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!
Conceptual artist and activist Nadya Tolokonnikova is the founding member of Pussy Riot, a global feminist protest art movement. Today, hundreds of people identify as a part of Pussy Riot community.
In August 2022, they released their debut mixtape MATRIARCHY NOW on Neon Gold Records (MARINA, Charli XCX, Christine and the Queens etc.) The mixtape features collaborations with Tove Lo, Salem Ilese “Princess Charming,” Kito, Hudson Mohawke, Slayyyter, ILOVEMAKONNEN, Big Freedia, REI AMI, Phoebe Ryan and more. The release came just before the 10-year “anniversary” of their August 17, 2012 verdict of being convicted with hooliganism motivated by religious hatred, and spending 2 years in jail for protesting Putin.
She was sentenced in 2012 to 2 years’ imprisonment following an anti-Putin performance. Went through a hunger strike protesting savage prison conditions and ended up being sent far away to a Siberian penal colony, where she managed though to maintain her artistic activity and with her prison punk band she made a tour around Siberian labor camps. Published a book “Read and riot: Pussy Riot’s guide to activism.”
Co-founder of independent news service and media outlet, Mediazona. Has spoken before the US Congress, British Parliament, European Parliament, appeared as herself on season 3 of House of Cards, performed at Banksy’s Dismaland exhibition.
Pussy Riot’s Punk-prayer was named by The Guardian among the best art pieces of the 21st century (“feminist, explicitly anti-Putin, protesting the banning of gay pride and the Orthodox church’s support of the president”), collaborated with Bansky on his Dismaland exhibition, endorsed by Marina Abramovic and Ai Weiwei, created an immersive experience in Saatchi gallery in London. Pussy Riot joined the NFT community in early 2021, co-founded UnicornDAO, was instrumental in UkraineDAO raising over $7M for Ukraine, is a PleasrDAO member, and a supporter of a stronger female representation in the NFT space.
Pussy Riot stands for gender fluidity, inclusivity, matriarchy, love, laughter, decentralization, anarchy, and anti-authoritarianism.
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.
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
TIKTOK
YOUTUBE
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.
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.
Bussy Kween Power Trip is a Black & Queer punk band from Chicago.
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.
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”.
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.
Known for his tribal and progressive house sound, as well as tech, disco house, deep house, trance and techno – Joe Pacheco brings this and more to Market Days. Pacheco, a DJ since 2015, has been a resident DJ for a New York-based party, M.E.A.T. He also is a regular in Atlanta, Miami and Columbus, Ohio.
Serving you that NYC Big Room Sound, Joe Pacheco will take you on a euphoric journey reminiscent of the Concrete Jungle he grew up in.
Having spun in major world capitals such as Mykonos, Amsterdam, London, Sydney, New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles for parties such as WINTER PARTY FESTIVAL, XLSIOR Mykonos, M.E.A.T., HIM PARTY, BEYOND, and GPS along with superstar DJs such as Nina Flowers, Alex Acosta, Tom Stephan, Rick Braile, Paulo Pacheco, Anne Louise, GSP, and Danny Verde, Pacheco continues to hone his craft with each experience he encounters.
Inspired also by an international sound, he delivers a sensual sound that spans the electronic dance music spectrum; with a mixture of addictive beats and powerful vocals, be prepared for your deep-seated carnal soul to emerge
For well over a decade, iPOP has been booked at festivals, clubs, corporate events, and weddings all across the Midwest. With an emphasis on variety, the band seamlessly transitions from genre to genre – from Top 40 favorites, to Classic Rock, to Country, to Hip-Hop, to 80’s & 90’s nostalgia – all performed with an engaging stage show!
bio from 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.
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.
WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
SOUNDCLOUD
YOUTUBE
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.
Danny Verde is one of the most sought after DJs and remixers on the international and U.S. scene. He is a master in all aspects of music: including house, dance-pop productions, DJ, song writing, keyboardist and vocal arrangements.
He has remixed some of the biggest pop stars of our time: Avicii, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Cher, Cyndi Lauper, Selena Gomez & Scissor Sisters just to name a few and he had no less then fourteen number 1 Billboard Dance Chart hits.
He has headlined Xlsior Festival Mykonos, We Party Madrid, Sydney Mardi Gras, Masterbeat Los Angeles, Purple Party Dallas, White Party Palm Springs, Miami WInter Festival, Europride Rome sharing the stage with Lady Gaga, San Diego Pride, Magnitude San Francisco, Muccassassina Rome, Songkran Bangkok, Mexico City Pride, Montreal’s Black & Blue, The Week Rio De Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
Danny was part of the DJ line-up of the biggest pride in the world in New York in June 2019, where hundreds of thousands of people joined the events and celebrated the 50th anniversary of Stonewall uprising. His remix of the iconic song “Time After Time” (produced along with Steven Redant , as part of Bent Collective duo) has been chosen by legendary Cyndi Lauper herself for her perfomance at NYC World Pride stage.
He was recently hired to remix Cher’s latest single “Gimme Gimme Gimme (a man after midnight) off her ABBA cover album “Dancing Queen”, soundtrack of “Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again”, the sequel of the musical “Mamma Mia”; Danny remix is included in Cher’s E.P. “Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight)”.
Although Danny is often associated with his pop house productions, his sets might space from uplifting progressive house sound to hi energy tech-house, which will take you to a full-on unconventional musical trip!
Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute is the ultimate tribute to the music of ABBA – sure to capture the hearts of fans and audiences of all ages! This live show is full of musical prowess, fabulous flair and fashion, and promises a mesmerizing ABBA experience for every Chiquitita, Super Trouper, Fernando, and Dancing Queen around!
Fronted by a dynamic Agnetha and Frida duo, the music of the greatest pop band in history comes to life in a joyful celebration of these timeless tunes. Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute is the Midwest’s longtime one-and-only resident ABBA tribute, with a repertoire of over 40 all-time favorite hits. From Waterloo to Mamma Mia, SOS to Knowing Me Knowing You, Honey Honey to Voulez-Vous, audiences won’t be able to help singing and dancing along with this high-energy homage to everything ABBA!
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.
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.
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.
3 Martini Jeannie is a band featuring three dynamic personalities – musicians who love to entertain. Jeannie Tanner sings, plays piano/keys, trumpet and percussion; and Stacy McMichael lays down bass lines that compliment perfectly the feel-good rhythms of drummer Derek Henderson.
The energy they bring to every performance is infectious. They’re fun to watch – or you can dance to their incredible grooves and interesting arrangements of music in every genre including pop, R&B, Latin grooves and Jeannie’s funk-based originals. They cover Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, Stevie Wonder, George Michael, Annie Lennox, Adele, Ed Sheeran, Black Crowes, One Republic, Amy Winehouse and more…
3MJ has performed at Northalsted Market Days, City Winery, Midsommarfest (Andersonville), Whiskey Lounge, Backlot Bash, Roscoe Village Porch Fest, Untitled, the Metropolitan Club, Wells Street Art Festival, Sheffield-Belmont Music Festival and at many more venues, clubs and for private events.
About 3 Martini Jeannie:
Bandleader Jeannie Tanner is an award winning composer with 9 Grammy® considered albums and 5 ASCAP composer awards. She is a vocalist, piano player, trumpeter, percussionist, songwriter and producer who performs and records her original music, a mix of pop, jazz and R&B. Jeannie’s music has been used for many TV/film projects including Single Ladies (VH1 – produced by Queen Latifah), Real Wives of Beverly Hills (Bravo), the Young and the Restless (CBS) and Days of Our Lives (NBC). Her music has been featured in many Hallmark movies including A Christmas Duet, and Christmas Cookies; in Lifetime’s Doomsday Mom: The Lori Vallow Story; and in Dolly Parton’s Netflix series Heartstrings.
Stacy McMichael (bassist) has most recently been a featured on-stage talent in Broadway shows & tours – such as Hairspray, Teatro ZinZanni, Taste of Things to Come, and the MEGA-hit SIX: the Musical. Her diverse musical accolades include the upcoming 2022 musical film & cast album by 2-time GRAMMY winners Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer “All Wigged Out,” a #1 debut album on the Billboard Traditional Jazz chart (featuring Frank Catalano & Jimmy Chamberlin – drummer of the Smashing Pumpkins), multiple tv/podcast appearances, national publication articles and international tours.
Derek Henderson (drummer/percussionist) is well known on the Chicago music scene and has performed with artists such as Paul Wertico, David Garibaldi, Omar Hakim, Art Porter, Buddy Guy, Ramsey Lewis, Bernie Mac, David Sanborn, Tom Scott and Earl Klugh, just to name a few. Derek has toured the world in various bands, traveling to 22 cities in 8 countries. His vast knowledge of studio recording and live performances keeps him in demand, and he is a featured drummer with the Larry King Orchestra.
