The Chicago Made showcase at Lollapalooza resembles beautiful leaves in the fall. Though many artists’ talents are harnessed and cultivated in the Chi, they eventually break off and scatter to the four corners of the country, sprinkling their supreme musicianship on the populace like gold dust.
However, for the Chicago Made showcase at this internationally renowned musical extravaganza, many returned and descended on Grant Park under the spectacular downtown skyline and gave music fans the business.
Anchored by world-class turntablist and producer DJ Pharris, fans gorged themselves on a steady diet of classic cuts from the likes of Ye West and Chief Keef.
The Chicago Made showcase at Lollapalooza 2024 highlighted the diversity and talent of Chicago artists, captivating the audience with a dynamic lineup on the Tito’s Handmade Vodka stage.
“The Chicago Made initiative is important because it supplies emerging and established Chicago artists roadmaps and on-ramps into the industry and gives them the chance to strengthen their brands via networking, performance and professional development opportunities,” said Frayne Lewis, senior policy analyst, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
Among the highlights from the Chicago Made showcase:
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- DLow: Opened with vibrant dance moves and energetic performance.
- M.E.H.: Delivered powerful vocals and impressive songwriting.
- Deacon Denzel: Mesmerized with guitar skills and vocal prowess.
- Fly Skinz: Represented Roseland with his song “Way Up.”
- Sonta: Brought sultry R&B vibes with stunning backup dancers.
Twista, whose delivery is as quick as a funnel cloud, reminded the thundering throngs why he is a certified legend in the hip-hop game, as if they could forget. The man born Carl Terrell Mitchell, 50, shut down the Chicago Made showcase with selections from his thick portfolio of hits.
The showcase enabled the fans from out of town to learn Chicago’s contribution to the music industry and provided a platform for local artists to shine at one of the world’s biggest festivals.
