Virtual events will now bring a taste of the Chicago blues, gospel and house music festivals directly to you.
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events on Thursday announced the “Millennium Park at Home” online series, which will bring the music of the three canceled festivals directly to fans via YouTube performances by artists including Toronzo Cannon, DJ Jes, The Tommies Reunion Choir, Melody Angel and more.
The series kicks off May 22-23 with DJ house mix sets. On May 29-30 it’s all about gospel music, and on June 5-7 the series will feature blues music.
Also in the works, according to Thursday’s announcement, is online programming from the Grant Park Music Festival, which also was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Here’s the lineup for the new Millennium Park at Home series:
House Music
Friday, May 22, 6–8 p.m.
Hosted by 95.1 FM Club Steppin’s Dana Divine
- Lady D
- DJ Jes
- Maurice Joshua
Saturday, May 23, 6–8 p.m.
Hosted by 5 Magazine’s Czarina
- Shannon Harris
- DJ Heather
- Gene Hunt
- Aftersets at HouseClubTour.com
Gospel Music
Friday, May 29, 6–8 p.m.
Hosted by Inspiration 1390’s Sonya Blakey, Marcella Jones and Deandra Patterson
- Keya Trammell
- Tammi Vega - 2020 ChicagoMade Gospel Music A&R Audition
- Donishisa Ballard
- DJ Wyldchyld
- Bridgette Hurt
- The Tommies Reunion Choir
Saturday, May 30, 6–8 p.m.
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
Friday, June 5, 6–8 p.m.
Hosted by WDCB and 93XRT’s Tom Marker
- Mike Wheeler
- Guy King
Saturday, June 6, 6–8 p.m.
Hosted by WDCB and 93XRT’s Tom Marker
- Melody Angel
- John Primer
Sunday, June 7, 6–8 p.m.
Hosted by WDCB and 93XRT’s Tom Marker
- Ivy Ford
- Toronzo Cannon
