The Chicago House Music Festival and Conference kicks off today (Thursday) with three hours of music in Daley Plaza starting at 11am, followed by the Chicago House Dance Summit and the Chicago House Music Conference.
Here are some of the panels and events today we’re looking forward to, taking place at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington). The full lineup for today’s events is listed here in our calendar and at chicagohousemusicfestival.us.
1. The Vinyl Panel
Panel: Distribution, Publishing & Vinyl Culture
The Resurgence of Physical Media & Independent Distribution
Washington Room, 5th Floor South, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the return of vinyl while learning how artists are taking greater ownership of their music and revenue. Explore modern distribution models, publishing administration, royalty collection, manufacturing, direct-to-fan sales, and practical strategies for bringing your art to market with confidence.
Moderated by: Dirk van den Heuvel, Groove Distribution
Panelists:
Phil Cialdella, Wonderlous / Tony Technics, SoulJack Digital / Hameedullah, Lunt and Oglesby
2. The House Dance Panel
Panel: Chicago House Dance: Roots & Branches
6:30 p.m.
An intergenerational conversation featuring House dance pioneers, innovators, and cultural leaders Bruno Blaque, China, King Charles, Mlaya Moves, Shan S, and Terrayne, exploring the culture’s history, evolution, and future.
Moderated by: Daniel “BRAVEMONK” Haywood (BraveSoul Movement).
(Stick around: at 7:30 the Jus.Be House Collective is presenting the qualifying rounds for Saturday’s House Dance Summit tournament.)
Chicago House Music Festival photo credit Patrick L. Pyszka, City of Chicago
3. The Business Workshop
Workshop: Jack Your Body, Don’t Get Jacked
4th Floor – Room 408, 6-7:30 p.m.
Leave with practical tools you can put to work immediately. This hands-on workshop helps artists build lasting financial security through publishing registration, financial literacy, royalty management, savings strategies, intellectual property protection, merchandise branding and preventative measures by an audiologist to protect two of your most precious instruments, your ears. Learn how to protect your creative assets while building a sustainable career that supports your future.
Facilitators: Kenard Gibbs, Northwestern Mutual
Dr. Shannon Switzer a music audiologist at Sensaphonics who specializes in the prevention and treatment of sound-induced hearing injuries
4. Lori Branch on Bridging Generations
Panel: Bridging Generations – Passing the Torch
Preston Bradley Hall, 3rd Floor South, 6:15-7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the enduring legacy of House music through powerful conversations between pioneers and emerging leaders. Explore mentorship, cultural preservation, innovation, and cross-generational collaboration while discovering how today’s visionaries are preparing the next generation to carry the culture forward.
Moderated by: Lori Branch
Panelists: Quicktastic / Kristen Kaza / Yanna Lynette / AMG / Tai Hunter
5. House Royalty: Fireside Conversation with Jamie Principle
Preston Bradley Hall, 3rd Floor South, 8-9 p.m.
In partnership with S&S Chicago (Steve “Silk” Hurley & Shannon “Skip” Syas), step inside an unforgettable conversation with Jamie Principle, one of the pioneering voices of House music. Hear Jamie’s personal journey from the earliest days of Chicago House to the recent induction of his iconic track “Your Love” into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the culture for the first time, this intimate conversation offers a rare opportunity to hear the story from one of the pioneers who lived it.
Moderated by: Steve “Silk” Hurley & Shannon “Skip” Syas, S&S Chicago
The full lineup for today’s events is listed here in our calendar and at chicagohousemusicfestival.us.
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