Following last year’s inaugural event, Red Bull Music Festival Chicago is back with two weeks of inspired, impactful experiences across the Windy City from November 17th-30th, 2019. Through unique musical performances and celebratory parties, the festival will highlight the creative community that thrives within Chicago.
Things kick off November 17th with Gramaphone 50, a celebration honoring five decades of the legendary record shop with DJ sets from the likes of Derrick Carter, Ron Trent, Colette, DJ Heather, JR of the Molemen, and more. On the 19th, Chicago professor and social practice artist Theaster Gates will curate Black Monastic, a special collaborative event exploring “the history of black sounds” with Chance the Rapper’s musical director Peter CottonTale, Ben LaMar Gay, Joshua Abrams, The JuJu Exchange, and others.
RBMFC will also see local hero Lupe Fiasco performing his 2006 studio debut, Food & Liquor, in full. The great Jamila Woods will present a unique look at her latest LP with “Legacy! Legacy! Unfolded”, a stripped down performance augmented by film collage, audio clips, photos, found footage, and commentary. Smino’s Zero Fatigue collective will put on what promises to be a one-of-a-kind performance at Thalia Hall, while Tierra Whack will present her new live show, Whack Factory.
The whole thing closes with Saba and Pivot Gang’s annual John Walt Day celebration, taking place November 29th and 30th. For the third year in a row, all ticket sales for the tribute concert will benefit the John Walt Foundation, which provides mentorship and scholarships to young Chicago artists.
Tickets to Red Bull Music Festival Chicago are now on sale. Head to the festival’s website for more information, including a complete schedule guide.
Editor’s note: Consequence of Sound is teaming up with Red Bull to exclusively announce this year’s lineup.
