Blues, Gospel, House Music Fests among latest corona cancellations

Chicago’s annual House Music Conference & Festival, Gospel Music Festival, and Blues Festival have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis, according to an April 21 announcement from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). The trio of celebrations were among several city-sponsored events and exhibitions formerly scheduled for May and June that have been called off or closed to help reduce the spread of the pandemic.

Others include the Chicago Memorial Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony and Chicago In Tune, the signature program of the Year of Chicago Music, an extended celebration of the legendary sounds of the Windy City.

To compensate for the impending silence that will soon be thrust upon the city, Mayor Lightfoot has extended the Year of Chicago Music into 2021.  

“These cancellations are disappointing to all of us here in Chicago, particularly for the countless individuals who worked so hard to organize an extraordinary Year of Chicago Music,” she said. “Nonetheless, these difficult but necessary steps were taken in order to ensure the health and safety of our residents and visitors, which continues to be our utmost priority throughout the COVID-19 crisis.”

Additionally, DCASE will be collaborating with Do312 and Choose Chicago to offer music and music listings of digital content and virtual concerts as well as livestreamed performances by local musicians on Instagram Live and Facebook every Sunday. 

“As upsetting as it is to remove these events from our calendar,” Mayor Lightfoot added, “we are already looking forward to next year where we’ll be pulling out all the stops for a festival season Chicago will never forget.”

Millennium Park, the Cultural Center, and the Riverwalk remain temporarily closed to the public due to COVID-19, as well as the Lakefront and several other public spaces.

Top photo: Shemekia Copeland performing at Blues Fest, by Mike White