Hayla

Copy of HAYLA LOOK 1 PROFILE HIRES

HAYLA has delivered her majestic, powerful voice all throughout the world of music. From singing in different bands around her native Liverpool and teaching private singing lessons full-time, to taking the stage at the Hollywood Bowl with deadmau5 and closing out Coachella.

2024 was HAYLA’s biggest year yet. She released her debut solo album, DUSK. Through its intuitive palette of haunting vocal-driven electronica, the LP garnered cover slots on revered editorial playlists like Spotify’s Mint.

Last year she became a Gold-certified artist via “Where You Are,” her smash-hit co-write with John Summit. Also, after co-writing and recording “Escape,” the lead single of deadmau5 and Kaskade’s LP Kx5, the album received a nomination for “Best Dance/Electronic Album” at the 2024 GRAMMYs. Both of these tracks along with “Shiver,” her other major collaboration with Summit, were #1 on SiriusXM’s premier dance music station, BPM, giving her the top song three years running. HAYLA then continued, writing and recording new works like “Without You” with Kygo and “Another World” with MEDUZA, which hit #1 on both Billboard Dance Mix Show Airplay & Mediabase Dance Airplay charts.

For many years, HAYLA has been on a journey to find the space where she belongs. Despite her success in the electronic realm, she is also a huge fan of heavier, darker sounds like Ethel Cain, Chelsea Wolfe, Deftones, and Sleep Token (the last of whom was her most-listened artist on Spotify in 2024).

Confidence Man

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Confidence Man are unarguably one of the hottest acts on the planet right now. A portable party that’s levelled dance floors and flattened festival crowds as it’s rolled out across the world, their performances are custom designed to make you dance and lose your cool.

Within only three years of their conception, they have already played at some of the biggest festivals in the world including Rock en Seine (Paris), Primavera Sound (Barcelona), Governors Ball (New York), Glastonbury (UK) and Splendour in the Grass (Australia).

Parading within a brand of dance pop that sounds like Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder gleefully discovering house music via Dee-lite, there’s no question that Confidence Man will make you feel good.

Confidence Man are Janet Planet, Sugar Bones, Clarence McGuffie and Reggie Goodchild.

ALUNA

ALUNA MAYA FUHR4

The desire for change stirs from the inside. We either listen to it—or not. ​Aluna​ chose to listen. After generating over one billion streams, selling out shows around the world, and receiving award nominations and widespread critical acclaim as one-half of multi-platinum duo AlunaGeorge, the singer, songwriter, and producer established an unpredictable and undeniable signature sound on her 2020 solo debut. The music represents the culmination of her journey from ​“a black girl in an all-white British suburb back in the day”​ to launching a rule-breaking revolution where rigid boundaries dissolve between culture, race, gender, and genre.

“The recent ​‘Black Renaissance’ ​is so inspiring to me,” she explains. “There has been a pivot in all creative endeavors from film and television to plays and comics. Black people have begun involving themselves in non-stereotypical things regardless of who agrees. The outcasts have found each other. This project sums up a defiant, rule-breaking, and transitional election of new culture. To me, this album represents that within its own small, individual world. I’ve gone through the process of owning myself, and this is the celebration.”

“I feel like this is a time of rebirth for everyone,” ​Aluna​ says. “That can be both scary and really exciting depending on which way you conduct your mind or your emotions. For me, music has always been able to shift me towards the future, positivity, and high energy in order to do more.”

Jesse McCartney

Jesse

Since the start of his career, New York-born and Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, artist, and actor Jesse McCartney has built a catalog of instantly recognizable anthems and captivated audiences on the road and on-screen. His first three albums consecutively bowed in the Top 15 of the Billboard Top 200 with the singles “Beautiful Soul” minted Gold and “Leavin’” certified Platinum. Meanwhile, SPIN touted In Technicolor among its “Top 20 Pop Albums of 2014.” Along the way, he performed in arenas alongside the likes of New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys in addition to packing global headline tours and hosting shows for both George W. Bush and Barack Obama. A sought-after songwriter, he notably wrote the 4x-Platinum GRAMMY-nominated “Bleeding Love” for Leona Lewis. In 2018, the one-off single “Better With You” racked up nearly 30 million cumulative streams and paved the way for his fifth offering. In 2020, Jesse was revealed as the runner-up and popular fan favorite Turtle in the third season finale of Fox’s The Masked Singer. Now, he opens up more than ever on his fifth full-length album, out now. “At this point in my life everything feels like it’s clicking into place. I’m looking forward to a whole new stage.”

 

Laura B

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Laura B began her DJ career in 1981 in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, holding
residencies at popular clubs such as Freddie’s, Doc Weeds, and Acapulco Beach
Bar. Inspired by the pioneering sounds of DJs from DJ International and Trax
Records, and her experiences at the Warehouse Club in Chicago, Laura developed
her signature energetic house style. Access to an extensive range of music
through record pools like DJ International and Let’s Dance, supplemented by
Gramophone and Imports, fueled her dynamic sets.

In 1989, Laura secured a residency at Excalibur/Aura/Vision, where she
performed for over 12 years. This pivotal period in her career led to radio shows
and additional residencies throughout Chicago. In 1999, she began spinning at
Manhole, which later became Hydrate in 2003, a venue she still commands today.

Laura B Market Days 2024
Laura B Market Days 2024

Beyond the pulsating beats of the club scene, Laura B extended her musical
prowess to diverse arenas. She pulsated her beats to the airwaves, with her live
mix shows featured on Q101’s Alternative Beats and Energy 97. In 1998, she
released a CD entitled "Club Series Vol. 1," a continuous house mix on the UC
Construction label. For over two decades, she has been a vital force in Chicago's
festival circuit, contributing her skills to the NorthHalsted Street Alliance for
events like NorthHalsted Market Days and Pridefest celebrations.

With an illustrious career spanning over 40 years, Laura B has established herself
as a commanding presence in Chicago's vibrant nightlife scene. She has held
prestigious residencies at iconic venues such as Excalibur/Vision, the city's largest
nightclub, and the popular LGBTQ+ hotspot, Hydrate Nightclub. Her enduring
commitment to the art of DJing is further demonstrated by her long-term
engagements at notable venues including Aura Nightclub, Manhole in Chicago,
and Hunters Nightclub in Elk Grove Village. Currently, she continues to captivate
audiences with her residencies at Hydrate and STK.

Laura B’s flair for reading the room and delivering energetic mixes consistently
keeps dance floors electrified, ensuring her legacy in Chicago's nightlife is both
celebrated and enduring.

Sasha Love

Sasha Love 2

Sasha Love electrifies Chicago’s drag scene with vibrant performances blending bold charisma and impeccable style. Known for her dynamic stage presence, Sasha captivates audiences with dazzling costumes, fierce lip-syncing, and empowering messages. A beacon of creativity and inclusivity, Sasha Love reigns as a beloved icon, spreading love and glitter wherever she goes.

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Saint

DJ Saint Devera has been spinning for less than 2 years, yet already is a regular at Hydrate Nightclub in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, often bringing the sounds on Friday and Sunday nights. He also spins regularly at Splash.

And he had many memorable gigs in 2022, such as at Replay Lakeview during Northalsted Market Days, Halloween at Hydrate, Chicago Pride Fest weekend at Cerise Rooftop in the Virgin Hotel, plus gigs at Golden Dagger and Soho House, among others.

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Platinum Carrington

Platinum Carrington

Platinum Carrington lives in Chicago and has been apart of the scene since 2020. She is commonly found producing and hosting parties and drag shows all throughout the North Halstead strip. She is extremely passionate for the art of drag, makeup, and loves finding new creative ways to execute the visions she has for her drag. Platinum is known for bringing high energy on the mic and creating a story for the

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Doggpound

Doggpound

Doggpound unites Chicago based producer & DJ combos Chomper & BARKER in a high energy, high octane project that emanates passion and positivity through house music. Meeting through a stroke of luck, the boys became fast friends, mashing up decks together whenever they get the opportunity. Doggpound is always bouncing around the booth & never takes themselves too seriously while creating unforgettable dance journeys that leave audiences with hoarse voices & sore feet from moving and grooving for hours on end.

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BoyJ

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Jalen Manuel, known throughout the LGBTQ community as BoyJ, is the new face of Friday nights at Hydrate Nightclub, a true kickoff to the weekend in the heart of the Chicago.

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The Divas

The Divas

The Divas are Chicago’s newest ALL FEMALE FRONTED pop cover group, ready to bring the party with their powerhouse vocals, infectious choreography, electrifying band, and captivating stage presence. Playing the hits from all your favorite DIVAS past and present (think Aretha, Whitney, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Cher and more), The Divas are sure to have you dancing and singing along all night long. Are you ready to experience a live music event like no other?

Our mission as The Divas is to foster an environment where our audience feels uplifted, nostalgic and fully in love with themselves. We hope to empower you to face this world with confidence, taking up space you deserve in order to affect our society with positive change. We would love to have you experience our show not just as an escape, but as a re-charge!

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Virago

Virago

Virago is a Chicago-based artist known for delivering genre-bending arrangements that ignite dance floors. With an electrifying mix of house, techno, disco, and everything in between; Virago commands the floor, driving the crowd with powerful, boundary-pushing sounds that redefine the dance experience. Virago has played all over the city of Chicago. You can catch her at her weekly residency at Splash Chicago.

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Firebrand

Firebrand Market Days

Formed in 2019, its membership includes many dancers who performed in earlier LGBTQIA+ country/western dance troupes in Chicago going as far back as 2007.

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.

Visit our Facebook page for more information.

 

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus

CGMC FEATURE

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.

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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
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.

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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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DJ X-tasy

DJ Xtasy

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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Weekend Run Club

Weekend Run Club 2024 Market Days

Conceived in 2018, The Weekend Run Club remains a band of musical and narrative evolution. Driven by dancey introspection rather than genre alone, The Weekend Run Club teases out technical elements from rock, alternative, indie, punk, and power-pop.  They just released their sophomore LP ‘Liminal Space Race’ via Say-10 Records. 

Weekend Run Club 2024 Market Days
Weekend Run Club 2024 Market Days

“Coming of age is an animal experience that humans share on a global scale. ‘Liminal Space Race’ addresses the nebulous, yet frenetic paradigm shifts of growing up. At the end of the tunnel of adolescence and early adulthood is an unavoidable, rueful acceptance: a fleeting truth which spares no one, especially the queer people of yesterday, today, and tomorrow: We never really stop coming out.”

Weekend Run Club Market Days
Weekend Run Club Market Days

The Disco Circus

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Chicago-based disco/funk tribute band, The Disco Circus, creates a NEXT LEVEL nostalgic experience by combining the energy and excitement of a 3-ring circus with the grooviest music from the 1970’s!

The Disco Circus features three dedicated lead vocalists, two female and one male, who act as the ringleaders for the funky festivities. Behind them…the tightest and grooviest band in all the land, featuring drums, bass, guitar, percussion and horns! And while the core of the band is made up of the members of legendary Chicago band, Libido Funk Circus…the additional players, a brand new stage show, and their funk-tastic outfits help to create an over-the-top experience all its own!

If you’re longing for the days of platform shoes, bell bottoms, sparkles galore and music that gets your booty movin’…then put on some polyester and your boogie shoes and let The Disco Circus take you directly to Funkytown!

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Radio Gaga

Radio Gaga Market Days

For the first time, you will hear all the hits of Queen and Lady Gaga in this Vegas-style production show, complete with eye-popping costuming, dazzling choreography, and unmatched showmanship. Prepare to be wowed as the vision and spirit of these performers emanates from the stage, delivering the “Concert That Never Was”!

From the creative minds of/at Magnificent Events and Entertainment, Radio Gaga is the first production of its kind! Audiences experience outstanding vocals, precise choreography, exciting participation opportunities, and to top it all off, viewers of all ages are welcome! You can find Radio Gaga touring all over the Chicago-land and Midwest area, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for exciting behind the scene shots, upcoming shows, and much more!

Sam Gee

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Sam Gee started his career as a DJ in 2019, but his affinity for music started at a very young age — singing and playing various instruments, including the piano. His DJ career blossomed at an exponential rate, booking events internationally and all over the US. These events include iconic brands like White Party & Urge. Growing up in Vancouver Canada, Sam studied at buisness school while also working as a stage performer for gay festivals across Europe, North and South America and the Middle East.

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As a result of all his international travel, Sam grew an understanding and appreciation for the vast musical attributes that each culture has to offer. This in turn influenced his personal music style, consisting of high energy beats with a middle eastern flare, reflective of his Persian heritage. Sam’s music production journey began in mid 2020, where he traveled to Brazil to learn with a world renowned music producer. Continuing his upward trajectory, Sam transitions to be an iconic DJ and producer and invites you to stay tuned and #FeelTheEnerGEE!

 

Shea Coulee

Market Days 2023 Shea Coulee 01 1

Shea Couleé (she/they) is a non-binary, internationally-renowned drag superstar, recording artist, model, and actor, known for their fashion-forward editorial looks, expanding their artistry and brand into many different spaces, and their consistant use of the art of drag and costuming as a medium for larger storytelling, having been applauded by Vogue for doing so. Widely celebrated as an activist focused on uplifting LGBTQIA+ individuals and the BIPOC community, they have countlessly shared how important it is for them to harness their career in drag to inspire, calling their drag a “love letter to Black women.”

More at SheaCoulee.com

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Unfriendly Black Hotties

UnfriendlyBlackHotties

The Unfriendly Black Hotties is a collective of Black drag artists from Chicago that have come together with the common goal of being unapologetically themselves and, most importantly, being Black and proud. Resident hotties Miss Toto, Khloe Couleé, Kenzie Couleé, and Bambi Banks-Couleé are known for being just that and they’ve recently opened their group to more iconic additions who are joining the movement!

Mz Ruff N Stuff

Ruff N Stuff

Chicago’s Beauty Queen has been entertaining the great city of Chicago since one fateful night at Convent Nightclub almost 20 years ago. This spunky wild card will leave you in stitches, whether she’s acting as host, comedian or entertainer. She also dabbles in show coordination, promotions and is one helluva seamstress. You can catch her at festivals, parades, bars, and night clubs all year long, including Hydrate Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays!

Mz Ruff n Stuff
Mz Ruff n Stuff

Mz. Stuff has worked alongside top performers including Jennifer Hudson, Crystal Waters, Estelle, Kenya More, Fantasia Barrino, and more, as well as some of Chicago’s top lip-sync artists and female illusionists. You don’t want to miss out on the chance to witness one of the city’s top talents!

Miss Toto

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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”!

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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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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.

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, which he is “crazy amped” to play for. See you there.

DJ Ca$h Era

DJ Ca$h Era
A lover of community, connection, and all things Chicago, CaSera Heining, best known as DJ Ca$h Era, continues to shake the room as a multifaceted, internationally recognized, performer. With over 10 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.

Winning the title of Chicago’s Best Hip-Hop DJ since 2021 by the Chicago Reader; DJ Ca$h Era is also one of the Official Atrium and Concourse DJs for the Chicago Bulls, member of the Jordan Brand’s Global Women’s Collective, and current preferred and resident DJ for Chicago’s hottest venues like Broken Shaker, Scarlet Bar, The Promontory, Soho House, and more. DJ Ca$h Era has worked with notable brands including Jordan, Nike, BET, Adidas, Beats by Dre, AT&T, Jugrnaut, and more.

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VJ Bryan

VJ BRYAN

VJ 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.

VJ 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.

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