March 11 Gospel Music A&R Auditions Performance at Westpoint Missionary Baptist Church
April 12 ChicagoMade Music Collective Gospel Music Industry Event with Donald Lawrence
The 32nd Chicago Gospel Music Festival is June 2–3 at the Chicago Cultural Center + Millennium Park
In anticipation of the upcoming Chicago Gospel Music Festival in June, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is pleased to present two special preview events that offer opportunities for gospel music artists and industry professionals. On Saturday, March 11, 6–9 p.m., the Gospel Music Artists & Repertoire (A & R) Auditions Performance – an opportunity for pre-selected artists to perform live for a panel of music label executives – will take place at the Westpoint Missionary Baptist Church (3566 S. Cottage Grove). The ChicagoMade Music Collective: Gospel Music Edition on Wednesday, April 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m., at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center (825 N. Christiana St.) offers a special gospel version of the networking series dedicated to those working in the music industry. Both events and opportunities highlight the city’s vibrant gospel music community and are free to attend.
The Gospel Music A & R Auditions on March 11 will feature live performances by artists and groups selected to perform for an audience including a panel of major music and marketing executives. Additionally, participants will be considered for a set at this year’s Chicago Gospel Music Festival. The public is invited to watch the FREE performances and cheer on their favorite artists.
DCASE is now accepting applications from artists in the gospel music and contemporary Christian genres interested in an audition spot. The application and guideline information is available at chicagogospelmusicfestival.org. All artists and bands must submit an application by Friday, February 17, to be considered. Absolutely no walk-up auditions will be allowed.
The ChicagoMade Music Collective: Gospel Music Edition on April 12 will bring together experts from the gospel music industry, to talk about the current trends in marketing and public relations for gospel music artists, working musicians and music business owners. Panelists include awarding-winning singer, songwriter and producer Donald Lawrence and Cathy Carroll, senior director of promotion and strategy at RCA Inspiration, among others. The event is free and part of the regular, traveling ChicagoMade Music Collective series of music industry professtional events organized by DCASE.
The Chicago Gospel Music Festival is June 2–3 in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.)and the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.). The free admission festival showcases the best in local, national and international Gospel music performers.