Taylor Dayne (born Leslie Wunderman; March 7, 1962) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame in 1987 after her debut single “Tell It to My Heart”. Dayne achieved six additional U.S. top-10 singles, including “Love Will Lead You Back”, “With Every Beat of My Heart”, “Prove Your Love”, and “I’ll Always Love You”.
Dayne has received two Grammy Award nominations, and has won an American Music Award, and multiple New York Music Awards. She has also received New York Hall of Fame honors and was ranked number 18 on Rolling Stone’s list of the best female dance artists of all time. In December 2016, Billboard magazine ranked her the 28th most successful dance artist of all time.
Formed in early 2012, Sushi Roll quickly perfected their unique blend of high-energy dance music and rock ‘n’ roll swagger and topped it off with memorable stage costumes! Founded by music industry vets and fronted by two of the most mesmerizing young lead singers in Chicago, they easily transition between revved-up versions of your favorite pop and rock hits by artists like Bruno Mars, Rick Springfield, Lady Gaga, Nelly, AC/DC, P!nk, Neon Tree’s and the Jackson 5–connecting them into one a non-stop musical journey that is perfect for casinos, fairs, festivals, corporate and private events, fundraisers and showcase venues. Sushi Roll’s mass appeal crosses all genres and appeals to all ages.
July 6, 2018, marked the release of the long-anticipated sophomore album from Steve Grand, not the end of me. It hit #2 on the iTunes Pop Chart, #10 on Billboard’s Independent Album Chart, and #78 on Billboard’s Top Album Chart. It was released independently on his own label, Grand Nation LLC. The album includes 12 new tracks, all written and composed by Grand. It also features alternate versions of 3 of the songs. Grand says of the tracks, “This album is autobiographical; very personal, somber and reflective. Writing this album was an exercise in catharsis.” He says, “I’m more unfiltered on this album and explore some of the internal and external challenges I’ve faced over the last few years.”
The album’s title track, “not the end of me”, is a song Grand wrote when a long-time relationship was coming to an end. “Breaking up can be long and drawn-out, painful and ugly. This one certainly was,” Grand said. “It was trying and exhausting, (and) this song deals with all of that, as well as the resolution that this is ‘not the end of me.”
Grand also predicts “don’t let the light in” will be a favorite among his fans. “I wrote it within the last few months before I became sober. At that time, I was reflecting on the way I had been living my life over the last few years that my song ‘All-American Boy’ blew up, in 2013,” he said. “I felt isolated and realized I was dealing with that isolation in some unhealthy ways.”
With the release of his first album, All American Boy, in 2015, Steve Grand broke the mold for the traditional singer-songwriter. Having self-funded a viral video of the title track, then fan funding the release and creating a vocal and energetic fanbase, the openly gay artist from Chicago created a place for himself in the music industry and hasn’t looked back since. The past 3 years have seen Grand touring across the world, gathering new energetic fans, and creating new music.
With over 18 million views on YouTube, a #3 and #10 album on The Billboard Independent Album charts, and one of the most successful music Kickstarter campaigns ever under his belt, Grand has not just broken the rules, but he has changed the game in how to be a successful singer-songwriter in this era. His album, not the end of me, is available on Steve Grand’s website, at all live shows, and across all digital download and streaming platforms.
Experience the nostalgia and energy of the greatest decade of music – the 1980’s!! Entertaining audiences since 2003, Sixteen Candles travels the country to bring 80’s music to life in full force for a memorable and exciting concert experience that you won’t soon forget.
Sheila Escovedo picked up the drumsticks and started making music at the precocious age of three. Sheila delivered her first solo performance to a live audience two years later and has since established herself as one of the most talented percussionist/drummers and performers in the world. Best known to music fans as Sheila E., she became a top session and touring musician before the age of 20, performing and/or recording with George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Con Funk Shun, Marvin Gaye (on his final world tour), Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, Patti LaBelle, and Steve Nicks among others.
Sheila E.’s producing, arranging, and performance talents have been showcased throughout the music and film industry with appearances on, The Academy Awards, The Latin Grammy Awards, BET Awards, The American Music Awards, The Kennedy Center Honors, The Summer Olympics, WOW Awards, ALMA’s, and The Image Awards just to name a few. In 2014, Sheila released her literary biography Titled The Beat of My Own Drum, and her solo album, ICON. Following Prince’s death she released the single Girl Meets Boy in memory of the late, great, Prince.
Sheila E. continues to produce and perform music throughout the world. Her current studio project and tour, ICONIC, is Sheila’s continued contribution to the music industry and her efforts in awareness to social issues and humanitarianism. Sheila E. is CEO of the entertainment company StilettoFlats Inc. located in Los Angeles California.
Shane Marcus is a New York City based DJ aimed at creating a full sensory musical experience by matching powerful vocals and pulsating drums centered around an international sound with heavy influences from Tel Aviv.
Having worked in nightlife for over ten years, Shane developed an affinity and passion for house music, and sought out to recreate those memorable moments that drove him to take over the decks as a DJ.
Shane delivers a truly explosive high energy performance mixing tracks from the unexpected yesterday to the well-known music we all know and love today; an experience that focuses on bringing the crowd together in a unique and memorable way.
He believes that if you can deliver an emotional experience to people through music, you can lift their senses and propel them to wherever they want to be.
Resident DJ:
ZERO SPACE NYC
MEAT NYC
LABORATORY NYC
Legacy Boston
Cherry DC
HEAT SF
Shane has spun for iconic parties across the country such as Masterbeat, Forever Tel Aviv, Circuit MOM, Cherry DC, Action!, Laboratory, Rhythm Nation, Jubileo, DIGNA, Chorus, Avalon, World Pride NYC, KOZ Miami, DC Pride, Rumours Cartegena, RUFF Miami, Fire Island Pines, MEAT, HEAT, Penthaus, CLIMAX, Hydro Festival and many more.
Servin’ Fysh Dance Company was created by The Amazing Gerald Willis in 2016 and have continued to be a safe haven for members of the LGBTQIA+ community along with all who may share the passion for dance. Allowing all of its members to be as free as they would please, we still aim to nurture and train dancers in styles varying from hip hop to even jazz. Through performance at events such as, including but not limited to, fashion shows, showcases, and video shoots we hope to spread our message of inclusivity as well as genuine positivity.
Scott Free is a Chicago-based performer and live music event producer. Scott was a producer in the original House Music scene in Chicago, was part of the 90’s Chicago queercore scene, and had a rap video on BET. Scott has released five solo album, and an LGBT family album by The Diesel Tykes. He has had two of his musicals produced – ‘Witches Among Us’ and ‘Zombie Bathhouse’. In 2010, he was inducted into the City of Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. He was twice named Outmusician of the Year by the OUTMusic Awards – in 2005 and 2009. He produced the Queer Is Folk/Alt Q Festivals at the Old Town School of Folk Music from 2000 – 2012. He hosts the LGBT live performance series Homolatte in Chicago, now in its 20th year. He also runs an indie queer radio station called Alt Q Radio on Live365.
For as much as Sammy Rae & The Friends may be a band, this collective of, dreamers, and artists considers itself a family first.
Fronted by singer and songwriter Sammy Rae, the group flourishes in any spotlight with a combination of all-for-one and one-for-all camaraderie, palpable chemistry, deft virtuosity, and vocal fireworks. Their sound is a mélange of Sammy’s influences, rooted in classic rock, folk, and funk and sprinkled with soul and jazz. Complete with a rhythm section, horn section, keyboards, and two backup singers, Sammy Rae & The Friends have or will deliver their high-energy, spirited and unrestrained shows to sold-out audiences in the Northeast and beyond, including New York City’s Brooklyn Steel, Boston’s The Royal, LA the Teregram, Burlington’s Higher Ground, Seattle’s The Showbox, Philadelphia’s Theatre of the Living Arts and Chicago’s Metro to name a few..
“Because we come from so many different spaces and studies of music, we’re able to create something very unique,” Sammy states. “We learn from one another as we’re playing together. We’re grateful to have found people who speak the same language, but also speak their own. We have a vision for longevity. The only way that works is if we behave as a family. We’re all very grateful to have the support of one another. This is a large group of people where everyone plays an important role. It’s the lunch table I always wanted as a kid.”
Sammy Rae & The Friends built this kind of trust one show at a time. As the story goes, our fearless leader grew up in Derby, CT, learned piano, and penned her first crop of songs at just 12-years-old. Under the spell of everyone from Queen to Ella Fitzgerald to Bruce Springsteen, she honed her voice. By high school, she cut her teeth in local venues, even releasing a series of independent solo records before college. New York eventually called to the songstress as she enrolled in Manhattan College during 2013. Toughing it out tooth and nail in The Big Apple, she left college in 2014 to pursue music full-time and threw down at countless gigs while continuing to write and record at a prolific pace. At the same time, crowds doubled with every rapturous performance as they built an inclusive safe space for fans everywhere.
Meanwhile, they’ve racked up over 35 million streams on Spotify and have played festivals along The Revivalists, Lake Street Dive, ST Paul and The Broken Bones, and more.
Chicago-based vocalist Sam Fazio has established a name for himself in the music scene over the past several years. A graduate of DePaul University’s School of Music, Sam’s repertoire includes a unique mix of jazz standards and pop classics. His heartfelt interpretations showcase his soulful, yet classic style.
Sam has entertained audiences at some of the most prestigious venues in the country, including Green Mill, Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, City Winery, Untitled, and SPACE (Chicago); Cliff Bell’s (Detroit); Noce (Des Moines); and Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency and 54 Below (New York City). Sam has also taken the stage at numerous performing arts centers, including Overture Center, Schauer Arts Center, Trueblood, and Metropolis. Sam has held residencies at many renowned hotels including the LondonHouse, Chicago Hilton, and a 6-year run at the historic Drake Hotel. In addition, Sam has performed at many festivals, casinos, and events across the country. For a complete listing, see Sam’s EPK.
Sam shares the stage with some of the top musicians in the Chicagoland area and across the country. Whether performing as a trio or big band, Sam always leaves the crowd wanting more.
Salt-N-Pepa (sometimes stylized as Salt ‘N’ Pepa) is an American hip-hop group formed in New York City in 1985,that comprised Salt (Cheryl James), Pepa (Sandra Denton), and DJ Spinderella (Deidra Roper). Their debut album, Hot, Cool & Vicious (1986), sold more than 1 million copies in the US, making them the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album included the single, “Push It”, which was released in 1987 as the B-side to their single “Tramp”, and peaked within the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Salt-N-Pepa’s second album A Salt with a Deadly Pepa (1988), was certified gold by the RIAA. The Trio’s third album Blacks’ Magic (1990), featured the singles “Expression” and “Let’s Talk About Sex”. In 1993, they released the album, Very Necessary, which sold over 7 million copies worldwide (5 million of those in the U.S.), and was the highest-selling rap album by a female act (solo or group) in history at the time. The album included the hit singles “Shoop” and “Whatta Man” with En Vogue. They won the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for their song “None of Your Business”, making them one of the first female rap acts to win a Grammy Award, along with Queen Latifah, who won later during the same ceremony.
Salt-N-Pepa have sold over 15 million records worldwide, making them one of the best selling rap acts of all time. Their success in rap and hip hop culture has earned them the honorific title “The First Ladies of Rap”
Rosie & The Rivets perform an electrifying female-fronted retrospective tribute to the first ten years (1954-1964) of Rock & Roll. Along with early Rock & Roll favorites, you’ll hear Girl Group, Rockabilly, R&B, Surf, and British Invasion featuring Rosie’s powerful and versatile voice and backed by a band with extensive theater/tribute/roots music experience (members of the Rivets have worked in The Million Dollar Quartet, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and The Fab Four: Beatles Tribute).
Make no mistake, this is not your typical ‘oldies playing oldies’ band. Rosie & The Rivets are a high-energy stage show that’s fresh and fun for all ages. Audiences have a hard time staying in their seats and concerts often turn into dance parties!
Sticklers for detail, much research went into their stage production; period-correct wardrobe, hair, and makeup along with vintage guitars, drums, and even microphones assure you’ll be in for a truly retro-cool experience. While shows are pure Rock ‘n’ Roll, they pride themselves on staying family and client friendly. Rosie & The Rivets provide the perfect entertainment for festivals, cruises, theaters, casinos, and corporate events.
Rosie & The Rivets are:
Christine Mikulskis aka Rosie, Guitar/Lead Vocals: published print model and TV actress
Frank James, Lead Guitar/Vocals: former member of Legends In Concert, The Fab Four, and American English Beatle Tributes
Cody “Goose” Siragusa, String Bass/Electric Bass/Vocals: former Million Dollar Quartet, and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story bass player
Rosa is a queer singer/songwriter whose passion is using art to build community and give back to the world around her. Rosa lives and works in Chicago, IL. She is always on the hunt for collaborators on future projects.
Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press is a peak experience band from Chicago. With a focus on bone-crushing 3 part harmonies, laser-sharp musicianship, and a top tier light show, Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press is a live performance powerhouse. The band carefully curates each show from a truly eclectic and massive repertoire in order to cultivate an unclassifiable experience of joy and entertainment for everyone in attendance. Go see Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press!
If you’re a fan of the sound, look and wow factor of that crazy little 70’s British band called Queen then get ready for Chicago’s #1 “Queen” Tribute Act, The Queen Explosion! They will rock you!
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.
Possibilities Theatre Company seeks to harvest an adventurous, creative environment where people from all walks of life are welcome and safe to take risks, try new things, and build a community. Possibilities strives to work with new artists and encourage.
PINION is a 4 piece rock cover band from the western suburbs of Chicago, IL. We play with the energy and intent to bring you to the concert of your favorite bands on a nightly basis, and we create this authentic atmosphere in the comfort of your favorite local hangouts.
We don’t just LOVE live music- We LIVE for it. We want to bring that same passion to YOU so that you can experience it the way we do.
PINION covers an incredible range of music from classic rock to country to pop to hard/heavy rock. Our setlist spans over 6 decades of hits from bands like: Alice Cooper, The Cars, Pink Floyd, Luke Bryan, NIN, TOOL, Korn, Muse, Coldplay, White Zombie, Goo Goo Dolls, Weezer, Avenged Sevenfold and SO MUCH MORE!
Peach is a brand and event team grown and raised in Chicago. We are dedicated to unifying and celebrating LGBTQ+ women and femme family through music, drinks, food, art and visually stimulating entertainment. Peach brings a fully immersive design for each event, partners with world-class brands to donate thousands to nonprofits, and creates elevated, inclusive experiences.
While the brand’s mission centers queer women and femmes, allies and identities across the LGBTQ+ spectrum are encouraged to join in our safe space.
Lorely Rodriguez, the singular mind behind Empress Of, is a songwriter and producer living Brooklyn, NY. In the early part of 2012, she began a personal songwriting exercise, writing, and recording a daily series of one-minute ideas. Completing each of these snippets in several hours apiece, she eventually amassed a catalog of about fifty. Selections from this series were eventually uploaded to YouTube anonymously, each paired with a blank color swatch. The fruits of this project, deemed a series of “colorminutes”, were released on cassette via the Japanese record label, Big Love, and effectively served as the launch of Empress Of.
In the latter half of 2013, following domestic and international touring stints, her most ambitious recording to date, Realize You was self-released online to critical acclaim. Illustrating great progress in production and an even more broad swath of songwriting chops, incorporating witty lyricism and soaring melodies, this is just a hint of what remains in store for the future.
Blazian Sensation Aya Ito is a native of Tokyo, Japan and a multi-genre vocalist and songwriter. Pulling influence from Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, H.E.R., Robert Glasper, Rihanna, and Jhene Aiko, Aya Ito has created her signature Pop/R&B/Soul fusion sound, while also incorporating her trilingual abilities (English, Spanish and Japanese).
Aya has toured the US and Japan wowing crowds with her spirited performances and dynamic sound. Aya’s most recent release, “Just Might” reflects Aya’s pop and R&B influences in her own way and successfully mixes both production styles with live instrumentation.
Rhea the Second is an Alternative Pop and R&B recording artist, vocalist, songwriter and producer. Her most recent achievements as an Independent artist working the reigns of the Chicago Music scene include working with Leon Bridges, Roy Kinsey, Kristen Kaza, Manasseh, Akenya Seymour, Amyna Love, Loona Dae, Melvin Knight, LeftJones, Noname, Chicago Afrobeat Project and more. She was also nominated for Chicago Reader’s Best Pop Artist and Best R&B Artist of 2023.
With over a decade of experience, Rhea the Second is remarkably skilled and unique. Ranging from experimental to the very heart of R&B, the canticles in which Second’s voice reigns over on stage graciously unveils the undeniable beauty of a confident woman creative who isn’t afraid to speak and live her truth in life or on stage.
B.Blyss! Takeover ft. Sandra Suave, DJ Feen & Ayodele Drum & Dance
Since 2004, B.Blyss! has produced culturally diverse events for individuals who self-identify as women, sapphic, or LGBTQIAA+. Those familiar with our brand know that we believe in providing inclusive yet exclusive upscale, mature, and professionally crafted events to our supporters who represent the beauty and the essence of the community and its allies.
Cobra B is a Chicago-born, St. Louis-raised DJ, musician, writer, editor and artist who mixes house music, techno, afrobeats, afro house, rap, soul, amapiano, kwaito, jungle, juke, and punk. Since launching her DJ career, she has made appearances in some of Chicago’s most legendary spaces, including Smartbar. From the Zambian house parties she went to as a kid, to the European raves and underground punk shows she went to as a young adult, Cobra B pulls from her unique influences to create energizing, boundary-pushing dance floor experiences.
In 2017, the cultural marketing company Black Thread Agency launched Peach, a Chicago-based brand and event series devoted to celebrating LGBTQ+ women and femmes. Bre Auberry (Breberries), president of the Black Thread Agency, says Peach exists to give the queer community experiences it does not always have access to. Through its themed events, Peach works to give attendees something more than just a party, but rather, a fully immersive and unique experience.
NDULGNCE is a dynamic force in music, art, and curation, known for orchestrating unforgettable experiences. As a genre-bending DJ, NDULGNCE captivates audiences at prestigious events, festivals, nightclubs, and lounges. NDULGNCE’s prowess as an artist and curator shines through in producing music, directing photoshoots, and conceptualizing graphic materials. With a proven track record of curating exceptional events and fostering community empowerment, NDULGNCE is a visionary leader at the intersection of creativity and innovation.
Carnival has always been a loud, proud celebration of culture and tradition across the world, with people flooding the streets unapologetically in their boldest and brightest to rejoice in their community. We’ve been offered an amazing opportunity to make our Carnival event just that. With almost 1000 people interested in attending our event, we’ve decided to do it bigger and better and stay true to the heart of this significant cultural event that means so much to so many. Get ready for Peach x Party Noire Present: Pound the Alarm, a queer ode to Carnival – An all-day takeover of Market Days on August 11th! We are giving you a huge main stage with full production and a full 10 hours of POC & Queer programming in the streets of Chicago.
With this pivot, this means many things… all ages and suggested donation ONLY. Allowing us to proudly present this event to be accessible for all! All tickets for our original Carnival event will be refunded.
This is a historic moment for our POC and queer community in Chicago to make our presence and voice known on North Halsted, with two of your favorite queer collectives giving you a stage with incredible production, full stage design, DJs, dancers, surprise performers, and more. Spread the news and help us make our mark on August 11. More details to come on this day to remember.
Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE (26 September 1948 – 8 August 2022) was a British and Australian singer, actress and activist. She was a four-time Grammy Award winner whose music career included 15 top-ten singles, including 5 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and two number-one albums on the Billboard 200: If You Love Me, Let Me Know (1974) and Have You Never Been Mellow (1975). Eleven of her singles (including two Platinum) and 14 of her albums (including two Platinum and four 2× Platinum) have been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
In 1978, Newton-John starred in the musical film Grease, which was the highest-grossing musical film at the time and whose soundtrack remains one of the world’s best-selling albums. It features two major hit duets with co-star John Travolta: “You’re the One That I Want”—which is one of the best-selling singles of all time—and “Summer Nights”. Her signature solo recordings include the Record of the Year Grammy winner “I Honestly Love You” (1974) and “Physical” (1981)—Billboard’s highest-ranking Hot 100 single of the 1980s. Other defining hit singles include “If Not for You” and “Banks of the Ohio” (both 1971), “Let Me Be There” (1973), “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” (1974), “Have You Never Been Mellow” (1975), “Sam” (1977), “Hopelessly Devoted to You” (1978; also from Grease), “A Little More Love” (1978), “Twist of Fate” (1983) and, from the 1980 film Xanadu, “Magic” and “Xanadu” (with the Electric Light Orchestra).
With global sales of more than 100 million records, Newton-John established herself as one of the best-selling music artists of all time.[5]
Newton-John, who battled breast cancer three times, was an advocate and sponsor for breast cancer research. In 2012, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre opened in her home town of Melbourne. She also was an activist for environmental and animal rights causes.
A multi-instrumental singer/songwriter, music has taken Olivia Love all over the world, and she’s performed in France, Portugal, England, Ecuador and China as well as many parts of the Midwest. Her music is an outlet through which she reckons with love, loss, and mental health. Her hope in releasing it is that it resonates with other people like her, and that they in turn find it a little easier to love themselves. Her first single, Lean Into It, is a celebration of queer love and navigating the emotional quagmire that is bisexual dating. Melancholy folk rock? Alt-saloon? Genre yet unknown.
Grammy Award-Winning Recording Artist, Mýa, celebrates 23 years as an internationally known, singer, songwriter, producer, dancer/choreographer, actor, activist, and philanthropist. A young 18-year-old when she released her self-titled, double-platinum debut, Mýa was no stranger to the stage with piano lessons at 5, violin and orchestra, and gospel choir throughout her grade school years, studying many styles of dance and acting in several plays, which were all in preparation for her big break in the entertainment business.
In 2021, Mýa is still going strong, running her own independent record label Planet 9 for 13 years, as she completes her 14th & 15th music projects, two films, and an audiobook catered to those looking to transition to a healthy, vegan lifestyle. All of her new music projects are available on all digital and streaming outlets worldwide and viewable at www.myamya.com. On February 26, the independent action film “Lazarus” debuted on Fox’s new streaming platform Tubi, in which Mýa plays a psychic, also appearing on its soundtrack. On March 27, Mýa celebrates the 20th Anniversary of her international collaboration hit “Lady Marmalade” with her peers Christina Aguilera, Pink, Lil’ Kim, and Missy. In June, Mya partnered with Verizon and Visa for the virtual “Songs & Stories” live performance series with Looped Live. Mýa also made appearances on Disney’s Atlantis: Lost Empire Animation’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Live Stream as a guest speaker, Mercy For Animals’ Hope Gala as a presenter, and DJ Cassidy’s “Pass the Mic” as performer serving summer nostalgia with Beenie Man and their international hit “Girls Dem Suga” BET Awards weekend. On July 2nd, Mya returns with a fresh, new sound as MÝA LAN$KY documenting the struggle and reward of being an independent thinker and doer on her first rap single “Worth It” spitting conscious, meaningful bars as the boss of her own life, body, mind, spirit, decisions and independent record label. With 2 completed albums on the way, Mýa shares her excitement about her new upcoming music…
She says, “‘Worth It’ is in essence about the reward at the end of the tunnel after a long journey of centering self and finding your own voice in a world of noise and chaos, holding onto faith for the fight to continue, alongside the relentless grind, mental, physical and spiritual conditioning and sacrifice necessary to not only survive on the road less traveled to ownership, but to thrive with victory and glory on the other side. Though it hasn’t been easy, it has truly been an educational and rewarding journey these past 23 years in entertainment. I am truly grateful for every experience, encounter, and individual who has been a part of this ride. My passion & love for music has never been greater and the best of me has yet to come with the intention to inspire.”
Molly Farrelly is a Chicago based international performer. She specializes in Soul and Jazz and has a background in improvisation and cabaret. Molly performs all over Chicago and just came back from her first tour in Puerto Vallarta Mexico! No show is ever too big (or too small) for Molly 😉
Too Much Molly Band is made up of 3 ridiculous Chicago based musicians. The over the top Molly Callinan (Catfight, Rock Candy, Lt. Dan Band), musical theatre’s own friend of Dorothy Alex Newkirk (Trulucks and a Vincent Restaurants, Crooners Cabaret), and Caitlin “Sequins” Simone (Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra, Shy Violet). Come hear some great songs (and a couple shitty ones), and some mediocre banter. You won’t regret it! (YOU WILL).
Mike Soriano grew up breathing house music at the early age of 10, listening to artists such as Peter Rauhofer, Bad Boy Bill, Roger Sanchez, Offer Nissim, Richard Humty Vision, among many others. Old school house music fueled his passion for electronic music. He began his career as a DJ and producer selecting and mixing tracks as a hobby, with his passion for music he started producing various genres including hip-hop and R&B. He then switched his focus to House Circuit and has been ripping dance floors since. Mike Soriano is now one of the top DJs and producers in Mexico and has been recognize for his music in all parts of the world.
Emmy-nominated Michaela Jaé continues to break barriers and capture audiences, most recently as housemother “Blanca” in Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking series POSE on FX. Her work on the series earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama in 2022 and an historical Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series in 2021.
For POSE, she has been previously nominated for a Television Critics Choice Award for Individual Achievement in Drama, as well as a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series, and nominations for an MTV Movie + TV Award in the category of Breakthrough Performance and 3 Gold Derby Awards for Drama Actress and Breakthrough Performance. She won the Imagen Award for Best Actress in Television in 2021 and 2019.
Jaé most recently appeared in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s feature film ‘TICK, TICK… BOOM!’ which released this fall. She will be starring in the Apple TV+ series, LOOT, alongside Maya Rudolph, created by Alan Yang and Matt Hubbard, as well as ‘GIRLS CAN’T SHOOT (AND OTHER LIES)’ alongside Beanie Feldstein, Jameela Jamil and Kat Dennings.
In June 2021 she released her debut single, “Something to Say” via Access Records. Disco, R&B and Funk Tinged Pop, an immediate anthem that has Michaela calling people to step into their truth and let their voices be heard. Jaé wrote the track with PWP (comprised of the legendary Verdine White of Earth, Wind, and Fire, multi-Grammy winning Neal Pogue and John Paris as well as Nick Ferraro and Duncan Hood).
In 2018 she made her Tribeca Film Debut starring in the indie film SATURDAY CHURCH, a performance which garnered her a Tribeca Film Festival Nomination for Best Actress. Her other television credits include NURSE JACKIE and Marvel’s LUKE CAGE.
Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Jaé made her Off-Broadway debut in New World Stages production of RENT as ‘Angel,’ before continuing onto New York City Center to star in Encores! production of RUNAWAYS. She recently starred as ‘Audrey’ in the Pasadena Playhouse’s production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and will continue her pursuits in acting in Apple+’s new series LOOT which will release June of 2022.
Mel Senese offers a highly inspired take on alternative pop-rock. An artist of the windy city, mel has had the honor of not just performing throughout the midwest but competing in chicago as well, earning her the title of “Big Break Champion” in 2017. Her solo debut single prey is in equal parts eerie, poppy and vocally impressive. An absolute powerhouse, Mel channels the rock energy of female icons like P!nk, Kelly Clarkson and Avril Lavigne but infuses it with her own alt-rock influences.
Since, Mel Senese has focused on finding inspiration within life’s everyday struggles, offering her own interpretation of current themes like feminism, independence, justice and self-love. New single hell no! Is directed at all manipulators, abusers and oppressors that prevent you from being you. Mel tells listeners to craft their own happiness, but serves it up with catchy hooks, quirky rhythms and her signature power vocal. With lyrical storytelling that is both empowering and energized, Mel’s presence is something that will draw you in and keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
Meghan Murphy is an actor/singer/producer/solo artist currently performing in the worlds of Theatre, Music, and Cabaret. Her incredible range of talents has taken her all over the world, creating and performing in countless musical theater shows and concerts, delivering her long-running one-woman show, The Big Red Show, and singing in her Chicago-based blues band, Everybody Says Yes.
MAX is a New York City born pop-soul singer, actor & dancer, known for his powerful acrobatic tenor which commands attention. His devoted fanbase and original voice has given him an incredibly strong social media presence with over 1.2 million followers on YouTube, 400,000 followers on Twitter and over 940,000 likes on Facebook.
2015 was a banner year for MAX — in February, he signed with Pete Wentz’s DCD2 Records and in March, he released the single “Gibberish” featuring Hoodie Allen. The song was one of the selected tracks featured by YouTube for the 2015 YouTube Music Awards alongside songs by Ed Sheeran & Charli XCX, and its groundbreaking music video accumulated over 4.5 million views in just one week and has racked up more than 12 million views to date. Additionally, he was one of MTV’s 2015 Artists to Watch Summer Class list, named Elvis Duran’s Artist of the Month (June), KISS-FM ‘s Artist of the Week, performed on NBC’s TODAY show, and was nominated for Best Breakthrough Artist and Original Song for the 2015 Streamy Awards. MAX spent the summer on the road as a featured performer on the Boys of Zummer tour with Fall Out Boy & Wiz Khalifa before releasing his DCD2 Records-debut EP Ms. Anonymous in September. In October, MAX embarked on his first headline tour across the U.S., which included multiple sold out dates. A lifelong entertainer, music is not his only talent — MAX starred in the Beach Boys biopic, “Love & Mercy,” as Van Dyke Parks.
Matteo Lane is a New York-based comedian whose stand-up special can be seen on Netflix’s The Comedy Line-up. He was the first stand up to perform on A Little Late With Lilly Singh and has also made appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and the Comedy Jam.
Matteo is currently developing an animated series, Kickass Drag Queen, together with Bob the Drag Queen, Gary Sanchez and Unicorn Island Productions for Freeform. Not limited to just stand up, Matteo also co-hosts the podcast Inside the Closet together with Emma Willmann and performs an original cabaret, Live at the Bon Soir, to great critical acclaim. Fluent in five languages and with a singing range of six octaves, Matteo lived in Italy as an oil painter and opera singer before starting his comedy career.
Martha Elaine Wash (born December 28, 1953) is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and producer. Known for her distinctive and powerful voice, Wash first achieved fame as half of the Two Tons O’ Fun, who sang backing vocals for the disco singer Sylvester including on his signature hit “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”. After gaining their own record deal, they released three consecutive commercially successful songs which all peaked at number two in the dance charts. The duo was renamed The Weather Girls in 1982 after they released the top-selling single “It’s Raining Men”, which brought them to mainstream pop attention. The Weather Girls released five albums and were heavily featured on Sylvester’s albums.
After disbanding in 1988, Wash transitioned to house music as a featured artist on several successful songs. Her success on Billboard’s Dance chart has earned her the honorific title The Queen of Clubland, with a total of fifteen number-one songs on the chart to date.
Wash is also noted for sparking legislation in the early 1990s that made vocal credits mandatory on CDs and music videos. Starting in the late-1980s, her studio vocals were used in several successful dance songs without her permission or proper credit. Models lip-synced to her voice in music videos and during live performances, obscuring Wash’s contributions and hiding Wash’s size as a full-figured woman. As a result, she was denied credit and royalties for many of the songs she recorded. This included platinum-selling song “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”. Subsequently, in Rolling Stone, music critic Jason Newman described Martha Wash as “The Most Famous Unknown Singer of the ’90s”.In December 2016, Billboard magazine ranked her as the 58th most successful dance artist of all time.
Rubies hold a special place among the world’s rarest natural treasures. The most sought-after of the corundum family, the gemstone’s crimson hue instantly catches attention—as if extracting passion from the earth itself and crystallizing it in mineral form. Similarly, Macy Gray occupies a rare space in the canon of modern music.
That unmistakable rasp, unshakable grasp on soul, and funky spirit ensured her status as a 21st century icon since her arrival with the triple-platinum How Life Is in 1999. Selling over 25 million total albums globally, winning a GRAMMY® Award and two BRIT Awards, collaborating with everyone from Ariana Grande to Galactic, and enchanting fans all over the world, her voice has consistently resounded throughout pop culture. Eternally enamored and enthralled with her voice and presence, a devout fan base that transcends genres, generations, and creeds celebrates her work—album after album and tour after tour.
Most recently, 2016’s Stripped earmarked a creative high point, garnering unanimous acclaim from Vogue, Vice, and many more. At the same time, she remains a force of nature on tour, selling out venues in nearly every corner of the globe two decades into her storied career. Macy’s talents resound beyond music as well. She starred in Tyler Perry’s Black Reel Award-winning For Colored Girls and would grace the screen everywhere from Brotherly Love and Cardboard Boxer to NETFLIX’s hit Fuller House. Moreover, she made a now legendary appearance in Training Day alongside Academy® Award winner Denzel Washington—one of many on-screen hallmarks.
Now, her tenth full-length album, RUBY [Artistry Music/Mack Avenue], reaffirms and reasserts that signature rarity millions continue to treasure.
“I love the gem ruby,” she explains. “It’s so regal. I really wanted a title that would stick. The stone is also red of course, which is my favorite color. It’s rich and has history. It’s classic—and so is this album.”
In a city brimming with classic blues and jazz divas, Lynne Jordan stands apart. Not only do her soaring vocals dip effortlessly into blues, jazz, funk, rock and even country but her bawdy personality wins over any crowd. Her talent so dazzled the Second City that the late Chicago film critic Roger Ebert declared her his “favorite diva.” Backed by her sizzling band The Shivers, Jordan quickly developed into a Chicago institution, playing jazz and blues clubs, swanky lounges and even the charity circuit throughout the country. She brought her special brand of storytelling, raw humor and performance to New York and Atlanta with her sold-out show, “A Musical Tribute To Nina Simone.”
Although Jordan’s nuanced singing and standout style echo Simone’s musical legacy, the singer’s warmth and grace point to her Midwest upbringing. Growing up in Dayton Ohio, Jordan came from a family of church-going singers who encouraged humility. She down-played her big voice until she was singled out to star in school musicals. From then on, there was no way to hide her gifts. Arriving in Chicago to study at Northwestern University, Jordan promptly changed her major from journalism to theater and has been performing non-stop ever since. She performed as an Arts Ambassador representing the City of Chicago in Moscow and Kyiv and has graced stages throughout Europe and South America and is currently featured in the Jazz Opera, “Don’t Worry, Be HaRpy” by French composer Isabelle Olivier. The cast of four U.S. singers and an all-French orchestra triumphed but the real challenge for Lynne was when she portrayed all four characters in a solo tour de force performance. “I was terrified at first, but the experience was exhilarating!” The show returned to Paris for a third tour in June 2016. She has released two CD’s to date and is featured on recordings by Tom Waits, Urge Overkill and several compilations, most notably a tribute to Janis Joplin: “Blues Down Deep: Songs of Janis Joplin” which also featured Etta James, Otis Clay, Taj Mahal & Koko Taylor.
Boasting an effervescent selection of music and stories for her Nina Simone tribute, Jordan sold out Chicago’s City Winery and did the same in New York and Atlanta. “For so long, I was told to nail my music to a genre or language and like her, I never did. I will sing in English, French, Hebrew or Japanese. It’s the song and the story that matters. To me, she represents the indie spirit of individuality and inclusiveness.” Showcasing all that individuality, Jordan offers up an eclectic array of music to the audience as they get to experience the multi-faceted diva glory—alongside the excellent musicianship and energy of her band the Shivers – which Chicago has been enjoying for decades. She has written a one woman show with LA playwright Andrew Barrett. A GREAT BIG DIVA and reading from the script in December 2017.
She has recorded with Tom Waits; The Punk group Urge Overkill; Alligator Records Blues artist Toronzo Cannon; featured amongst Taj Mahal, Etta James, and Koko Taylor on Blues Down Deep: A Tribute to Janis Joplin and her own CD’s: Bit o Fun and Holiday Shivers. Lynne performed in Jazz Operas in Europe, performed her own one-woman show, and is a featured vocalist with Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues.
Lynne has traveled the world with her band the Shivers including a life-changing performance in Kyiv, Ukraine in Freedom Square before an audience of 250,000. Jordan has performed her works at numerous Live lit (storytelling) shows in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Moscow, Rio, Riga, and Paris and is featured in the book: Chicago Storytellers, From Page to Stage.Because she is a popular entertainer in Chicago, she has honed her storytelling skills with every song, in every concert and event, and created a one-woman show “A Great Big Diva” that includes her wonderful stories and music.
Lynne is a 3Arts Make a Wave Artist, and recipient of the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago: Outstanding Achievement in Music – Rhythm & Blues award in 2017-2018. She is currently enjoying a “Diva Residency” as an artist in residence at the Raue Center for the Performing Arts in Illinois. Lynne is presently working on two new recordings: one includes original material from Corky Siegel, Toronzo Cannon, and John Cameron Mitchell and the other is exclusively classic blues tunes from the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s.
One of the greatest Latin Hip Hop/Freestyle/Pop divas to come out of the 1980’s music scene is the legendary Lisa Velez also known as Lisa Lisa of the 80’s supergroup Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. Produced by Full Force, the group shot straight up the charts and went platinum several times over their first few albums. Their freshman album “Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force”, had her break-out hits “I Wonder If I Take You Home” and “Can You Feel The Beat”. Those two songs alone helped to launch the underground genre of “Freestyle music” into the mainstream.
Then the amazing 80’s supergroup did it again with the second album “Spanish Fly” by crossing over to the pop charts with mega-hits like “Head to Toe” and “Lost In Emotion”. If that wasn’t epic enough they sealed that success with their third album “Straight to the Sky” releasing another music number one pop single called “Little Jackie”. Needless to say, Columbia records had instant superstars on their roster of artists.
As the ’80s faded out and the ’90s came in with a new sound merging both the dance music and hip hop seamlessly, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam rode that wave to a fourth album “Straight Out of Hell’s Kitchen”. The group collaborated with 2 of the 90’s hottest producers Robert Clivilles, and the late David Cole, a duo known as C&C Music Factory on a song called “Let The Beat Hit Em”. The song went on to be one of the biggest dance singles of that decade.
The album, “Straight Out Of Hell’s Kitchen, ” was named after Lisa Velez’s childhood neighborhood. The youngest of 10 children, born in the Hell’s Kitchen section of New York City, Lisa aspired to be a singer very early on in life. At age 13, Lisa would sneak out to nightclubs where she met Mike Hughes of ”Cult Jam”. Mike introduced her to Full Force, the guys that would become her life-changing music producers. Full Force’s Bowlegged Lou, Paul Anthony, and B-Fine were immediately impressed with Lisa’s angelic sounding voice. The collective works of producers & artists would soon launch three individuals Lisa Velez, Mike Hughes, and Alex Mosley now known to the world as Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam to super-stardom.
Throughout her journey, Lisa Lisa became the first Latin platinum artist to be recognized nationwide. She has paved the way for some of the Latin female artists to come after her, such as Selena and Jennifer Lopez. As the group went their separate ways in 1994, Lisa released her first solo album “LL77” on Chrysalis records which included a Top 40 hit “Skip To My Lu” and her first Spanish track “Cuando Me Enamore”. Driven, Lisa branched off into the acting world in the mid-’90s. She first gravitated to the theater world performing in Broadway and off-Broadway plays such as “Barrio Babes” and “West Side Story”. Then in 2001, she hit the television airways as a young sharp-witted mother Gloria Morales in the popular Nickelodeon series “Taina” that lasted 2 seasons. Lisa also made an appearance on the hit series Law & Order in 2003 as a desperate mother who made a bad decision to save her terminally ill son’s life and ends up on the wrong side of the law. This role showed the world her acting diversity.
After more than 30 years of being a trailblazer in the music business and gracing the acting world Lisa’s journey is far from over. Lisa and her team Robert Drieslein “Bobby Dee Productions” & “Uncle Snoops Army” the legendary Snoop Dogg himself are working on bringing some amazing things. Lisa Lisa continues to tour the world with her band SoDisrespectful and her dance ensemble. Stay tuned!
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.
Kristine Elizabeth Weitz, widely known by her stage name Kristine W, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and entrepreneur. She is most widely known as a dance music artist. Born and raised in Pasco, Washington, she found early success competing in pageants and talent contests, winning Miss Washington and a preliminary swimsuit award as well as a NFT award in the Miss America pageant. Kristine W is now one of the most popular dance club artists of all time, with 17 #1s to date on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. She is currently listed among Billboard’s 8 Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists, and she was ranked number three in Billboard’s Top Dance Artists of the Decade. She is especially popular in the gay community and is an outspoken supporter of LGBT rights, frequently performing at pride rallies and charity events for pro-LGBT organizations throughout the U.S.
After competing in Miss America, Kristine W moved to Las Vegas, where she regularly performed at the Las Vegas Hilton and won “Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year” for several years. Kristine W was recognized by the city of Las Vegas for her record-breaking number of shows, which lead to June 28 being officially designated as Kristine W Day by the state of Nevada. Those performances lead to her first record deal and subsequent debut single, “Feel What You Want”, marking the singer’s first of 17 #1s on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Kristine W is also tied for third place with Beyoncé for the most consecutive #1 hits with nine. In addition, her album The Power of Music is one of only three albums in the history of the chart to produce at least seven No. 1s from one album (Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream [2010] also had seven, and Rihanna’s Anti [2016] had eight).
When Kimberley isn’t helping other artists to make their dreams come true, she’s creating and performing her own music.
Auditioning for the 2003 series of TV talent show American Idol® was a life-changing decision for Kimberley. She successfully passed the audition and became a firm fan favorite, eventually placing as second runner up and setting her on a new career path in the music industry.
Kimberley signed to Curb Records immediately after her American Idol journey, where she became a very successful recording artist and released three full-length albums with the label. Among her many achievements she’s had eight Top 20 Adult Contemporary hits and four #1 Dance hits across various Billboard charts. Her #1 club hit, a remake of the Freda Payne classic “Band of Gold,” was included on Billboard’s “Top 50 Dance Songs of the Decade” list. She’s also made history as being the only recording artist to score a #1 Christmas song on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart three years in a row.
In 2009, Kimberley parted ways with Curb Records and became the first artist to sign a deal with Randy Jackson’s record label, Dream Merchant 21 Entertainment. Two years later, she announced she was launching her own artist consulting company, I AM Entertainment, LLC. She released her first independent EP album, “Four for the Floor” through I AM Entertainment in July 2011, followed by a cover of “Silver Bells” four months later, and “Finally Free” the following year.
Most recently she was seen at the 2016 finale of American Idol, which was watched by around 13 million viewers. At the finale she sang her hugely successful 2004 single “8th World Wonder,” along with additional solo and group performances with other American Idol favorites.
KaJahn Ari, a Chicago native, had shown a great love for the arts at a young age and began on the path of a Triple Threat at the age of 5. She started out in talent shows within the Chicago Public School system and Praise Dancing for various community church audiences. After her parents seeing the spark of pure and original talent, she received some formal training in Ballet and Gymnastics. In her middle school years, she expanded her talent by joining the Drama Club, Concert Choir and Show Choir along with formal Vocal Tech training. During this explosion of talent discovery, she was a participant in The Young Americans Workshop and the Darrin DeWitt Henson Dance Workshop.
In the summer of 2009, KaJahn continued her journey by joining the Community Engagement Program of the Joffrey Ballet Chicago. This intensive summer program included performances at Millennium Park and culminated with a community performance at the boat house in Chicago’s Humboldt Park. As a reward for her hard work and dedication, she was offered a Scholarship into the Joffrey Ballet Chicago Bridge Program for 2009-2010. While in high school, she was a member of the Rich South Starettes Dance team, the School Choir and performed throughout 2010-2011 at various community events with a Hip-Hop Dance Crew called CrossXout.
In 2012 decided to take her singing career to the next level and becoming a recording artist. Working with her dad made her want to go to the next level. “I want to dance to my own music”. From there she began to expand on her vocals and teamed up with her cousin/writer Simone Ingram to create her first song “Voodoo” in 2014. After the passing of her dad, it only put more fire into her spirit. She spent the remainder of the year recording her own music at home with her fathers studio equipment the was left for her. She made herself a soundcloud account and started sharing her music and gaining a following. By the summer of 2015 she was opening up for great performers like Tyra B, Do or Die and performing at clubs and sold out local venues.
Today, KaJahn Ari plans to pursue her educational goals along with seeking out new and creative avenues in the performing arts. Her passion for performing continues to drive the need to expound on her talents by gaining new and challenging roles in theater, choreography and song.
The Joe Policastro Trio is a Chicago-based jazz trio led by bassist Joe Policastro featuring guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Mikel Avery. While firmly rooted in jazz, the band’s open-minded, inclusive nature also brings rock, soul, funk, Brazilian, and free jazz to the surface while keeping the aesthetic of an acoustic jazz trio intact. Their third album, Screen Sounds (JeruJazz Records, August 11, 2017), is an assemblage of movie/TV music re-imagined by the trio. Both a musical tapestry and personal soundtrack, the trio has re-purposed these selections blending each member’s unique voice into a unified sound while shedding new light on these musical touchstones. Other releases by the band include 2013’s West Side Story Suite For Jazz Trio, and 2016’s POPS!, also on JeruJazz Records.
Bands are a rarity in jazz these days, especially ones who hone their craft as consistently as this one does. Their last album, POPS! (2016), was a collection of the trio’s re-workings of “pop” tunes, and a nod to Pops For Champagne, the famed Chicago nightclub where the trio continues its long-running, three-nights-a-week residency. Beyond Chicago, the band has been extensively playing together on the road having completed several tours even performing for President Barack Obama in October of 2016.
As sidemen, Joe Policastro (Jeff Hamilton, Pat and Debby Boone, Phil Woods, Diane Schuur), Dave Miller (Clarice Assad, Patricia Barber, Algernon), and Mikel Avery (Joshua Abrams, Theaster Gates, Rob Mazurek) have shared the stage with a wide array of musicians but dedicate collectively to this trio. Whether highlighting the original music of its member, re-contextualizing modern music, or performing jazz classics of the likes of Thelonious Monk, Chico Hamilton, or Charles Lloyd, the trio readily displays its singular approach, sound, texture, and simultaneity.
“The trio have refined their layered blend of the familiar and faintly far out, playing three nights a week at Chicago’s Pops For Champagne and through extensive roadwork. Their deep understanding of each other and deft analysis of choice repertoire repays repeat and close listening.”
– Michael Jackson, Downbeat
Known for its eclectic taste and approach, the Joe Policastro Trio “makes the case that such musical hybridity is worth celebrating.” “Policastro…is a melody-minded bassist who prioritizes group cohesion over individual displays of virtuosity.”
– Brian Zimmerman, Downbeat
“There are always new wrinkles to be found in the familiar. That’s a political stance that seems to serve the Joe Policastro Trio well…putting alternately gritty and focused touches on songs we’ve come to love….Policastro and company have found their niche tapping into different breeds of treasured songs.”
– Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
The Joe Policastro Trio is a band that can turn “pop tart into Jazz art” (Travis Rogers, Jazz Owl) and one that “should have wide appeal among both jazz fans and listeners of other genres.” (Hrayr Attarian, Chicago Jazz Magazine)
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
As one of the most sought after DJs and Producers in the industry, Joe Gauthreaux (pronounced GO TROW) has a resume full of club appearances and main events that spans the last 15 years – with the list ever growing. He has played almost every major circuit event all over the world, including Winter Party Festival, Black Party New York, White Party Miami, Song Kran Bangkok, New Year’s Rio at The Week, Atlantis Cruises, among others. A staple at major clubs across North America, Brazil and Asia, while holding multi-year residencies in several key markets across the world, his name is synonymous with having a driving and unique musical experience.
His production career has included official remixes of major dance artists like Steven Redant, Leo Blanco, Tony Moran and Kristine W., not to mention mainstream top 40 artists like Adele, Rita Ora, Blondie, Troye Sivan, Justin Bieber, & Brian Justin Crum. Most recently, his big room progressive-tribal remix of Diana Ross’ classic anthem “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” with Brazilian producer DJ Leanh, has taken the circuit by storm, with major support from many leading DJs.
Constantly evolving, Gauthreaux has now taken his music to the next level with his own house music label “Prop D Recordings,” with his 2014 debut single “Bye Felicia” featuring Mitch Amtrak reaching number 5 on the Billboard Dance Chart, making Gauthreaux an official Billboard Recording Artist. Follow up singles “February (Our Last Kiss)” featuring Abigail, and “The Urge In Me” featuring Inaya Day, rose even higher, peaking at numbers 4 & 3, repectively . He also wrote and produced the sleeper hit “You Are My Family,” also featuring Inaya Day on vocals, which has turned into a modern day gay pride classic. The heartfelt anthem has united crowds all over the world with its important message of family and brotherhood. As both songwriter and producer on his original productions, Gauthreaux is a major creative force to be reckoned with in the dance music industry. As for where he goes next, he says “Challenging myself is the only way I know how to keep growing. Staying still or moving sideways has never been of interest to me – I’m always looking forward.”
Whether you are expecting big vocals, house rhythms, progressive-tech beats, or tribal drums, Joe Gauthreaux will have you experiencing a musical journey you won’t ever forget.
Grammy winner and 3 time Grammy nominee Jody Watley; multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer/independent label owner and style icon is one of the architects of 21st-century Pop/R&B/Dance music.
From her groundbreaking marriage of rap & R&B (1987’s “Friends,” a collaboration with hip-hop legends Eric B. & Rakim) to her vision-forward marriage of high fashion, street fashion, and music in the ‘80s (long before it became the norm), to her fusion of jazz and underground club culture with keen pop instincts, and the ease with which she crossed and still crosses genre, Watley forged the template that is now everybody’s playbook.
To date as a solo artist, she’s had 6 Hot 100 Singles, 15 Top 40 Singles, 13 #1 Dance Singles, 2 #1 R&B Singles.
Listed as one of Billboard Magazine’s Top Female Artists and Top Dance Artists of All Time in 2018; Winner of the Best New Artist Grammy in 1987, Jody Watley’s entire career has been about looking forward, drawing inspiration from personal heroes and iconoclasts always ten steps ahead of the pack since her days as the original female lead and sound of the group Shalamar. The Chicago native’s eclectic repertoire – R&B, hip-hop, House, jazz, pop, drum & bass, ambient, spoken-word – is built on a positive vision and a strong taste for artistic and aesthetic risk. The Jody Watley concert experience is an energetic hit packed music journey spanning decades.
Classic Hits Include: Looking For A New Love, Don’t You Want Me, Friends, Everything, Real Love and More.
Joan Jett (born Joan Marie Larkin, September 22, 1958) is an American singer, guitarist, record producer and actress. Jett is best known for her work as the frontwoman of her band Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and for earlier founding and performing with the Runaways, which recorded and released the hit song “Cherry Bomb”. With The Blackhearts, Jett is known for her rendition of the song “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” which was number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks in 1982. Jett’s other notable songs include “Bad Reputation”, “Light of Day”, “I Hate Myself for Loving You” and her covers of “Crimson and Clover”, “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)” and “Dirty Deeds”.
Jett has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. She has three albums that have been certified platinum or gold. She has been described as “the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll”. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
You know you’re not just another indie soul band when your city sends you halfway around the world to showcase the sound of 21st century Chicago. Or when the mayor of Chicago personally invites you to play his inauguration concert or calls you to entertain foreign dignitaries. The JC Brooks Band came from humble beginnings, dreaming about getting the cool kids to shake it at the Empty Bottle and since have collected a wide range of fans around the globe.
Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy befriended the post-punk soul group after they scored a viral hit with their amped-up re-imagining of his song “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart”, performing it with them at Chicago’s Park West and inviting them to appear at Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival alongside heavy hitters such as Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore and the Band’s Levon Helm. Jake Johnson and Aubrey Plaza appeared in a music video with them. The taste-making crate diggers at the Numero Group were impressed enough by the band’s take-no-prisoners live show to include them in their Eccentric Soul Revue, where they had the pleasure of collaborating with the spectacular Syl Johnson. The JC Brooks Band has shared stages with a staggering array of artists, from legends like Robert Plant, Buddy Guy, and Chicago, to indie faves Peter Bjorn & John and the Dismemberment Plan, and soul stirrers Fitz & the Tantrums, Sharon Jones, Lisa Loeb, Lee Fields, and Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens.
Erupting with raw emotion, JC Brooks unleashes his soulful shouts and heart-wrenching falsetto over the relentless rhythm of guitarist Evan Pinter, drummer Kevin Marks, bassist Theodore Berry IV, keyboardist Jeremy Tromberg and percussionist-extraordinaire, JoVia Armstrong. JC Brooks and his band are a force to be reckoned with, leading the Chicago Tribune to call them “the real deal” and MOJO Magazine identifying them as “one of the hottest US soul acts”, while the New York Times praised their “neo-soul glory” and the Onion AV Club declared their first album “relentlessly catchy”. It’s live, it’s compelling, it’s now, it’s theatrical. So theatrical, in fact, that they were tapped to star in the critically-acclaimed run of the Tony Award-winning musical “Passing Strange” at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts.
After a forced hiatus this band is a sleeping dragon awakened from hibernation and hungry. Whether they’re wowing crowds in the US, Canada, or Europe, the JC Brooks Band has toured, warred, scored, and they’re not to be ignored. Bear witness, for they’re on the move and they’re ready to make you MOVE by any means necessary.
JAKE SHEARS is the lead singer of the multiplatinum-selling glam rock band Scissor Sisters. Born in Arizona, he grew up in the Seattle area before moving to New York City, where he studied fiction writing at The New School. He wrote the music for Tales of the City, a 2011 stage musical based on Armistead Maupin’s bestselling book series of the same name, and will join the cast of Kinky Boots on Broadway in the role of Charlie Price in January 2018. Jake Shears recently finished his debut solo album, which will be released in 2018. He divides his time between Los Angeles and New Orleans.
Emerging in 2015 as his true self, Jaimie Wilson, better known as Tboy on Instagram, began to publicly document his medical and social transition, from being assigned female to becoming the authentic male he is. Being born into a very religious and conservative family, coming out as trans was anything but easy. Jaimie found that creating music helped him work through his emotions and talk about things that he might otherwise not be able to. “I take these life experiences and put them all in my music, the good and the bad” Jaimie states in an interview with New York Times. He credits his loyal followers on both Instagram and TikTok for helping make his music dreams become his reality.
In the US and abroad Jacob Bjorge has earned a reputation as a creative innovator, combining high octane future-focused rock with the artistic imaging of contemporary art & fashion. Jacob creates a world that is unique to his cowboy past and rock n’ roll present.
Jacob Bjorge has capitalized on his years as an entertainment producer to become an artist with a unique vision. From bespoke videos & visuals to installation art, each Jacob Bjorge show is a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether it’s turned up to 11 or playing to an intimate crowd, Jacob has developed sets that can be performed on large stages or in intimate nightclubs, both electric and acoustic.
