A Milestone Event—The 40th Anniversary of House Music Is Being Celebrated in Downtown Aurora with A-Town House Music Fest
It’s a sound. It’s a dance music genre. It’s a phenomenon. House music is the sensation that started in Chicago and spread around the world! It defined a generation and now, 40 years later, it’s the unmistakable sound of House music that gets people on their feet dancing, grooving and celebrating life!
Join us on Sept. 28 at RiverEdge Park to celebrate 40 years of beats with the A-Town House Music Fest, featuring a mix of 14 performers and DJs playing their own curated sets. This stellar festival programming is full of nonstop music–a big bang celebration at Aurora’s inaugural A-Town House Music Fest! Featuring the legendary DJs of House like Julian “Jumpin” Perez, Mike “Hitman” Wilson, Kickin Kenny Cahill, DJ Maurice “ICE” Culpepper, Sundance, Tim Spinnin Schommer, Mickey Mixin Oliver, DJ Darrell Foxx, Richard Graves, DJ Khaaliq and DJ Tito Latino. Plus, legendary musical artists including CeCe Peniston, Fast Eddie, and OutHere Brothers.
In 1984, a youth-led music movement began among the DJs of Chicago, combining soul, R&B, funk, electronica and irresistible four-on-the-floor beats. It rocketed from the underground dance scene to the radio, and flourishes in dance clubs and festivals around the world to this day. Jam to the upbeat rhythms, riffs and crazy tempos these talented DJs spin!
Celebrating House Music Month this September, Paramount’s RiverEdge Park brings the best of 2024’s DJs and musical artists to the party. Get ready for a lineup that taps into the powerful roots of electronic and dance music. You’ll want to be there for this!
Percolator Dance Contest
Calling All Dancers 40 and Older. At 8:10 p.m. we’ll be hosting the first A-Town Percolator Dance Contest. The announcement will be made from the stage of where to go to participate. First prize, $1,000. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis. Must present a valid picture ID to prove your age to enter. So stretch out and get ready to show your best Percolator moves.
Street Name Dedication for Mike “Hitman” Wilson
The inaugural A-Town Fest is also the occasion to celebrate a pioneer of House music, Mike “Hitman” Wilson, a native Auroran. There will be a ceremony naming a street after Wilson to honor all of his accomplishments.
As an artist, Wilson was signed to Arista Records, and soared to the top of the charts with two Billboard hits, “Don’t Lose the Magic,” and “Another Sleepless Night”. On WBMX, WGCI, & WBBM FM radio, he was the go to DJ, and a member of the iconic Hot Mix 5. Wilson left his mark on the global music scene and as a producer he contributed hundreds of songs to the world working with a diverse range of musical talent over the decades.
Join us at the Mike “Hitman” Wilson Street Dedication as we pay tribute to the legacy of Mike Wilson on Sat., Sept. 28 at 12 PM at 1660 Lily Street.
