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, we 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. Our 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 our signature joyous irreverence.
CGMC
CGMC has traveled extensively across North America, representing Chicago in cities including Montreal, New York, Denver, Miami, Los Angeles and New Orleans. We have also brought entertainment back home, hosting choruses from across the United States and Europe to sing with us here in Chicago.
DSC 1184 Chicago Photographer G Thomas Ward
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 our favorite love (and not-so-in-love) songs; Favorite Things, our second celebration of holiday music; and So Happy Together: Festival Gems, featuring all live performances from our 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.
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!
Season 10 contestant on Rupaul’s Drag Race! DragQueen, Dancer, Rapper, Activist!
The Vixen is known for blending political activism and queer advocacy into her drag performances. She has been an outspoken critic about anti-black sentiment in America, including in white queer communities, stating, “you [often] have to choose between calling out racism or homophobia”.
In November 2016, Taylor co-founded “Black Girl Magic”, a drag show consisting of only African-American queens. Drag Race alumni Dida Ritz and Shea Couleé are part of this show. Her fellow season ten contestants Asia O’Hara, Monét X Change, and Monique Heart were added to the line-up of the “Black Girl Magic” cast in June 2018.
The Vixen was announced as one of fourteen contestants for season ten of RuPaul’s Drag Race on February 22, 2018. She won the episode two main challenges. Outside of Drag Race, The Vixen had a booth covered with the Black Girl Magic logo for the first annual Wakandacon in August 2018. She became a sponsor for Grindr’s “Kindr” public service announcement in September 2018, in an effort to stop racial discrimination in the app.
On March 5th and 6th, Vixen performed alongside fellow drag race alum Bebe Zahara Benet, Bob The Drag Queen, Monique Heart, Peppermint, and Shea Couleé in Nubia tour, a live drag show featuring and produced by Black Drag Queens.
Sky Jetta is an international DJ + Producer. Jetta’s dj sound is nostalgic,funky, and overall fly to death with blends that would cut through the dance floor and energy to make her sets unforgettable. No matter the event or crowd, the open-format styled DJ Sky Jetta knows how to put on a show for any audience.
Sky has worked with various corporate companies such as Foot-Locker, Jordan Brand, Google, H&M, and Red Bull to name a few. She has also played notable festivals such as Lollapalooza, A3C, Lyrical Lemonade, Rolling Loud and more.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, DJ Spencer H has his finger on the pulse of what’s next in electronic dance music. Born & raised in Indiana, Spencer always felt there was a stronger beat to dance too.
Describe his sound? – Tech House, Progressive, Nu Disco Fusion. Some of his inspirations include Duke Dumont, Oliver Heldens, Gorgon City, & of course, Diplo.
Spencer made his performance debut at Utopia, an LGBTQ+ music festival in the fall of 2020 with the one and only Diplo. You can catch him at many of the hotel pools in LA & any fun dance music venue in NYC, Chicago, Miami, Denver, and more!
DJ Spencer Huff takes you on an expedition of new EDM & Dance tracks you’ll love!
Netta has become a trailblazing innovator in the world of quirky-pop, turning the genre into a colorful funhouse of fizzy experimentation. Her song “Toy” won her the Eurovision Song Contest in 2018 and has over 150 million views on YouTube alone. It also became a runaway TikTok smash last summer.
Over the past year, Netta (Netta Barzilai) has been called a “powerhouse singer with a skillful spunk that drops your jaw open and keeps your heart entertained” by LADYGUNN, “quirky, funny, and entertaining as heck” by BUST, “the role model even she didn’t know we needed” by Hey Alma, and more.
Now Netta is ready to take her next step with the bombastic new single “Nails” – her first release of 2022. “Nails” follows the release of “CEO” and the b-side “DUM” in late 2021 which opened a new musical chapter for Netta and will be part of her debut album coming in late 2022.
NYC pop recording artivist & transgender star, Mila Jam fills every room with talent, personality & undeniable style. A YouTube sensation turned Original Pop Artist, Mila is known around the world for her unforgettable stage performances & one of a kind music videos.
Mila has toured internationally with the Boradway musical Rent; performed alongside James Brown, Mark Ronson, Laverne Cox, Travis Wall, Jody Watley, Lady Keir (Deee-Lite) & Natasha Bedingfield. Appearances include BBC’s The Lilly Allen Show, MTV & MTV News, the GLAAD Media Awards with features on The Huffington Post, MTV.com, OUT.com, Shondaland.com & Perezhilton.com
Miss DJ Meg is a young and energetic individual who is known to pack any and every dance floor! Her career began at a mobile DJ company located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL when she was just 15 years old. It was this company that immersed her into the marketing of DJing. There she DJed various parties, and corporate events, including a party for one of Oprah Winfrey’s top producers, which Oprah attended.
She has spun in large-scale productions such as the annual Taste of Chicago, Taste of Lincoln and Pitchfork Music Festival. Some notable clients and companies that she has played for include Georg Jensen, Walgreens, Victoria’s Secret, Skinnygirl Cocktails, GUESS, Voli Vodka with Pitbull, Macy’s, H&M, Atia’s Project Ladybug and more!
She has had the pleasure of playing for such big names as, Lil Jon, Wynter Gordon, Vince Vaughn, Steven Spielberg, Jeremih, Chicago Blackhawks and Bulls players, Common, Bethenny Frankel, Dina Manzo, Trey Songz, Estelle and many more.
Miss DJ Meg was also the winner of the 2013 SceneTap APP’s DJ competition and named one of the 10 DJ’s on The Chicago Sun Times 2014 Top 10 DJ list. She is currently spinning in high-end clubs all over Chicago and has played internationally at the Utopia Music Conference in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
Miss DJ Meg was recently named the first ever female mixmaster on B96 radio in Chicago. After joining the B96 team, she was asked to open for Ariana Grande at the B96 Pepsi Jingle Bash. Over the course of just a couple years, her career has skyrocketed and continues to grow!
With her world famous greeting “Hello Pineapples!” and loving heart bigger than her hair, it’s impossible to imagine Chicago without Miss Foozie. She is a Character Artist, hostess, entertainer, producer, animal lover and a famed personality and household name in the city’s LGBT plus community and beyond for over 27 years, she’s won several awards, including nods from several publications. Miss Foozie is about fun and loves to involve the audience and hear them laugh. No matter if she’s performing onstage, socializing with bar patrons or prancing joyfully throughout the neighborhood, she spreads happiness and love to everyone who crosses her path. She has big plans for expansion and is embarking on a journey to win more hearts across the country.
Miss Toto lives in Chicago but started drag in Miami. She is a shark tagging, bodybuilding, international DJ/drag sensation. Outside of being a drag queen, she has taken her passion for philanthropy to raise over $50,000 for the Black Lives Matter movement. More recently she created and lead the first annual Drag-N-Tag shark tagging fundraiser with Field School for Pridelines.
Miss Toto’s other pursuits are the #SEEETOTODIE series, Choke Hole XXXTreme Drag Wrestling, producing events, as well as designing a fashion collaboration. It just takes one second until you’ll be saying “#IMINLOVEWITHMISSTOTO”!
Classical opera singer turned DJ/Producer, Matt Suave began his career as a pupil of the Chicago underground scene and has quickly become a staple on lineups around the world. After closing for Paris Hilton’s debut party in LA, Suave has gone on to play alongside Derrick Carter, LP Giobbi, Gene Farris, SG Lewis, Le Youth, & more. Meanwhile his popular remixes of Kim Petras, Charli XCX, & Cardi B have been played in clubs across the country.
His signature euphoric tech disco beats have captured dancefloors from Australia to Mexico. In 2021, Matt made his festival debut at Pride In The Park with heavyweights Tiesto & Gryffin and closed out Chicago’s renowned Market Days party. In 2022, he began his residency at NYC’s newest breakout club, The Q, and opened for piano goddess LP Giobbi at the popular Utopia beachside festival. Looking ahead, Matt plans to continue puppeteering dance floors and to release original music for the first time.
Madison Rose has slid down a rainbow from an alternate universe to wake everyone up to the full acceptance of others and most importantly – themselves. This electrifying artist has been featured in Billboard and Rolling Stone and has racked up over 18 million streams across streaming platforms.
The self proclaimed “rainbow girl against a storm cloud world” is authentically and independently on the rise and will be releasing her debut EP in Spring of 2022. Her next single “Better Off Alone” is set to light the dance floor on fire in February 2022.
There’s a new Queen in town! – If you were lucky enough to watch Queen of the Universe then you’re well aware that on the season’s finale 26-year-old Grag Queen was crowned the first winner of the competition.
The Brazilian singer wowed audiences with her show stopping performances of Andra Day’s “Rise Up” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” among others. Grag was thrilled with her victory. “I feel SO accomplished! This award symbolizes a dream come true. I am sure my family and my country are proud of me.” She’s been lauded by fellow singing Queens Alaska Thunderfuckwho said, “Grag is one of the most technically skilled singers out there, but it’s her stage presence, sense of humor, and charisma that make her an absolute superstar.” Trixie Mattel added, “She’s a star before the song even starts, and then when she begins singing – it’s over bitch.”
A staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community in Brasil, Grag – born Gregory Mohd – she’s very well-aware of how many young people are afraid to come out to be their true selves. “We live in a country that kills LGBTQ people more than any other, and our transgender people’s [life expectancy] is only 35 years old and it’s not fair. We are still trying to find some place of peace….I really want to use this platform to make people know that this situation is crazy and it’s real.”
Pop music agitator Dorian Electra makes music that is unbound by genre. Since the 2019 release of their acclaimed debut album Flamboyant, which Interview Magazine called a “pop magnum opus,” Electra has gained an intense cult following around the globe, that has been fueled by considerable critical support from places like Pitchfork, Billboard, PAPER, FADER, Gay Times, The Guardian, the New York Times, The Atlantic, and more.
People, Pussy Riot, Rebecca Black, S3RL, 645AR, and more and having been dubbed an “experimental pop figurehead,” Electra’s music blends together a masterful assortment of genres, including hardcore, metal, medieval, epic baroque, dubstep, and pop and again displays why people are calling Electra’s work “the future.”
In August 2021, Dorian Electra announced their My Agenda Live World Tour 2022, and the Deluxe edition of My Agenda which includes new original tracks and multiple remixes with features from Danny Brown, Kero Kero Bonito, Savage Ga$p, and ElyOtto.
A multi-hyphenate performer, songwriter and creator, Dyllón Burnside is best known to audiences for his starring role as ‘Ricky’ on FX and Ryan Murphy’s Emmy nominated FX series, “Pose.” He recently starred in AMERICAN HORROR STORIES and will confidentially next been in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix limited series MONSTER, opposite Evan Peters.
Dyllón first captivated audiences with his Broadway debut, starring in 2014’s Holler if Ya Hear Me, a hip-hop musical inspired by the music and lyrics of Tupac Shakur. He most recently starred in the Broadway production of Thoughts of a Colored Man.
The Pensacola, Florida native began performing professionally at the age of 12 as a member of the Hip-Hop/R&B boy band 3D. He has toured the country performing original music alongside folks like Stevie Wonder and Rihanna in such venues as Madison Square Garden and the Nokia Theater. Burnside has performed at the US Opens Men’s final as well as headlined and produced a sold-out benefit concert for GLSEN at the Cutting Room in New York City. He has released 2 singles ‘Heaven’ and ‘Silence’ both of which gained momentum on R&B charts. He is currently in the process of putting out his first EP.
In addition to his performance work, Burnside is also passionate about producing quality arts content that promotes social change. His work as a producer includes film, theatrical and musical events that serve and/or shed light on marginalized communities. He has been honored by GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign for his continuing dedication to LGBTQ+ rights. Dyllón hosted “Prideland,” a one-hour special and short-form digital series for PBS that received a GLAAD Award nomination and won the Emmy award for Outstanding Short Form Daytime Non-Fiction Program.
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.
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.
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.”
These chicks rock!” is the reaction you hear when The Gingers hit the stage! Their high-energy arsenal is filled with the greatest rock covers sprinkled with playful surprises. Their rough edge tackles traditionally testosterone-fueled tunes and is nicely bookended with plenty of layer-cake harmonies and melodic favorites that audiences know and love.
Each of The Gingers has a road-tested performance history around the Chicago festival & club music scene. Their genuine love for fun is contagious! “The Gingers Rock!” Visit their website to learn more about them.
In the years since The Aces released their acclaimed sophomore album, ‘Under My Influence’ in 2020, the band has been on a journey of self-discovery. Faced with the realities of a global pandemic, sisters Cristal and Alisa Ramirez (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), Katie Henderson (lead guitar/vocals), and McKenna Petty (bass) used quarantine as a time to reflect, confronting personal mental health issues as well as processing experiences they’d had growing up together in Provo, Utah, as part of the Mormon church. When The Aces returned to the studio, their vision — and the honesty and trust between them — felt stronger than ever.
The result of this growth period is ‘I’ve Loved You For So Long,’ the band’s third LP. Written and executive-produced by the group (along with Keith Varon, the sole collaborator on the project), the album is a sparkling indie-rock record that’s by far their most personal and self-assured work to date. From tracks that ruminate on mental health and self-sabotage to searing anthems about love, longing, and heartbreak, ‘I’ve Love You For So Long’ is a record that’ll work its way into your head and heart — and will have you singing along all the way through. Out June 2nd.
Shane Marcus is a New York City based DJ aimed at creating a full sensory musical experience by matching powerful vocals and pulsating drums centered around an international sound with heavy influences from Tel Aviv.
Having worked in nightlife for over ten years, Shane developed an affinity and passion for house music, and sought out to recreate those memorable moments that drove him to take over the decks as a DJ.
Shane delivers a truly explosive high energy performance mixing tracks from the unexpected yesterday to the well-known music we all know and love today; an experience that focuses on bringing the crowd together in a unique and memorable way.
He believes that if you can deliver an emotional experience to people through music, you can lift their senses and propel them to wherever they want to be.
Resident DJ:
ZERO SPACE NYC
MEAT NYC
LABORATORY NYC
Legacy Boston
Cherry DC
HEAT SF
Shane has spun for iconic parties across the country such as Masterbeat, Forever Tel Aviv, Circuit MOM, Cherry DC, Action!, Laboratory, Rhythm Nation, Jubileo, DIGNA, Chorus, Avalon, World Pride NYC, KOZ Miami, DC Pride, Rumours Cartegena, RUFF Miami, Fire Island Pines, MEAT, HEAT, Penthaus, CLIMAX, Hydro Festival and many more.
For as much as Sammy Rae & The Friends may be a band, this collective of, dreamers, and artists considers itself a family first.
Fronted by singer and songwriter Sammy Rae, the group flourishes in any spotlight with a combination of all-for-one and one-for-all camaraderie, palpable chemistry, deft virtuosity, and vocal fireworks. Their sound is a mélange of Sammy’s influences, rooted in classic rock, folk, and funk and sprinkled with soul and jazz. Complete with a rhythm section, horn section, keyboards, and two backup singers, Sammy Rae & The Friends have or will deliver their high-energy, spirited and unrestrained shows to sold-out audiences in the Northeast and beyond, including New York City’s Brooklyn Steel, Boston’s The Royal, LA the Teregram, Burlington’s Higher Ground, Seattle’s The Showbox, Philadelphia’s Theatre of the Living Arts and Chicago’s Metro to name a few..
“Because we come from so many different spaces and studies of music, we’re able to create something very unique,” Sammy states. “We learn from one another as we’re playing together. We’re grateful to have found people who speak the same language, but also speak their own. We have a vision for longevity. The only way that works is if we behave as a family. We’re all very grateful to have the support of one another. This is a large group of people where everyone plays an important role. It’s the lunch table I always wanted as a kid.”
Sammy Rae & The Friends built this kind of trust one show at a time. As the story goes, our fearless leader grew up in Derby, CT, learned piano, and penned her first crop of songs at just 12-years-old. Under the spell of everyone from Queen to Ella Fitzgerald to Bruce Springsteen, she honed her voice. By high school, she cut her teeth in local venues, even releasing a series of independent solo records before college. New York eventually called to the songstress as she enrolled in Manhattan College during 2013. Toughing it out tooth and nail in The Big Apple, she left college in 2014 to pursue music full-time and threw down at countless gigs while continuing to write and record at a prolific pace. At the same time, crowds doubled with every rapturous performance as they built an inclusive safe space for fans everywhere.
Meanwhile, they’ve racked up over 35 million streams on Spotify and have played festivals along The Revivalists, Lake Street Dive, ST Paul and The Broken Bones, and more.
Chicago-based vocalist Sam Fazio has established a name for himself in the music scene over the past several years. A graduate of DePaul University’s School of Music, Sam’s repertoire includes a unique mix of jazz standards and pop classics. His heartfelt interpretations showcase his soulful, yet classic style.
Sam has entertained audiences at some of the most prestigious venues in the country, including Green Mill, Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, City Winery, Untitled, and SPACE (Chicago); Cliff Bell’s (Detroit); Noce (Des Moines); and Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency and 54 Below (New York City). Sam has also taken the stage at numerous performing arts centers, including Overture Center, Schauer Arts Center, Trueblood, and Metropolis. Sam has held residencies at many renowned hotels including the LondonHouse, Chicago Hilton, and a 6-year run at the historic Drake Hotel. In addition, Sam has performed at many festivals, casinos, and events across the country. For a complete listing, see Sam’s EPK.
Sam shares the stage with some of the top musicians in the Chicagoland area and across the country. Whether performing as a trio or big band, Sam always leaves the crowd wanting more.
Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press is a peak experience band from Chicago. With a focus on bone-crushing 3 part harmonies, laser-sharp musicianship, and a top tier light show, Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press is a live performance powerhouse. The band carefully curates each show from a truly eclectic and massive repertoire in order to cultivate an unclassifiable experience of joy and entertainment for everyone in attendance. Go see Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press!
If you’re a fan of the sound, look and wow factor of that crazy little 70’s British band called Queen then get ready for Chicago’s #1 “Queen” Tribute Act, The Queen Explosion! They will rock you!
Peach is a brand and event team grown and raised in Chicago. We are dedicated to unifying and celebrating LGBTQ+ women and femme family through music, drinks, food, art and visually stimulating entertainment. Peach brings a fully immersive design for each event, partners with world-class brands to donate thousands to nonprofits, and creates elevated, inclusive experiences.
While the brand’s mission centers queer women and femmes, allies and identities across the LGBTQ+ spectrum are encouraged to join in our safe space.
Lorely Rodriguez, the singular mind behind Empress Of, is a songwriter and producer living Brooklyn, NY. In the early part of 2012, she began a personal songwriting exercise, writing, and recording a daily series of one-minute ideas. Completing each of these snippets in several hours apiece, she eventually amassed a catalog of about fifty. Selections from this series were eventually uploaded to YouTube anonymously, each paired with a blank color swatch. The fruits of this project, deemed a series of “colorminutes”, were released on cassette via the Japanese record label, Big Love, and effectively served as the launch of Empress Of.
In the latter half of 2013, following domestic and international touring stints, her most ambitious recording to date, Realize You was self-released online to critical acclaim. Illustrating great progress in production and an even more broad swath of songwriting chops, incorporating witty lyricism and soaring melodies, this is just a hint of what remains in store for the future.
Blazian Sensation Aya Ito is a native of Tokyo, Japan and a multi-genre vocalist and songwriter. Pulling influence from Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, H.E.R., Robert Glasper, Rihanna, and Jhene Aiko, Aya Ito has created her signature Pop/R&B/Soul fusion sound, while also incorporating her trilingual abilities (English, Spanish and Japanese).
Aya has toured the US and Japan wowing crowds with her spirited performances and dynamic sound. Aya’s most recent release, “Just Might” reflects Aya’s pop and R&B influences in her own way and successfully mixes both production styles with live instrumentation.
Rhea the Second is an Alternative Pop and R&B recording artist, vocalist, songwriter and producer. Her most recent achievements as an Independent artist working the reigns of the Chicago Music scene include working with Leon Bridges, Roy Kinsey, Kristen Kaza, Manasseh, Akenya Seymour, Amyna Love, Loona Dae, Melvin Knight, LeftJones, Noname, Chicago Afrobeat Project and more. She was also nominated for Chicago Reader’s Best Pop Artist and Best R&B Artist of 2023.
With over a decade of experience, Rhea the Second is remarkably skilled and unique. Ranging from experimental to the very heart of R&B, the canticles in which Second’s voice reigns over on stage graciously unveils the undeniable beauty of a confident woman creative who isn’t afraid to speak and live her truth in life or on stage.
B.Blyss! Takeover ft. Sandra Suave, DJ Feen & Ayodele Drum & Dance
Since 2004, B.Blyss! has produced culturally diverse events for individuals who self-identify as women, sapphic, or LGBTQIAA+. Those familiar with our brand know that we believe in providing inclusive yet exclusive upscale, mature, and professionally crafted events to our supporters who represent the beauty and the essence of the community and its allies.
Cobra B is a Chicago-born, St. Louis-raised DJ, musician, writer, editor and artist who mixes house music, techno, afrobeats, afro house, rap, soul, amapiano, kwaito, jungle, juke, and punk. Since launching her DJ career, she has made appearances in some of Chicago’s most legendary spaces, including Smartbar. From the Zambian house parties she went to as a kid, to the European raves and underground punk shows she went to as a young adult, Cobra B pulls from her unique influences to create energizing, boundary-pushing dance floor experiences.
In 2017, the cultural marketing company Black Thread Agency launched Peach, a Chicago-based brand and event series devoted to celebrating LGBTQ+ women and femmes. Bre Auberry (Breberries), president of the Black Thread Agency, says Peach exists to give the queer community experiences it does not always have access to. Through its themed events, Peach works to give attendees something more than just a party, but rather, a fully immersive and unique experience.
NDULGNCE is a dynamic force in music, art, and curation, known for orchestrating unforgettable experiences. As a genre-bending DJ, NDULGNCE captivates audiences at prestigious events, festivals, nightclubs, and lounges. NDULGNCE’s prowess as an artist and curator shines through in producing music, directing photoshoots, and conceptualizing graphic materials. With a proven track record of curating exceptional events and fostering community empowerment, NDULGNCE is a visionary leader at the intersection of creativity and innovation.
Too Much Molly Band is made up of 3 ridiculous Chicago based musicians. The over the top Molly Callinan (Catfight, Rock Candy, Lt. Dan Band), musical theatre’s own friend of Dorothy Alex Newkirk (Trulucks and a Vincent Restaurants, Crooners Cabaret), and Caitlin “Sequins” Simone (Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra, Shy Violet). Come hear some great songs (and a couple shitty ones), and some mediocre banter. You won’t regret it! (YOU WILL).
Mike Soriano grew up breathing house music at the early age of 10, listening to artists such as Peter Rauhofer, Bad Boy Bill, Roger Sanchez, Offer Nissim, Richard Humty Vision, among many others. Old school house music fueled his passion for electronic music. He began his career as a DJ and producer selecting and mixing tracks as a hobby, with his passion for music he started producing various genres including hip-hop and R&B. He then switched his focus to House Circuit and has been ripping dance floors since. Mike Soriano is now one of the top DJs and producers in Mexico and has been recognize for his music in all parts of the world.
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.
Matteo Lane is a New York-based comedian whose stand-up special can be seen on Netflix’s The Comedy Line-up. He was the first stand up to perform on A Little Late With Lilly Singh and has also made appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and the Comedy Jam.
Matteo is currently developing an animated series, Kickass Drag Queen, together with Bob the Drag Queen, Gary Sanchez and Unicorn Island Productions for Freeform. Not limited to just stand up, Matteo also co-hosts the podcast Inside the Closet together with Emma Willmann and performs an original cabaret, Live at the Bon Soir, to great critical acclaim. Fluent in five languages and with a singing range of six octaves, Matteo lived in Italy as an oil painter and opera singer before starting his comedy career.
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.
As one of the most sought after DJs and Producers in the industry, Joe Gauthreaux (pronounced GO TROW) has a resume full of club appearances and main events that spans the last 15 years – with the list ever growing. He has played almost every major circuit event all over the world, including Winter Party Festival, Black Party New York, White Party Miami, Song Kran Bangkok, New Year’s Rio at The Week, Atlantis Cruises, among others. A staple at major clubs across North America, Brazil and Asia, while holding multi-year residencies in several key markets across the world, his name is synonymous with having a driving and unique musical experience.
His production career has included official remixes of major dance artists like Steven Redant, Leo Blanco, Tony Moran and Kristine W., not to mention mainstream top 40 artists like Adele, Rita Ora, Blondie, Troye Sivan, Justin Bieber, & Brian Justin Crum. Most recently, his big room progressive-tribal remix of Diana Ross’ classic anthem “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” with Brazilian producer DJ Leanh, has taken the circuit by storm, with major support from many leading DJs.
Constantly evolving, Gauthreaux has now taken his music to the next level with his own house music label “Prop D Recordings,” with his 2014 debut single “Bye Felicia” featuring Mitch Amtrak reaching number 5 on the Billboard Dance Chart, making Gauthreaux an official Billboard Recording Artist. Follow up singles “February (Our Last Kiss)” featuring Abigail, and “The Urge In Me” featuring Inaya Day, rose even higher, peaking at numbers 4 & 3, repectively . He also wrote and produced the sleeper hit “You Are My Family,” also featuring Inaya Day on vocals, which has turned into a modern day gay pride classic. The heartfelt anthem has united crowds all over the world with its important message of family and brotherhood. As both songwriter and producer on his original productions, Gauthreaux is a major creative force to be reckoned with in the dance music industry. As for where he goes next, he says “Challenging myself is the only way I know how to keep growing. Staying still or moving sideways has never been of interest to me – I’m always looking forward.”
Whether you are expecting big vocals, house rhythms, progressive-tech beats, or tribal drums, Joe Gauthreaux will have you experiencing a musical journey you won’t ever forget.
Emerging in 2015 as his true self, Jaimie Wilson, better known as Tboy on Instagram, began to publicly document his medical and social transition, from being assigned female to becoming the authentic male he is. Being born into a very religious and conservative family, coming out as trans was anything but easy. Jaimie found that creating music helped him work through his emotions and talk about things that he might otherwise not be able to. “I take these life experiences and put them all in my music, the good and the bad” Jaimie states in an interview with New York Times. He credits his loyal followers on both Instagram and TikTok for helping make his music dreams become his reality.
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Isis Muretech is an aspiring and talented DJ/Producer that has become famous for her unique style of music in the LGBTQ club scene. Currently, she is one of the most-demanded female DJs in Mexico, USA, and Latin America.
She has played in over 30 cities all over her country from north to south with her music, breaking all posible borders, resident DJ at Mantamar Beach Club and DJ resident at the biggest gay circuit brand in Mexico: Jubileo
She is known for her powerful energy in Tribal house, House, and Techno, and she leaves a memorable mark with the audience of every party she plays.
Isis Muretech is the first woman in her country to deejay outside of Mexico, playing in cities such as: Montreal, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston, El Paso, Seattle, Rehoboth, Palm Springs, Cartagena, San Juan (PR), Belo Horizonte, Bogotá, Guatemala City, Cúcuta, San Antonio, Denver and Paris.
DJ Isaac Escalante, renowned Mexican DJ and producer, has taken over the musical scene of Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Montreal, New York, Tel Aviv, Rome, Barcelona and many other cities since his first gigs at 16. DJ Isaac Escalante’s house, tribal and electro house mixes capture the dance floor of Mexico’s #1 DJ club every weekend, where thousands of music fans enjoy his talent and craft.
For Isaac Escalante the musical experience goes beyond the dance floor, being responsible for various hit tracks. Isaac has conquered the world market. In less than a year he has become one of the most important international DJs in Latin America. He is one of a very few International DJs that obtained a residence at the best and biggest club of South America, “The Week”. Talent, wit, experience and an incredible talent for music, has been Isaac Escalante’s trademark for many years.
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!
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.
Originally hailing from small town Leesburg, Florida, Ginger Minj made her first splash on the global stage as a finalist on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7. As a fan favorite and triple threat she was invited back for Drag Race All Stars 2 and made it to the top 3 of All Stars 6.
She has starred in the Anne Fletcher helmed “Dumplin” for Netflix alongside Jennifer Aniston and Dove Cameron, in the Netflix series “AJ & The Queen”, and most recently in VH1’s “The Bitch Who Stole Christmas”. When she is not touring the world or appearing in movies and live theatrical shows, Ginger can be heard on her three studio albums, Sweet T, Gummybear and her newest EP, Double Wide Diva!
Fleece is a neo-psychedelic project from Canada. On stage, they bring an unforgettable energy to compliment their unique indie, psychedelic sound. Sonically, some of Fleece’s many influences include Tame Impala, Herbie Hancock, The Beatles, and Joni Mitchell.
Fleece was founded on the song-writing and lead vocals of Matt Rogers alongside the perpetual energy of drummer Ethan Soil. After some personnel changes, Megan Ennenberg (guitar/vocals) and Jameson Daniel (guitar) joined the band, fulfilling the missing pieces and completing the band as a cohesive whole.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Dani Brasil started his career as a DJ in early 2017 but his passion and dedication to music began many years before. With already gaining residency at The Week, one of the world’s most iconic brands, it gave him a kickoff to be present at major events including the Main Party for World Pride NYC for WE Party and Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party Palm Springs. In addition to that, he has performed in over 16 countries and more than 50 international dates so far.
Growing up in New York City and currently living in Brazil, he has always been involved in the nightlife scene and close to renowned djs such as Peter Rauhofer, Tony Moran and Hector Fonseca. With these influences, he developed a unique music collection that he’s known for, with high energy tribal house vocal sets with some Brazilian roots that have him constantly connected to the crowd.
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!
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.
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.
