We like our shimmering discotheques and black-walled sweatboxes but listening to underground house music in wild locales is one of the best feelings in the world.
From basslines in the aquarium to beats on the green, house music is proliferating again throughout Chicago and showing up in the most unusual places.
Starting tonight (Thursday September 15) and for the next three nights, the native local or tourist can listen to house music amidst the aquatic wildlife at Shedd Aquarium, outdoors in an environment usually associated with classical music and in Millennium Park.
Here’s where the party’s at:
Bang with the Fishes: House Party At Shedd Aquarium
Thursday, September 15 2022
We’re in the middle of three successive weeks of house music at the Shedd After Hours House Party and Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium (1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive) featuring DJs amidst the Shedd’s aquarium exhibits amid its ocean-themed architecture. DJing tonight is Dee Jay Alicia.
Tickets are available at sheddaquarium.org.
Downtown Groove: Chicago House Music Festival
Friday, September 16 2022
The (really) live portion of this year’s Chicago House Music Festival and Conference takes place starting at 5:30 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park featuring performances by house music legends Ten City, Josh Milan, a celebration of Warehouse and Music Box founder Robert Williams and The Chosen Few DJs. The show runs from 5:30pm to 9pm.
This event is free.
Queen! at Ravinia
Saturday, September 17 2022
Twin Chicago institutions, Metro and Smartbar celebrate their 40th anniversary in the tony greenfields of Ravinia, the open air venue in Highland Park with Queen! residents Derrick Carter, Michael Serafini and Garrett David will be special guests Ralphi Rosario and Dajae (performing live), along with hosts that make it happen, Lucy Stoole, Nico and Jojo Baby.
Tickets are available from ravinia.org
