To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of House Music, House Music 40 and ARC Music Festival have joined forces to initiate celebratory gatherings across the city, starting with a special free pop-up event at Daley Plaza. Scheduled for Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 12 noon, this lunchtime mix will showcase performances by local legends and international DJs Derrick Carter and DJ Heather, with hosting duties handled by Mother Diva.
Reflecting on this milestone, Vince Lawrence, founder of House Music 40 and a pioneer of the genre, expresses his excitement, stating, “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 goal of House Music 40 is to highlight the significant impact of Chicago House Music artists on the global music scene while offering financial assistance to those in the community facing health challenges. This mission resonates strongly with ARC, which is dedicated to educating future generations about the origins of electronic music.
John Curley, co-founder of ARC Music Festival, shares his enthusiasm: “I grew up with House music here in Chicago. It’s a rare global movement where we can still honor the original pioneers and innovators. House Music 40 understands the importance of giving back to these DJs who have given us so much.”
This year marks four decades since the commercial release of the first wave of House records, featuring iconic tracks like “On and On” by Jesse Saunders and Vince Lawrence, “Jack Trax” by Chip E. and Joe Smooth, and “Mystery of Love” by Mr. Fingers, among others.
Alan Brant, ARC Marketing Director, emphasizes their team’s dedication to showcasing Chicago’s role in House music: “For us, falling in love with House wasn’t a choice, it was instinctual. We aim to spread awareness that House music originates from Chicago.”
Cook County Board Commissioner Bill Lowry will present a special resolution honoring House Music 40 on behalf of Cook County. “As a Southsider who grew up enjoying House music, it is an honor to pay tribute to the originators of House and its birthplace,” said Lowry.
ARC’s partnership with House Music 40 underscores their shared mission of celebrating House music and its roots in Chicago for a global audience. As ARC returns to Union Park this Labor Day weekend, it continues to serve as a platform for preserving and promoting this cultural legacy.
About House Music 40
HouseMusic40 is an Illinois non-profit (expedited 501c3 application is in) 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 release of the genre’s first recordings. House Music is rooted in African musical traditions more than 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 contribution 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 be taking 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
