Alexis Tucci

Alexis Tucci

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

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

 

Amy Winehouse Tribute

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Since 2019, Tears Dry On Their Own: Amy Winehouse Tribute continues
standing strong in their mission to dedicate this production to mental
health, addiction and substance abuse awareness. With Sally Blandon on
vocals and her band of A-list musicians, you’ll dig deep into the cockles of
your heart as they take on some of Amy’s classic hits and other hidden
treasures. Come with you know what on your sleeve and discover the love
and heartbreak of Amy Winehouse.

Ariana and the Rose

ariana and the rose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barker

Barker

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

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

Bbymutha

Bbymutha

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

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

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

Betty Who

Betty Who

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

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

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

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

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

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Bev Rage and The Drinks

Bev Rage Feature

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

Beyond the Blonde

COVER Beyond the Blonde

Tribute band to P!NK, Gwen Stefani, and Lady Gaga showcasing the energy and songs of the multi-platinum-selling, Grammy award-winning stars with other fierce female artists of pop and rock.

BTB is led by vocalist Charity, who brings their energy and power vocals to the stage. Bobby on guitar/backing vocals, Dan on drums/backing vocals, and Ryan on bass. Together, they bring you a fun, energetic show that will keep you coming back!

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Boyfriend

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Boyfriend is a songwriter (Big Freedia, Charli XCX, Pussy Riot, Slayyyter, Pom Pom Squad, etc.), producer, and performer. A festival darling (“Bonnaroo’s Best Find” – Bob Lefsetz, “Top 10 Performances of Outside Lands” – Rolling Stone), Boyfriend is perhaps best known for her over-the-top live show.

Boyfriend - Ryan Johnson (1)

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C*nty Meme

Cover Cunty MeMe

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

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus

CGMC FEATURE

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

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bio from cgmc.org

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

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

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

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

Chicago Spirit Brigade

ChicagoSpiritBrigade

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

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

Chomper

Chomper

DJ of EDM, House, and Groove.

Cookiee Kawaii

Cookiee Kawaii

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

 

Crystal Waters

Market Days 2023 Performer CRYSTAL WATERS 01

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

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

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

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

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

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CupcakKe

Cupcakke

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

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

Dancing Queen/ABBA Salute

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

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

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Danny Verde

Danny Verde

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!

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DJ Bryan

VJ BRYAN

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

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

DJ Ca$h Era

DJ Cah Era

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

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

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

DJ Dan Slater

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

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

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

Dan Slater Market Days 23

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

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

DJ Diox

DJDiox

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

DJ Do Not Disturb

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Stephanie and Lindsey are the DJ Duo for Do Not Disturb, representing the LGBTQ+ community. They have been incredibly passionate about music for years, so much so that they taught themselves how to DJ during the pandemic and pursued their first set of dreams by playing at house parties.

DJ Laura B

DJLaura B

bio from hydratechicago.com

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

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

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

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

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

 

DJ Laura B

Laura Bee e1623792317794

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

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

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

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

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

DJ Martin

DJMartin

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

DJ X-tasy

DJ XTasy FEATURE

bio from mixcloud.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

DJ X-tasy

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

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Dom Brown

Dom Brown

After 10 years in the industry, I have pivoted from being on the stage to being an authority in the branding and consulting space.  Using an “Ear to the ground” approach I have continued to lead the charge for exciting, innovative, and sometimes outlandish brands.  With a passion for developing Iconic, mainstays my process is designed to empower your team to not only think outside of the box but to take hold of your brand and success.

From creating the identity of some of Chicago’s most popular brands to connecting communities to beneficial opportunities, my method has proven to be creative, trustworthy, avantgarde, and exciting.

My services include a comprehensive consultation to help identify gaps and opportunities, a comprehensive report that includes a project plan with timelines and milestones, a cost analysis, and a schedule. That’s how I ensure your success and why you can count on Dom Brown.

DRAMA

Market Days 2023 DRAMA

Drama is a duo from Chicago consisting of producer Na’el Shehade and vocalist/songwriter Via Rosa. Often described as a blend of R&B and dance, their music spans a wide variety of genres including pop, hip hop, jazz, bossa nova, and electronic.

DRAMA market days

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Eureka O’Hara

EurekaOhara

Eureka competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race seasons nine and ten as well as Drag Race All Stars season six. They’ve appeared on Netflix’s AJ and the Queen, Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, and the Emmy-nominated HBO docuseries We’re Here.

They performed in the Vegas residency Drag Race Live, starred in the stage production Women Behind Bars in the role originally played by their idol Divine, and released music as a singer/songwriter. Growing up a poor country child in East Tennessee raised by a single mother, Eureka is living their dream out loud as the six-foot-four (without heels) plus-size drag superstar of the world!

Firebrand

Firebrand Market Days

Firebrand is the performance troupe of the Second City Country Dance Association (SCCDA). Formed in 2019, its membership includes many dancers who formerly performed with earlier country western dance troupes, the Windy City Cowboys and the Second City Outlaws.

This inclusive, not-for-profit, LGBTQIA+ country/western dance troupe can be seen performing at local street fairs and parades throughout the Midwest. Firebrand is the visual expression of SCCDA’s mission: to support and encourage the growth of country/western dancing in the Chicagoland area.

Click here if you are interested in performing with Firebrand, or visit our Facebook page for more information.

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Heather Small

Heather Small

As Part of M People, hits such as ‘Moving On Up’, ‘One Night In Heaven’ and ‘Search For The Hero’ and albums like Elegant Slumming, Bizarre Fruit and Fresco achieving massive worldwide success, Heather became one of the seminal British voices of the 1990s, with the band winning the Best British Dance Act Award at the Brits in 1994 and 1995, as well as the Mercury Music Prize for Elegant Slumming.

Heather has since had great successes with two solo albums – the title track of her ‘Proud’ album has gone on to become the soundtrack to a whole host of very special events including London’s successful 2012 Olympic bid, the 60th anniversary of VE Day in Trafalgar Square, the launch of Queen Mary 2, the Tsunami Relief Concert, England’s victory at the Rugby World Cup celebrations, and the official ceremony marking the handover of the Olympic Games from Beijing to London.

Hello Weekend

COVER Hello Weekend

Hello Weekend is a nonstop, hit after hit, party band. They not only bring high-energy sound with Christina’s heart stopping vocals, but they bring a captivating stage presence and an overall transfixing performance, the likes of which, you won’t soon forget!

Hello Weekend strives to keep you dancing with a wide ranging set list that covers everything from Gaga to Guns N’ Roses, Bruno Mars to The Beach Boys and performs countless festivals, weddings, private and corporate functions each year. When working with clients our number one goal is to truly provide an unforgettable Hello Weekend experience!

Hello Weekend delivers the goods and will have you wanting more! This group not only allures with their infectious stage performance, but will wow you with their raw musical talent. You’re sure to have an amazing time that will leave you shouting “Hello Weekend!”

iPop

iPop FEATURE

A variety band extraordinaire featuring seamlessly combined talent with music, versatility, energy, innovation and charisma. The moment iPop hits the stage, the playlist is set to shuffle and the music never stops. Delivering a DJ style approach to live music – offering something for everyone, from Top 40 to Motown, Classic Rock to Pop, Hip Hop, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s in an electrifying show.

iPop is more than just a great wedding band… They have a passion for top quality entertainment and provide whatever it takes to make your event a complete success. The members of iPop have entertained and delighted hundreds of thousands of people all over the US at corporate events, weddings, festivals and nightclubs. Their wealth of experience is undeniably evident in their performances and professionalism – both on and off the stage. With iPop on the stage, you can rest assured that your event will be one to remember!

Jace M

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Jace Inman is a Chicago based, multi-discipline producer and multi-genre DJ, known best for his work with the preeminent internet radio-station Sub.FM. Diversity and quality are staples of Jace’s designs / DJ sets, and his influences are boundless.

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Jade the Ivy

COVER Jade the Ivy

Jazz, Funk, R&B, and classic Hip-Hop are at the core of Jade the Ivy’s unique sound. A gifted and inventive story teller, this independent rapper from the South Side of Chicago has been experimenting with sounds and clever word play since her youth, first using poetry as a means to express herself and share her story. Her lyrics run the gamut from triumph in love, to the agony of heartbreak, to taking the world by storm. She holds nothing back in her honesty on a track or her live performances. Her perspective on life is raw and real and there is no question that audiences can feel that energy every time she hits the stage. Jade released her first official EP “Euphoric Wasteland” in early 2017.

Since that release, Jade has been captivating crowds with her infectous grooves in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Backed by a live band, Jade’s flow sets her apart from other rappers, paying homage to hip-hop’s golden era while bringing a flavor all her own.

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Jesus Montanez

Jesus Montanez

Internationally Renowned DJ & Producer Jesus Montanez has been in the music industry for 12 years. From Chihuahua Mexico Jesus is considered one of the Top DJ`s in Mexico.

He currently spins in the best nightclubs and big parties in different countries including Australia, South Korea, China, Singapore, Brazil, USA, Chile, Malaysia, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia and many more.

 

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Joe Pacheco

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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.

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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

KC Ortiz

Market Days 2023 Performer KC ORTIZ 01

KC Ortiz is an artist, rapper, musician, writer, & entertainer doing what she loves the most. Her longing taste for “Southern Luxury” is the foundation of her music. Music has always been a passion of hers since she was a wee little kid. She believes in following your dreams and putting God first. Kaycee hope you enjoy her music, because she does it from the heart.

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Kylie Sonique Love

Kylie Sonique Love

Kylie Sonique Love, formerly known as just Sonique, is an American drag performer, actress and one of the Season 2 contestants of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she was placed 9th.

She would later return to compete on All Stars 6, which she went on to win, making herstory as the first transgender contestant to win an American series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

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La Roux

LA ROUX

La Roux is an English synth-pop artist, known for singles such as “Bulletproof” and “In for the Kill. ” Their debut album “La Roux” was a critical and commercial success, winning a Grammy Award and producing hit singles such as “In for the Kill” and “Bulletproof”.

In 2018, La Roux provided vocals for Whyte Horses’ “The Best of It”. The following year, she featured on their cover of “Mr. Natural” and provided background vocals for Tyler, the Creator’s track “Thank You” on his album “Igor”. In the meantime, she composed and recorded material for her third studio album, “Supervision”.

Meet Me @ The Altar

MeetMeattheAlter

Meet Me @ The Altar is here to dismantle rock music’s stereotypes riff by riff. The band–
comprised of guitarist-bassist Téa Campbell, drummer Ada Juarez and lead vocalist Edith Victoria–has reignited the genre with their refreshing mix of earworm pop melodies, blazing guitar riffs, and punk attitude. Now, the band is ready to stake their claim in rock history with their debut album, Past // Present // Future, arriving via Fueled By Ramen.

The record finds the bandmates experimenting more than ever as they solidify a signature sound while also ripping apart the “nostalgia act” box they didn’t ask to be placed in. Each word in the album title holds a significant meaning: “Past” pays respect to the iconic bands who’ve influenced them (including Paramore, Twenty One Pilots, P!NK, Demi Lovato, and Avril Lavigne). “Present” finds the band redefining what a modern-day rock band looks and sounds like, while “Future” looks ahead at how the band will impact the genre and where they might go from here.

One thing Meet Me @ The Altar prides itself on is its strong sisterhood, which was initially formed in 2015. Téa Campbell and Ada Juarez met via YouTube in 2015 after Campbell stumbled upon Juarez’s drum cover of a Twenty One Pilots song. Despite living in different states (Florida and New Jersey, respectively), the two became fast friends and decided to start a band. After persistent auditioning, Edith Victoria (a Georgia native) joined the band in 2017.

Miss Foozie

Miss Foozie

The Proud Pet Parade presented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago returns with Miss Foozie hosting the annual event.

Dress your pet to show off their pride! Registration is Sunday June 19, 12:00-12:30pm at the North Stage (at Grace). The parade  starts at 12:30 and heads down Halsted to the South Stage. Awards for Proudest Pet will be announced at 1:00pm at the South Stage.

Miss Foozie is a Chicago land personality icon whose take on life is all about having fun and being “you”. Character Artist, Hostess, an Animal Lover, Activist, Entertainer, Show Director and Producer. Miss Foozie dedicates her life to entertaining and bringing laughter into the world while bridging relationships within communities and beyond.

Miss Foozie hosts the annual Pride Fest Proud Pet Parade leading a colorful costumed parade of proud pets and their people down Halsted Street for fun and prizes! See you Sunday June 18 at 12:00pm at the North Stage (Halsted & Grace) for this year’s Proud Pet Parade!

Miss Toto

Miss Toto

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”!