Chicago debuts "Millennium Park at home" concert series

Chicago is bringing the city’s legendary music festivals into the homes of the fans who have helped turn them into a global sensation. Beginning tonight (May22), the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will kick off Millennium Park at Home, a series of live virtual concerts streaming on YouTube and Facebook.   

Chicago’s own 95.1 FM Clubsteppin DJ Dana Divine will launch the extravaganza by hosting Lady D, DJ Jes and Maurice Joshua for a DJ house mix gig tonight from 6 to 8 p.m., the same day that would have been Chicago’s 5th Annual House Music Festival. It continues tomorrow, Saturday May 23, when 5 Magazine’s Czarina hosts Shannon Harris, DJ Heather and Gene Hunt from 6 to 8 p.m.

A legion of Chicago’s most renowned Gospel artists will share their inspiration on May 29 and 30. And on the days that would have marked the 37th Annual Blues Fest — June 5, 6, and 7 — live Blues will still be enjoyed online

The Year of Chicago Music will continue this year and throughout next year, to amplify the excitement and momentum building across the local industry. Many of the initiatives planned for 2020 will extend into 2021 — specifically, Chicago In Tune and the return of the House music, Gospel music, and Blues festivals.

Grant Park Music Festival is also preparing online programming this summer, Lurie Garden is posting updates on it’s website and Facebook, and the Chicago Cultural Center is also offering content about exhibitions and Meet the Artists programming  

Millennium Park at home schedule

View all concerts on the DCASE YouTube Channel. 

House Music

For everyone missing the Chicago House Music Festival, check out these online concerts featuring House Music in the Key of Chicago. Promotional support by 95.1 FM Club Steppin, 5 Magazine and the House Club Tour

Friday, May 22, 6–8pm

Hosted by 95.1 FM Club Steppin’s Dana Divine

Lady D | DJ Jes | Maurice Joshua

Saturday, May 23, 6–8pm

Hosted by 5 Magazine’s Czarina

Shannon Harris | DJ Heather | Gene Hunt

 “Aftersets” at HouseClubTour.com 

Gospel Music

In lieu of the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, enjoy these online concerts featuring Gospel Music in the Key of Chicago. Promotional support by Inspiration 1390

Friday, May 29, 6–8pm

Hosted by Inspiration 1390’s Sonya Blakey, Marcella Jones and Deandra Patterson

Keya Trammell | Tammi Vega | Donishisa Ballard | DJ Wyldchyld | Bridgette Hurt | The Tommies Reunion Choir 

Saturday, May 30, 6–8pm 

Hosted by Inspiration 1390’s Sonya Blakey, Marcella Jones and Deandra Patterson

Rashada Dawan | Lawrence Haynes | DJ Galaxie | LeNasia Tyson | RAII and Whitney | Ms. Anita Wilson

Blues Music 

For everyone missing the Chicago Blues Festival, check out these online concerts featuring Blues Music in the Key of Chicago. Promotional support by 93XRT

Friday, June 5, 6–8pm 

Hosted by WDCB and 93XRT’s Tom Marker 

Mike Wheeler | Guy King 

Saturday, June 6, 6–8pm 

Hosted by WDCB and 93XRT’s Tom Marker 

Melody Angel | John Primer 

Sunday, June 7, 6–8pm 

Hosted by WDCB and 93XRT’s Tom Marker 

Ivy Ford | Toronzo Cannon 

Year of Chicago Music

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have designated 2020 and 2021 as the Year of Chicago Music. This citywide, year-long focus on music is one of the first of its kind in the U.S. The City of Chicago and its partners working with the local music industry will launch a marketing campaign for Chicago music; provide additional financial grants for musicians and music projects; encourage dialog around inclusion and equity; and call on civic, philanthropic, arts and business leaders to support the music industry. Recognizing that in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the music industry has moved to #dostuffathome, DCASE is partnering with Do312 to highlight local music venues and musicians who are now sharing "Music in the Key of Chicago" on virtual platforms. Start exploring music in the key of Chicago at yearofchicagomusic.org and do312.com/yearofchicagomusic, and join the conversation on social media using #YearofChicagoMusic and #ChicagoMusic.