Chicago Blues Fest, Gospel Fest, House Music Fest Cancelled

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) has announced the cancellation of additional programming through May and June — including the 5th Annual Chicago House Music Conference & Festival (May 21–24), the 35th Chicago Gospel Music Festival (May 27–30), and the 37th Annual Chicago Blues Festival (June 5–7). Additionally, DCASE has cancelled Chicago In Tune (May 21–June 7), a new 18-day, citywide celebration of music that was to be a signature program of the Year of Chicago Music. Due to the cancellation of these major music festivals, the city will extend the 2020 Year of Chicago Music into 2021. DCASE had previously cancelled its programming through May 15. “As upsetting as it is to remove these events from our calendar, we are already looking forward to next year where we’ll be pulling out all the stops for a festival season Chicago will never forget,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot in a statement. PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF CHICAGO