As the birthplace of house music, there’s no shortage of absolute legends in the dance music community that call Chicago home. While the ARC Music Festival lineup brings in the heavy hitters from across the globe, our hometown heroes and heroines from this community are the ones that helped build the foundation for this “House.”
Attendees of ARC Music Festival are in for a unique experience this year, especially if they make time to catch these hometown DJs. Their sets promise more than just a good time; they offer a journey through the very essence of Chicago’s musical soul, blending history with innovation, deep roots with fresh perspectives. By witnessing these sets, you’re not just dancing to the beat—you’re becoming a part of a living, breathing narrative that continues to shape the global music scene.
Check our favorite Chicago acts playing ARC Music Festival below, and be sure to buy tickets before the festival sells out.
DJ Psycho-Bitch, The Grid, Friday 2-3
If you’re looking for a set that embodies the raw, unfiltered energy of Chicago’s underground scene, then DJ Psycho-Bitch is must see. Taking the stage as the festival opens on Friday, she promises to deliver a performance that’s both fierce and unpredictable. Her sets are legendary for their intensity, crafted with a deep understanding of what moves a crowd. With a career spanning decades, she’s an icon in the Chicago club scene, always pushing boundaries and defying expectations. Her set at ARC will be an electrifying experience, offering a raw, authentic taste of Chicago’s vibrant music culture. It’ll be an homage to her close friend and long-time collaborator who recently passed, DJ Teri Bristol.
DJ Heather, The Grid, Friday 3-4
DJ Heather brings a unique blend of funk, soul, and house to her performances, making her a dynamic force in the Chicago music scene. Her set on Saturday will be a showcase of her versatile style and seamless mixing ability, delivering an energetic performance that will have the crowd grooving from start to finish. Heather’s ability to infuse her sets with a soulful, deep vibe makes her a standout act to catch at ARC. You do not want to miss this early set as DJ Heather will surely set it off like a bumping Chicago street festival.
Hiroko Yamamura, Expansions, Friday 4-5:30 (b2b with DJ Hyperactive)
Hiroko Yamamura is one of Chicago’s rising stars, known for her eclectic blend of acid, techno, house, and more. Her Sunday set with DJ Hyperactive is sure to be a sonic journey through the layers of sound that define her style. For those who want more, Yamamura will be performing at Spybar before Sara Landry for a more intimate set. Expect an even deeper dive into her unique musical perspective, where heavy beats and intricate melodies come together for a truly memorable experience.
Terry Hunter b2b Mike Dunn, Area 909, Saturday 4:30-6:30
If there’s one set at ARC that embodies the pure essence of Chicago House, it’s the back-to-back performance by Terry Hunter and Mike Dunn on Saturday. These two legends have been at the forefront of the scene for decades, each bringing their own distinct style to the decks—Hunter with his soulful, uplifting rhythms and Dunn with his raw, gritty beats and old-school vibes. Together, they create an unbeatable synergy that captures the spirit of house music’s birthplace. Their back-to-back set promises a journey through the history of Chicago House, blending classic anthems with fresh, underground cuts, and injecting the dance floor with an infectious energy that’s both nostalgic and forward-looking. For anyone wanting to feel the true heartbeat of Chicago, Terry Hunter and Mike Dunn’s set is a must-see—it’s more than just a performance; it’s a celebration of the genre that put the city on the map.
Gene Farris, elrow, Sunday 4-5:30 (b2b with Marhsall Jefferson)
Gene Farris is a name synonymous with Chicago House. With over two decades in the game, Farris has honed a sound that’s both classic and innovative. His Saturday set at ARC with the legendary Marshall Jefferson is bound to be a high-energy affair, filled with the kind of infectious grooves that have made them both local and global legends. And if you’re looking to keep the vibe alive, don’t miss Gene’s after-party set at Cermak Hall, where the intimate setting is perfect for a night of deep, driving beats.
Derrick Carter, Expansions, Sunday 5:30-7 (b2b with Mark Farina)
A living legend in the Chicago scene, Derrick Carter’s influence on the genre is unmatched. His Sunday set will be a masterclass in the art of DJing, with a mix that spans the history of house music while incorporating modern twists. Carter’s ability to read and connect with the crowd ensures a set that is both nostalgic and invigorating, making it a must for any house music aficionado. Derrick weaves true deep house cuts along with all the dance hits to keep you grooving. He is playing a “Derrick Does Disco” at Outset after the festival on Saturday.
Mark Farina, Expansions, Sunday 5:30-7 (b2b with Derrick Carter)
On Sunday, ARC Music Festival brings a different kind of groove with Mark Farina, the mastermind behind the beloved “Mushroom Jazz” series. Known for creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive, Farina’s music is perfect for those who want to lose themselves in smooth, soulful beats. His ability to mix deep basslines with funky rhythms and jazz influences makes his sound both refreshing and timeless. With over three decades of experience, Farina is a true craftsman behind the decks, offering a curated experience that’s perfect for a Sunday groove. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch one of Chicago’s most respected DJs in his element, delivering a set that promises rhythmic exploration.
Honey Dijon, The Grid, Sunday 6:30-8
Honey Dijon is set to take the ARC Music Festival stage on Sunday, bringing her unique blend of Chicago House, techno, and disco to the crowd. As a Chicago native who has taken the global stage by storm, Honey Dijon’s sets are always a masterclass in groove and sophistication. She’s renowned for her ability to seamlessly mix genres and create an inclusive, euphoric dance floor experience that feels both retro and cutting-edge. With a deep respect for the roots of house music and a forward-thinking approach, Honey Dijon’s set is perfect for those who want to experience the evolution of House from its Chicago origins to its global presence today. Her performance is not just a highlight of Sunday, but a standout moment of this entire innovative festival.
Author: Christopher Mariano
Premier EDM 