Chicago’s newest and only festival, ARC Festival which is dedicated to house music and techno, has announced the ARC After Dark afterparty lineups. It is heading into its third year, gaining more popularity from festival-goers plus the consecutive legendary DJs who have performed. It's about time that the birthplace of House Music has its music festival celebrating its roots and culture. The 2023 edition will be taking place Labor Day Weekend September 1-3.
When the festival ends, the party never stops. Auris and ARC will take over the city of Chicago with its infamous pre and after-parties across iconic and historical nightclubs such as RADIUS, Cermak Hall, Concord Music Hall, PRYSM, Spybar, Smart Bar/Metro, and Smoke & Mirrors. Artists who will help soundtrack these parties include legendary Nina Kraviz, DJ Slugo, DJ Minx, Cassy, Biobooster aka Hiroko Yamamura, The Blessed Madonna, Moodymann, Carl Craig, including new festival editions Mike Dunn, and Eskuche, plus much more.
There will be a pre-party on Thursday at Smoke & Mirrors presented by celebrated female-empowering organization Lady Of The House in collaboration with Beatport, led by Chicago icons DJ Heather, DJ Lady D, Biobooster aka Hiroko Yamamura, and Dani Deahl. Walker & Royce will soundtrack the Thursday pre-party at Spybar for a Rules Don’t Apply takeover. At Prysm, Ben Klock will bring his intense and powerful brand for the night.
ARC After Dark official night parties begin on Friday at Radius with legendary Eric Prydz alongside fellow titan Adam Beyer. German FCKNG SERIOUS label head Boris Brejcha will take over the decks at Cermak Hall. Presented by Document Journal, Nina Kraviz, DJ Slugo, and Hieroglyphic Being will light up Concord Music Hall. At the same time, breakout star Anfisa Letyago joins veterans DJ Minx and Cassy at Spybar. Smart Bar/Metro provides an electric two-floor affair to kick off the weekend featuring the eclectic VTSS and Boys Noize going back to back alongside Steel City Dance Discs stars Mall Grab and Kettama.
A Chicago vs Detroit showcase on Saturday, featuring the highest class of veteran talent including The Blessed Madonna, Moodymann, Carl Craig, Mike Dunn, and DJ Pierre presented by Test Pressing. Hometown house hero, John Summit will command the decks at Radius. Dennis Cruz and Ilario Alicante will keep the party going at Spybar. International meets local legends with Patrick Topping, Loco Dice, and DJ Heather at Cermak Hall plus Hot Since 82 and Derrick Carter at Concord Hall.
On Sunday features global sensations and Afterlife leaders Tale of Us for a powerful After Dark techno dimension alongside fast riser Kevin De Vries. Brazilian breakout Mochakk will play an intimate show at Smoke & Mirrors while techno heavy hitters Sara Landry, Volvox, and Patrixia back-to-back Chess Knight lead Cermak Hall’s final night. Other highlights include South Africa for an Afro House takeover with artists such as Black Coffee and THEMBA at PRYSM, Vintage Culture back-to-back Carlita at Concord, plus Âme and Chloé Caillet at Spybar. Concluding the weekend on Monday, with Farris Wheel’s Anita Dee II Yacht party takeover featuring label head Gene Farris alongside Eskuche and Basara Boyz. Spanish standout Wade will help cast off the weekend for the final night at PRYSM.
In a short span, ARC has established a high festival standard by uniting dance communities across the country. The festival has teamed up with legendary party promoters such as Auris and the biggest party in the world elrow expanding to an even larger audience. ARC is also known for celebrating and spotlighting local house DJs. From the beginning, it was highly organized and made a new festival home for techno and house music lovers globally.
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