ARC Music Festival returned to Chicago for its fourth year, and this time, the celebration held a deeper meaning—honoring the 40th anniversary of house music. As the birthplace of a globally beloved genre that helped birth EDM, it only felt appropriate that Chicago was the perfect place to commemorate house music’s journey from its disco roots to the transformative experience that we know and love today.
House music emerged in the late 1970s, growing out of disco’s ashes, as DJs sought to extend the energy and vibe of dancefloors. It was here, in Chicago’s underground clubs like The Warehouse, that the infectious four-on-the-floor rhythms were born, courtesy of legends like Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy. What was once an intimate subculture has now evolved into a global movement, influencing generations of artists and ravers alike.
Despite some technical hiccups, delayed starts, and a few production issues, ARC Music Festival delivered an experience that was more than a party—it was a homage to Chicago’s rich house music history.
The ARC 2024 lineup felt like an extended love letter to the city’s vibrant scene, drawing in both local talent and global heavyweights who know how to keep the pulse of the crowd alive.
Our favorite sets at ARC Music Festival 2024
One of the best sets at ARC was Sara Landry at the Expansions stage. Known for her driving, industrial techno sound, Landry brought a darker, more experimental energy to the festival, which was a refreshing shift amidst the house-heavy lineup. Her set was brilliant, an expertly crafted journey through pounding rhythms and raw, visceral beats that pushed the boundaries of sound. The crowd at Expansions was locked in, riding the waves of intensity that Landry is so skilled at creating.
A true highlight of the weekend was a brilliant back-to-back set from Barry Can’t Swim and Salute. Their blend of smooth, melodic house with sharp, high-energy cuts had the crowd at a very packed Area 909 stage buzzing. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think this set at the smallest stage at ARC was of a headliner – a testimony to these rising stars.
Honey Dijon was another standout, delivering a fresh, energetic set that embraced both the legacy of house music and its current, evolving landscape. Her stage presence was infectious, and you could feel the crowd feed off her energy. It’s been quite the journey for Honey Dijon as she’s leveled up from the Expansions Stage to the The Grid.
Of course, one of the weekend’s most iconic moments came from the legendary pairing of Green Velvet and Carl Cox. Watching two pioneers of the genre go back-to-back felt like witnessing history in real time. Green Velvet, a Chicago native, brought that local flavor, while Carl Cox’s decades-spanning career brought a depth and global perspective to the mix. Their set was not just music—it was a masterclass in house culture and its enduring spirit.
Disclosure also didn’t disappoint, bringing a polished, groovy UK House sound to the festival. Their live energy is unmatched, and the duo effortlessly wove through their catalog of hits, connecting the dots between the old and new. Dom Dolla’s set was easily one of the most anticipated, and for good reason. His pulsating beats and larger-than-life sound filled the air, closing out the main stage Saturday and giving festival-goers one last reason to dance into the night.
All in all, the festival was a beautiful tribute to the pioneers of dance music and a declaration to why house and techno still reign supreme. In its fourth year, ARC Music Festival proved that it’s not just another event on the festival circuit—it’s a celebration of culture, history, and a city that gave birth to a genre. ARC captured the essence of house and techno and its impact on the world. Here’s to 40 more years of house beats, and many more ARC weekends to come.
Author: Christopher Mariano
Photos: ARC Music Festival
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