New Campaign Aims to Define Chicago's Greatest Music Moments
WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Arts & Business Council of Chicago executive director Kristin Larsen about the organization’s new #ChiMusic35 campaign.
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“These next three years are going to be very difficult for artmakers. And it may take as long as eight years, particularly with funding cycles and other sectors needing to come online to be part of that resource system to support artmakers. It’s going to be a long time.” - Arts & Business Council of Chicago executive director, Kristin Larsen talking about the economic challenges facing artists and creative organizations due to COVID-19.
Kristin Larsen, executive director of Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Twenty-twenty was supposed to be year of Chicago music. The city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events was set to celebrate Chicago’s diverse musical heritage all year … of course COVID-19 has interrupted those plans (DCASE announced that the celebratory campaign will be extended into 2021). But a Chicago non-profit is hoping to reignite some local interest in the city’s musical history with the launch of a new challenge to define Chicago’s 35 greatest moments in music history and raise some money for local creatives.
The idea for the #ChiMusic35 challenge comes from the non-profit Arts and Business Council of Chicago. The organization is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. The campaign to define to the city’s greatest music milestones also fits in within the larger Year of Chicago Music initiative.
King Oliver and his Creole Jazz Band, Chicago, 1923.
People can participate by heading over to ChiMusic35.com. Visitors will find an extensive list of Chicago-centric music moments to vote for, or they can submit their own music moment. Voting will be open through June 19. The final list of Greatest Moments of Chicago Music History from the #ChiMusic35 Challenge will be unveiled on July 24 on ChiMusic35.com and in the Chicago Reader.
Sister Rosetta Tharp
Sun Ra
There’s also a #ChiMusic35 raffle, participants can enter to win prizes along with an opportunity to make a 100% tax-deductible donation to A&BC to help fund the “77 Communities Initiative” in support of arts, cultural, and creative enterprises that are struggling to survive the impact of COVID-19.
House music legend Frankie Knuckles
WIlco
