Juneteenth in Chicago: Ric Wilson, line dancing and Ashanti
Juneteenth is more than just a holiday. It's a celebration of freedom, community and the rich tapestry of Black culture that continues to shape Chicago and the rest of the country. This year, the city is embracing that spirit with an eclectic array of events that honor the past while creating space for joy, connection and artistic expression.
From line dancing celebrations that bring generations together to experimental musical and sensory experiences that push creative boundaries to all-night silent discos, Chicago's Juneteenth offerings focus on community-building in the present and reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the Black experience in all its forms.
If you're looking for something a little different, consider 'Freedom Lullabies.' Presented by The Nap Ministry and the experimental Black orchestral group D-Composed, Freedom Lullabies is dubbed as a 'rest experience' melding revolutionary text with the sounds of Black composers. During the event, the D-Composed string quartet will perform selections from a number of Black composers while Nap Ministry founder Tricia Hersey reads the words of figures like authors bell hooks and Zora Neale Hurston. The audience is encouraged to rest during this dual performance while taking in the words of liberation. This event is intended for members of the African diaspora. Guests are asked to bring yoga mats, blankets and other items that provide comfort.Unless you've been living under a rock, you've likely seen the 'Boots on the Ground' line dance take over social media. Superstar Beyoncé even features a quick clip of the accompanying track by 803Fresh during her ongoing 'Cowboy Carter' tour. Now, you'll get the chance to learn and dance to this new classic Black line dance along with other favorites like The Wobble, Cha Cha Slide, Tamia Line Dance and the Electric Slide during this two-hour dance party and dance class. Guests are encouraged to let loose in this inclusive celebration of Black rhythm, joy and community.Millennials and Gen-Xers are sure to get a kick out of this mega concert featuring some of the most beloved names in late '90s and early 2000s R&B and hip hop. Chicago success story Donell Jones is sure to rock the house down with his Classick R&B kickback tunes like you know what's up. I'm particularly excited for the latter acts, Mya, Lil Kim and headliner Ashanti. In their prime, all three made distinctly catchy and vibe-shifting music that defined youth culture at the turn of the millennium. Fans who may have missed them live while they were teens will surely get a special treat seeing them here. For a jam-packed Juneteenth, this late-night show is a perfect cap to the day.Local Chicago hip hop act Ric Wilson's rise has been steady and sure. It's no surprise that in recent years, listeners both inside and outside of the city have latched on to his sound. Wilson is deft at blending his easygoing flow with earworm-like beats. Many of his tracks are pure dance floor fodder, the sort of tunes that are meant to set the room on fire and keep the energy bumping throughout the evening. That's why this special Juneteenth set is sure to be a delight for audiences. Anticipate tracks from his latest album, 'America Runs on Disco,' which is set to drop the very next day. Prepare to dance.Celebrate community across the diaspora during this unique Juneteenth celebration centering collective Black freedom and cross-cultural music. Featuring DJ sets by Calid B, Nick Jones and Dyaspara, this special and free edition of SupAfrique will feature drinks, dancing, food and fun. Arrive early to receive a free portrait from photographer Sulyiman Stokes, whose work homes in on the vastness and humanity of Black life. According to event organizers, Stokes aims to document what freedom looks like, a fitting mission for any Juneteenth celebration.Just because it's a silent party doesn't mean it won't be a good time. That's the goal of the silent 'Freed Up, Turnt Up' party. Presented by Urban Fetes, this special Juneteenth silent dance party will have three channels featuring trap, R&B and twerk-focused music. Whether you're looking for a chill and downtempo groove or an all-night sweat fest, this party is sure to make your Juneteenth week of festivities one to remember. And no worries about not having the right equipment — headphones are included with every ticket.
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