City of Chicago Declares 2020 the “Year of Chicago Music”

The City of Chicago has announced plans to designate 2020 as the “Year of Chicago Music.” This citywide, yearlong initiative focusing on music is one of the first of its kind in the United States. Preliminary plans include grants to the local music industry, including support for live music on the South and West Sides, and a 17-day celebration of music starting Memorial Day weekend across Chicago including the Chicago House Music Festival, the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival and free and ticketed performances at venues across the city. The campaign will also include support for neighborhoods and venues as well as pop-up performances in vacant, underutilized and nontraditional spaces on the South and West Sides in addition to permanent venue space development programs. The initiative will also feature a promotional marketing campaign focusing on music as well as professional support for musicians, including career development opportunities and a Chicago Musicians Roster. Additional details will be announced in early 2020. PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF CHICAGO