian Mazur, “Good as Gold,” and “Twenty One.”
In 2019, Chance delivered his sophomore full-length album, Portraits, which featured production by Willy Beaman, Christian Medice, and Todd Spadafore. Included was the single “Shut Up.” The EP Trophies arrived in June 2021, as did the stand-alone track “Hellboy.”
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!
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.
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.
Jorge Flores, aka NINA FLOWERS, was born in the city of Bayamon Puerto Rico in 1974.He began his career in music in 1989, where he became a resident Dj at one of the most prestigious clubs in the Caribbean, Krash Klub Kafe. As a DJ/Producer he brings an infectious understanding of how to bring music alive on the dance floor.As a recording artist he has collaborated with some of the most talented Dj’s/Producers/Remixers of this new Era in music. Today Nina Flowers holds Dj residencies in several cities in the US and, and he continues to captivate fans around the globe with his powerfully engaging connection to the audiences, and his progressive sound filled with tribal beats.“The lights, the music, the stage, and the crowd – putting it all together – magic in the making” – Nina Flowers
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!
Mexican Sensation DJ and Producer Alex Acosta has taken over the world with his fresh, upbeat, and very energetic sound, playing at the hottest Music Festivals and Clubs around the globe. On top of that, he is a chart-topping producer, whose work is supported by several DJs and thousands of fans worldwide.
Alex Acosta’s name in the music industry has become the favorite of several DJs and Fans worldwide, who always support/feature his extensive Original Production and Remix work on their radio shows as well as their live sets. As an Independent Artist, Alex has stamped his signature sound through many tracks. Several of those have reached #1 sales on many online music stores, as well as a Top 20 on Beatport’s competitive House Music Charts. Furthermore several of his remixes have been key in helping tracks reach the high charting position on Billboard Charts: 10 #1s on Billboard’s Dance/Club Charts, with production for Rihanna, Kristine W, Dirty Werk, Skylar Stecker, Luciana & Dave Aude, Tony Moran feat. Jason Walker. A #2 for Martha Wash, and several other top 10 Billboard’s Dance/Club Charts for production work for Ariana Grande, Nick Jonas, LeAnn Rimes, Duncan Morley, and many more. Among the Record labels where Alex’s tracks have been released, we have Pool E Music, LE7ELS/PRMD, Guareber Recordings, KULT Records, Carrillo Music, Matinée Music plus many more.
Besides being a successful music producer, Alex Acosta has become one of the most important Latin American DJs. With over 20 years in the DJ Industry, he has established himself in a Global Scale, by playing at the Hottest Venues and Festivals in major cities worldwide: Sydney, Mykonos, Madrid, Barcelona, New York, Miami, Atlanta, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Boston, Provincetown, Orlando, Vancouver, Toronto, Playa del Carmen, Bangkok, Shanghai, Tokyo, Taipei, Seoul, São Paulo, Lima, Medellin, Guangzhou, Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Monterrey … and many more. He’s had the opportunity to take his sound Global, by playing in three different continents, for thousands of fans who travel throughout regions, to enjoy the high-energy and powerful beats that he drops on his sets.
Among the High Profile festivals where he has played, one can name: New York World Pride 2019, Sydney Mardi Gras, XLSior Festival (Mykonos), Winter Party Festival (Miami, FL), Madrid WE World Pride Festival, Muccassasina (Rome), The Week Brazil (Rio & São Paulo), Original Brazilian Pool Party (Rio de Janeiro), Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party Palm Springs (Palm Springs), Folsom St Fair (San Francisco), Independence Week (Provincetown), One Magical Weekend/GayDays (Orlando), Masterbeat NYLA (Los Angeles, CA), Arena & Paradiso (Playa del Carmen), Vallarta Fever & Latin Fever (Puerto Vallarta), Feel Alive (Mexico City Pride), Vancouver Gay Pride, WORK (New York), gCircuit Song Kran (Bangkok), G5 (Taipei), Glamorous (Tokyo), HEAVEN (Shanghai), PAPA Festival (Guangzhou).
Finally, he currently holds club residencies throughout several cities in the US: Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, New York, Boston, Provincetown, Chicago, Ann Arbor, Denver, Houston, Dallas, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego. Furthermore, he holds regular club/festival residencies in Mexico, Spain, Italy, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Brazil, Colombia, and Canada.
From America to Europe and Asia, Alex Acosta has become a Global Sensation and has proven himself to be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on the most demanding dance floors around the world.
After nearly two decades of pleasing enthusiastic clubbers, Deanne is more passionate than ever about bringing the party to life and her music to the masses. Her continual evolution of sound provides infectious rhythms to intimate, sexy spaces or big, booming rooms and expansive stages through her signature combinations of big beats, strong synths, dramatic arrangements, and a soulful sprinkling of vocals. Tribal, Tech, House, and Progressive House beats and rhythms are combined to take her listeners on a unique journey that is marked with emotion, sensuality, undeniable energy, and a palpable “dance floor drama”.
Hailing from Indianapolis, her style and sound set her apart and took her to the top where she commanded the Indy scene for over 10 years. Long-running residencies on internet stations like EnergyRadio.FM, FusionChicago, PartyRadioUSA, WeDanceAs1, GayInternetRadioLive (G.I.R.L.) and FGRadioUSA created a global audience. Looking to expand her audience stateside and catapult her career, Deanne relocated to South Florida in late 2013. Since then, Deanne has secured headlining appearances with WE Party, One Magical Weekend, Winter Party Festival, Peach Party, Miami Beach Pride, Gay Days, White Party Week Miami, IML (Chicago), Distrkt C, Reload (LA), Purple Party, Dallas Pride, Circuit Saturday (Denver), Gus Presents, and Joining Hearts (Atlanta), to name a few. Deanne also has regular appearances at legendary clubs, Crown & Anchor, The EndUp, Hydrate, Manhole, Jungle, Xion, Heretic, The Cuff, Pavilion, Score, Heart, The Manor, Rich’s Houston, and more.
As a Producer and # 1 Billboard Remixer, Deanne is also making music to move the masses. With recent releases on record labels like Queen House Music, Pump Records, Hammer Music, Big Mouth Music, Gonna Be Records, and more, Billboard Dance Chart-topping remixes and support from colleagues and tastemakers, Deanne’s unique sound is pumping through venues and parties all over the world. Having played alongside Paulo, Isaac Escalante, Alex Acosta, Twisted Dee, DJ Grind, Cindel, Marco Da Silva, Brett Henrichsen, and DJ Aron, to name a few, Deanne is a force to be reckoned with and a bright shining star.
Danny Verde is one of the most sought after DJs and remixers on the international and U.S. scene. He is a master in all aspects of music: including house, dance-pop productions, DJ, song writing, keyboardist and vocal arrangements.
He has remixed some of the biggest pop stars of our time: Avicii, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Cher, Cyndi Lauper, Selena Gomez & Scissor Sisters just to name a few and he had no less then fourteen number 1 Billboard Dance Chart hits.
He has headlined Xlsior Festival Mykonos, We Party Madrid, Sydney Mardi Gras, Masterbeat Los Angeles, Purple Party Dallas, White Party Palm Springs, Miami WInter Festival, Europride Rome sharing the stage with Lady Gaga, San Diego Pride, Magnitude San Francisco, Muccassassina Rome, Songkran Bangkok, Mexico City Pride, Montreal’s Black & Blue, The Week Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
Danny was part of the DJ line-up of the biggest pride in the world in New York in June 2019, where hundreds of thousands of people joined the events and celebrated the 50th anniversary of Stonewall uprising. His remix of the iconic song “Time After Time” (produced along with Steven Redant , as part of Bent Collective duo) has been chosen by legendary Cyndi Lauper herself for her perfomance at NYC World Pride stage.
He was recently hired to remix Cher’s latest single “Gimme Gimme Gimme (a man after midnight) off her ABBA cover album “Dancing Queen”, soundtrack of “Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again”, the sequel of the musical “Mamma Mia”; Danny remix is included in Cher’s E.P. “Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight)”.
Although Danny is often associated with his pop house productions, his sets might space from uplifting progressive house sound to hi energy tech-house, which will take you to a full-on unconventional musical trip!
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!
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.
Congress of Starlings is a long-time favorite on the Chicago indie music scene. Aerin Tedesco and Andrea Bunch have been called ‘two of the most beautiful noises on the planet.’ The Starlings have brought their music to world famous venues like Milwaukee’s Summerfest, The National Women’s Music Festival, Halsted Market Days, Taste of Chicago, Pride Fest, Hard Rock Café, The House of Blues, and to beloved Chicago venues like The Old Town School of Folk Music, SPACE, Schuba’s and Martyr’s.
Whether as an acoustic duo or a full band, Congress of Starlings joyfully delivers a unique, startling blend of unearthly harmonies, rich melodies, and unusual metres. Lyrically, their concerns reach from the depths of the heart, across the damaged American landscape, and through the mists of other worlds. Their voices are unmatched in their ability to move and enrapture audiences. Their songs are raw and powerful.
The current line up for full band shows features Janet Cramer on drums, (Grupo Paz, www.cramerdrums.com); Greg Nergaard on bass, (The Right Now, www.therightnow.com, Soulio Jazz, https://souliojazz.com/) and Lindsay Weinberg on vocals (Lindsay and the Lights Go Out, Come Sunday, Conspiracy Theories, lindsayweinbergmusic.com).
Aerin and Andrea have collaborated on 3 albums; Albedo, Faun Songs, and Numinous, which was named best album of 2004 by Indie Music Review. Together, they’ve earned the prestigious Three Arts Excellence grant to attend the Ragdale Artist’s retreat, were named best new artist of 2011 by Bump N Grind indie music publication and runners up for best new queer artist by OutMusic.
The Starlings have also created stellar tributes to Heart, as Little Queens, and to the Indigo Girls with Great Moments in Vinyl.
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.
CeCe Peniston was born Cecilia Veronica Peniston in Dayton, Ohio. CeCe Peniston spent most of her formative years in Phoenix, Arizona, and got her start in singing at church. She performed in plays and musicals and participated in talent shows while learning to play the piano. Cece studied Liberal Arts at the University of Phoenix, which allowed her to develop her skills in writing lyrics. In 1989, CeCe was crowned Miss Black Arizona and reigned as Miss Galaxy in 1990.
In 1991, CeCe elevated as a true artist when a friend and Phoenix-based record producer, Felipe “DJ Wax Dawg” Delgado, asked her to record back- up vocals for a female rapper slated to release an album on A&M Records. Soon after, Peniston showed her willingness to make her own individual mark in the business, and land her solo project commissioned by then A&M Records music executive, Manny Lehman. Peniston’s hit single known today as “Finally” was born and CeCe accomplished what all talented artists only dream of, inking a deal for her own debut album.
The 1990s proved to be substantial for the Dayton, Ohio native. She became an international sensation and was considered to be one of the most successful dance club artists in the history of the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play Charts. Peniston was successful at scoring five major number one hits within three years. Her signature Dance hit “Finally” was #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and #2 on the UK Top 75. It became one of the biggest dance records in history to sell over 3 million copies worldwide.
Peniston set in motion a series of singles and videos, all of which had varying success. Many of her songs triggered a series of Billboard Awards nominations in several categories and gained acceptability and appeal from fans across many genres of music. She is incredibly successful! However, the years leading up to 2014 have been filled with ups and downs for the now 45-year-old Singer, Writer, and Performer. Still an artist at heart, CeCe is reinventing herself and taking on a whole new image through television, fitness, and social media.
Her charitable organizations, LOTS (Lifting Voices To Succeed), and being an Ambassador to the National PT A, are also of great importance to her. Both have kept her dedicated to establishing the significance of placing the right values on youth in the early stages of their lives so that in their formative years, their milestones will be great and their struggles will be few. This love of bringing care and goodness to others is a way of inspiring her to write lyrics to songs that really matter.
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!
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!
Back Lot Bash started in 2004 in response to the lack of women’s events and the limited presence of female artists in the Chicago LGBTQ community. What started as a one-day event to showcase local female artists and community organizations, has now grown into a 4-day festival due to the overwhelming response from local businesses, community partners, charitable organizations and the women’s community themselves.
Today, Back Lot Bash is an iconic staple of Chicago pride week and draws over 6000 attendees from Chicago, the Midwest and around the world to a unique outdoor venue in the historic Andersonville neighborhood. The event features local and emerging musicians and established performers of different genres as well as the first ever Chicago LGBTQ family day. Back Lot Bash highlights unity, equality, diversity and inclusiveness in an environment that is festive and celebratory of everyone in our community.
Every year, Back Lot Bash partners with local organizations such as HRC Chicago, CMSA and AIDS Ride Chicago to showcase their organizations at the event. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds are donated from Back Lot Bash to a number of charitable organizations including A Sister’s Hope, Girls in the Game, UCAN, and other groups focused on Women’s/LGBTQ issues.
In 2017, Roberts and Klujian had the honor and distinction of being recipients of the esteemed HRC Community Service Award in recognition of their community involvement and the impact they have had in supporting and advocating for Chicago’s LGBTQ community.
Please contact us at backlotbash@yahoo.com.
Thank You,
Christina and Amie
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.
