Free series offers world-class DJs and electronic music in a mid-day dance party
CHICAGO, 2015-12-21 — /Travel PR News/ — Wired Fridays amplifies lunch break this winter and spring as the FREE mid-day dance party continues the first and third Friday of the month January 15–May 20, 2016. From noon to 1pm in Randolph Square at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington), renowned DJs and up-and-coming club stars Ron Trent, Jarvi, Scott Silz, Mia Wallace and many others will spin their music and set the mood to body-moving beats.
All Wired Fridays events are FREE and open to the public. The Wired Fridays Winter & Spring 2016 Schedule features:
January 15 – Jarvi
Hailing from metro Detroit, Jarvi is a fresh face to the Chicago house and techno scene. After an introduction to music at a young age, her dream of becoming a DJ became a reality in 2013 with the help of mentor, Sassmouth. Jarvi is a member of Chicago’s Naughty Bad Fun Collective and a Junior Resident at Smart Bar and can be found on the dance floor jacking to proper beats.
February 5 – Ron Trent
Chicago resident Ron Trent became a DJ in the mid-1980s and released his first record Altered States in 1990 to much acclaim. In the early 1990s, Trent collaborated with house/R&B producers for Jive Records, Hula & Fingers, before going on to set up Prescription Records with Chez Damier. Together with its sister label Balance, Prescription is widely regarded as one of the most influential deep house imprints, introducing the likes of Anthony Nicholson, Abacus, Moody Man, Norma Jean Bell, Joshua, Peven Everett, Rob Mello and Luke Solomon to the world. Ron Trent’s DJ compilations include Giant Step Sessions (Giant Step),Musical Reflections (R2 BBE), Afro Blues (Kings Street), Deep&Sexy 2 (Wave Music) and Abstract Afro Journey (King Street).
February 19 – Steve Mizek
Steve Mizek is the Chicago-based editor-in-chief of LittleWhiteEarbuds.com and the founder and A&R chief for the Argot and Tasteful Nudes record labels. A familiar face at Chicago’s Smart Bar, Mizek is a vinyl-focused DJ who has performed internationally and throughout the city.
March 4 – Scott Silz
At the helm of Hot Mix Entertainment, Scott “Smokin’” Silz is an acclaimed Chicagoland personality and award-winning DJ of the famed Hot Mix 5 radio team. His career spans some of Chicago’s leading music stations including V-103 FM, 107.5 WGCI FM and WBMX FM. Recently named one of the 10 most influential DJs in the world along with his Hot Mix 5 team, Scott is a sought after name in event entertainment.
March 18 – Mia Wallace
Collectively holding passports from America, Russia and Italy, David Castellani and Michael Azrikan form the duo Mia Wallace. The group has deep-rooted backgrounds in techno, house, jazz, funk, hip-hop and classical, and their original releases call upon mature musicality while holding true to the characteristics of modern dance music. Currently based in Chicago, Mia Wallace has released music on labels such as Bulletdodge Records, Apulia Records and KGBeats. The group’s diverse releases include remixes from artists including INXEC, Matthew Burton, Julien Sandre, M.A.M., Martin Dacar, Werner Niedermeier and more.
April 1 – Lori Branch
Native Chicagoan Lori Branch is one of the first prominent female house music DJs. Lori began her career in 1980, and by 1981 she was winning DJ battles. One of the few females behind the turntables, she led the way by providing a shining example of incredible skill mixed with professionalism. Still DJing in Chicago, Lori has further enriched the world with her work on HIV and AIDS awareness, particularly in the LGBT community.
April 15 – El Caobo
With a passion for Latin and steppin’ music, El Caobo is the only official “Salsa DJ” and authorized representative of the legendary Fania Records. As a highly sought after talent, El Caobo will combine Latin music with steppin’ for an afternoon that fans of both genres will not want to miss.
May 6 – Maurice “Ice” Culpepper
Maurice “Ice” Culpepper is taking the Windy City by storm, while also turning heads at clubs along the eastern seaboard, earning him spots at many of the country’s largest nightclubs. He has unleashed the energy of his music onto dance floors around the world around for over 25 years and in 2001 started his own production company, Culpepper Productions. Ice also has one of the most successful radio shows on V-103, where his radio mixes can be heard daily by over 200,000 listeners in Chicago, Bermuda and Texas.
May 20 – Kstarke
The Chicago native behind Kstarke Records, Kevin Starke has been a pillar of the house music community for decades. Often performing under his DJ handle “Jackmaster Hater,” Kstarke is known for supporting the scene, artists and dance floor fans alike. Friends of the city’s house community are sure to feel the good will in the air during his Wired Fridays set.
*Schedule of DJs and location are subject to change*
Wired Fridays is presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Admission is FREE. For more information on Wired Fridays or other year-round FREE programming presented at the Chicago Cultural Center and other venues, visit chicagoculturalcenter.org and cityofchicago.org/dcase, call 312.744.3316 or join the conversation on Facebook (Chicago Cultural Center, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events), and on Twitter and Instagram, @ChiCulturCenter,@ChicagoDCASE (#WiredFridays).
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural asses to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.
SOURCE: City of Chicago
Rebecca Smith rebecca.smith2@cityofchicago.org, 312.742.2036
Christine Carrino christine.carrino@cityofchicago.org, 312.744.0573