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House Music 40, ARC Music Festival to host pop-up event with DJ Derrick Carter and DJ Heather
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of House Music
Chicago, IL – In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of House Music, House Music 40 has partnered with ARC Music Festival to kick off a series of celebratory events throughout the city, beginning with a special free pop-up event at Daley Plaza. This lunchtime mix will feature performances by Chicago natives and international DJs Derrick Carter and DJ Heather, hosted by Mother Diva, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 12 noon.
House Music 40s founder and house music pioneer, Vince Lawrence, reflects, “I am thrilled to mark this momentous occasion with ARC Music Festival, Chicago's flagship house and techno festival. They have provided a wonderful platform for DJs and lovers of dance music throughout the years.”
The ongoing mission of House Music 40 is to raise awareness of the significant contributions made by Chicago house music artists to the global music landscape while providing financial support for Chicago house music DJs, artists, producers, and promoters facing ongoing health concerns. This mission aligns well with ARC, whose foundation is educating the next generation of electronic music listeners on its origins.
ARC Music Festival’s co-founder, John Curley, celebrates, “I was raised on house music here in Chicago. It’s one of those rare global movements where we can still show our love and appreciation to a lot of the original pioneers and innovators. House Music 40 understands that after everything those DJs have given us, it’s important for us as fans to give back,” he says, “It’s impossible to fully thank someone for the gift of house music, but in every action we take with ARC, we aim to keep letting them know that ARC is a living monument dedicated to them and house music everywhere.”
This year marks four decades since the commercial release of the first wave of house records, including early iconic songs "On and On” by Jesse Saunders and Vince Lawrence, “Jack Trax” by Chip E. and Joe Smooth, “Mystery of Love” by Mr. Fingers, “Jack’n the House” by Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, “Jack Your Body” by J.M. Silk (Steve “Silk” Hurley and Keith Nunnally), “Move Your Body” by Marshall Jefferson, and “Your Love” by Jamie Principle and Frankie Knuckles, among others.
ARC Marketing Director, Alan Brant, adds, “As a team, for us, falling in love with house wasn’t a choice, it was a reflex. We see it as our mission to help the world understand that house is from Chicago.”
On behalf of Cook County, there will be a special presentation by Cook County Board Commissioner Bill Lowry to present the resolution of House Music 40. “As a Southsider who grew up enjoying house music, it is an honor to show tribute to the originators of house and its birthplace—launching a global phenomenon that has contributed to our great city and our county. We’re excited to be a part of the kick-off celebrations,” said Lowry.
ARC’s partnership with House Music 40 continues the event’s mission of showcasing house music and the city that birthed it for a globally reaching audience. ARC, which returns to Union Park this Labor Day weekend, remains a stronghold for the continuation of this foundational story and is proud to partner with an entity so committed to the celebration of this art form as an integral piece of Chicago’s cultural fabric.
About House Music 40
House Music 40 is an Illinois non-profit (expedited 501c3 application pending) whose mission is to elevate Chicago's house music culture while providing financial assistance to Chicago house music DJs facing health issues. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the genre’s first recordings. House music is rooted in African musical traditions, deserving of preservation and celebration. As we commemorate four decades of this groundbreaking genre, it is crucial to recognize the contributions made by Chicagoans that resonate in clubs worldwide to this day. Your donations will ensure that our citizens are informed of the importance of these contributions and that its contributors are supported when facing health challenges, so that house music's legacy continues to thrive.
To donate to House Music 40, visit: HouseMusic40.com
About ARC Music Festival
Since its inception, ARC has bridged a diverse range of global and local musical influences and audiences, entrenching itself as a cornerstone in the global festival circuit while shining a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage of Chicago. Led by Auris Presents, Chicago's premier producer of experiential festivals and events, ARC’s fusion of cutting-edge production, progressive lineup curation, and emphasis on educating the next generation of electronic music listeners on its origins has elevated its impact and appeal to an international scale. ARC Music Festival will take place from August 30th to September 1st. Returning to the heart of the city at Union Park this Labor Day Weekend, ARC’s fourth iteration will be soundtracked by the world’s leading house and techno selectors in the historic birthplace of house music.
For information about ARC Music Fest, visit: ArcMusicFestival.com