Vocalo’s Summer Finale: An End-of-Summer Party
We’re wrapping up Chicago summer the best way we know how: with live music, dancing, community connection, and all-around good vibes at one big party! Join WBEZ and Vocalo for an end-of-summer concert featuring performances by rising Chicago-based artists: West Side rap collective Pivot Gang, renowned trumpeter Marquis Hill, singer-songwriter KAINA, and esteemed DJ Lady D.
Special Offer
Make a gift supporting Vocalo and WBEZ today and pick up the exclusive Summer Finale poster, designed by Chicago artist Clue. You won’t be able to get these any other way — so don’t sleep on the chance to take home the official show art, available for pickup at Millennium Park during the show.
About the Event
Vocalo’s Summer Finale will take place at Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Friday, September 20. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and food & drink to celebrate the summer with an evening of live music – and experience this all-star lineup of Chicago talent.
This event is part of the park’s 20th Anniversary Summer Season, and the second year of Millennium Park’s Residency Program. Vocalo is one of five organizations selected by the program to present free programming this summer.
Gates will open at 5:00 p.m., followed by live performances, including DJ Lady D. The event will begin at 6:30 pm. No advance registration is required; the event is FREE and open to the public.
Vocalo’s Summer Finale will be co-hosted by mid-day host Nudia Hernandez, and Bekoe, founder of iLLANOiZE.
Schedule
- 5:00 PM – Gates Open / DJ Lady D
- 6:30 PM – Opening Remarks
- 6:55 PM – KAINA
- 7:35 PM – Marquis Hill
- 8:15 PM – Pivot Gang
Bios
Pivot Gang
Based in Chicago’s West Side, Pivot Gang is a hip-hop collective of independent rappers with a wide range of styles carefully synchronized into one sound. Brothers Saba (Tahj Malik Chandler) and Joseph Chilliams (Jerrel Chandler) alongside their cousin John Walt (Walter Long) and their high school friend (MFnMelo, AKA Logan Yutters) founded the group. The collective frequently collaborates with other artists including Lucki Eck$, Martin $ky, Ausar, Noname, and DJ Damnage. Their debut album, You Can’t Sit With Us, was released in 2019.
Marquis Hill
Marquis Hill is a Chicago-based, world-renowned trumpeter who skillfully weaves musical genres like jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Chicago house, and neo-soul together. His newest album, Modern Flows Vol. II, is a profound blend of jazz with hip-hop – and activism. In 2014, Hill won one of the most prestigious global jazz competitions, garnering him the Monk prize, which was the culmination of years-long practice: the artist has been playing the trumpet since sixth grade. Since then, he has dedicated his career to breaking down barriers between genres.
KAINA
KAINA is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter. Known for her mellow tunes and lyricism, KAINA gives insight into her experiences growing up in Chicago. Her debut album, Next to the Sun, was released in 2019. In 2022, KAINA produced her second studio album, It Was a Home.
DJ Lady D
A Chicago native, DJ Lady D (Darle Jackson) is at the forefront of Black women in electronic music. Last year, she was voted Chicago’s Best House Music DJ by the Chicago Reader. DJ Lady D has performed house, techno, and disco sets locally at Lollapalooza and regionally at Wanderlust, Noise Pop, West Fest, SXSW, and more. After beginning professional DJing in 1995, DJ Lady D produced her record label, D’lectable Music, in 2004. Her newest release, "A Deep-Felt Love," topped the Deep House Charts on Traxsource.com.
Conclusion
Join us at this end-of-summer celebration! Party on!
FAQs
Q: What is the date and location of the event?
A: The event will take place on Friday, September 20, at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.
Q: What time does the event start?
A: Gates will open at 5:00 p.m., and the event will begin at 6:30 pm.
Q: Is the event free?
A: Yes, the event is FREE and open to the public.
Q: Do I need to register in advance?
A: No advance registration is required.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks?
A: Yes, attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and food & drink to celebrate the summer with an evening of live music.
Q: Can I purchase merchandise at the event?
A: Yes, you can pick up the exclusive Summer Finale poster, designed by Chicago artist Clue, with a gift supporting Vocalo and WBEZ.
