CP NEWS: Move! Festival in Chicago

[ddm-news]

-Mike Gehrig

In the world of dance music, Chicago has long been known as the birthplace of house music. But even for a city that calls the genre its own, the upcoming Chicago International House Music Festival at Northerly Island is turning heads with its star-studded lineup and unique concept.

The two-day festival is sponsored by CDM and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism (IBOT) and takes place on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23.

It features DJs such as Chicago’s Derrick Carter, Frankie Knuckles and Steve “Silk” Hurley, New York’s Danny Tenaglia and David Morales, and singers Jocelyn Brown and Barbara Tucker in addition to Chicago’s own Jamie Principle and Dajae.

“Every year, there has been more and more awareness raised concerning house music,” said Lady D, a house DJ from Chicago and member of the much-heralded SuperJane crew (along with Heather, Colette and Dayhota), who will be playing on Saturday. “From the time Summerdance (a weekly event hosted by the city of Chicago in Grant Park) started, with Frankie having the street dedication where the Warehouse was; the press has covered the beat of house music. House music and Chicago go hand in hand.”

“This festival is historic and will bring a sense of pride to every Chicagoan to know that right here, we birthed a form of music that is globally appreciated,” added Lady D. “If you are conscious at all, you'll want to be a part of that history.”

Yet the festival is about far more than just music. It’s officially partnered with YouthAIDS, a charity which reaches 600 million young people in more than 60 countries with life-saving messages, products, services and care, and New York’s Morales is also an ambassador of the 2006 ALDO FIGHTS AIDS campaign.

“We believe in creating inclusiveness with a cause,” said Operations Director Thomas Mathes. “In everything we do, we would like to encourage people to give back to the community at large. YouthAids represents every community and every demographic just as house music represents the same.”

The festival also represents an official acknowledgement of the impact house music has had on Chicago from the government.

“The amazing thing about the sponsors for Move! The 2006 Chicago International House Music Festival is the look on people’s faces when they learn that the Illinois Department of Economic Development is a major sponsor of the event,” said Mathes. “It marks a historic moment in dance music history when a state like Illinois steps up and recognizes a genre of music that will follow the legacy of Gospel, Jazz, and Blues. We are very proud of our partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism.

“In addition to many sponsors and partnerships, we are pleased to announce our partnership with Beatport,” added Mathes. “Beatport will provide endless streaming and downloads of house music on behalf of the festival.”

Feedback from the music community has been just as enthusiastic, according to Frederick Dunson, Artistic/Creative Director for the festival.

“There have been two usual responses,” said Dunson. “Incredible and great, it’s about time! The industry has really been very supportive and we thank them for their encouragement and good wishes.”

Of course, having Knuckles, the legendary Chicago DJ who is known as the godfather of house music, act as your representative doesn’t hurt when it comes to drumming up support and assembling a top notch line up.

“When you have Frankie as the Ambassador of Goodwill for Move!… it’s kind of hard to tell him no (laughing),” said Dunson. “It was just a matter of contacting them, finding out their availability and willingness to participate.”

“It was an honor to be asked,” added Lady D, “so I didn't decide to be involved the decision had been made. I gladly accepted it wasn't the type of thing you turn down if you know what I mean.”

The unique venue promises to make the occasion even more special, as the festival will take place in the new, lakefront outdoor venue Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island.

“The Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island was selected as a prime location for festival for several reasons,” said Mathes. “The venue represents the best of Chicago, located on a nature reserve along the lakefront. Our guests will have magnificent views of the Chicago skyline, a perfect backdrop for house music. We wanted a complete audio visual experience. In addition, there are several spaces within the venue to gather with your friends.”

“There is no place like Chicago in the summer,” added Lady D. “When I look out and see everyone enjoying my city, and seeing Chicago the way I do and falling in love with it like I do, that is going to be like watching magic happen. It's like the best first date ever.”

Tickets for Move! The 2006 Chicago International House Music Festival are currently available in one or two pass packages. For more information about the event, visit www.chicagohousemusicfestival.org or www.charteronepavilion.com.

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