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Chicago poet, educator, producer, and radio chat show host, Mario is the host/executive producer of News From the Service Entrance with Mario Smith on WLPN-LP Lumpen Radio in Chicago and the host of the Silverroom’s Randomly Selected podcast.

He was featured in the Chicago Reader’s The People Issue in 2022. His poetry appears in the books Power Lines: A Decade Of Poetry from Chicago’s Guild Complex and The Break Beat Poets published by Haymarket Press. 

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Established 1976, The Midnight Sun is not just a band, but a Chicago music institution, Assembled from Chicago's elite funk, soul, and R&B talent, members of Midnight Sun have backed the biggest artists: The Isley Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Guy, R. Kelly, Gerald Albright, Roy Ayers, Destiny's Child, Brian Culbertson, The Emotions, Terisa Griffin, Fred Hammond, Lalah Hathaway, Al Jarreau, The Ides of March, JD McPherson, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Jill Scott, Johnnie Taylor, CeCe Winans–the list keeps going.

Midnight Sun’s music sets are a curated selection of the deepest cuts from every era of funk, soul, and R&B- from all the way back to the present day, and best known for their ability to play the greatest music with remarkable precision and attention to the intricacies. With a dynamic rhythm section, horn section, and the most versatile vocalists around, Midnight Sun always gives a top notch and electrifying performance connecting audiences from every walk of life.

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Born in Chicago during a visionary era of DJ culture, Michael Reuter, better known as Shazam Bangles, has consistently found sanctuary in music. In his teens, he was drawn to the stylistic freedom and technical fluency of hip hop DJs on college radio stations such as WNUR and WHPK. He honed his craft for years before stepping out into the spotlight.

Somewhat of a late bloomer, he quietly arrived on the scene nearly 15 years ago and quickly became a catalyst in helping to advance Chicago's turntablist culture as a member of the influential ustream show/scratch DJ crew (along with DJ Moppy and rtst), Cutz On Cuts, which featured many influential Chicago DJ's such as The Black Madonna, Mark Grusane, Zernell, along with scratch innovators and educators such as Rob Swift and Jazzy Jeff. He has rocked stages and held his own alongside a wide array of people he looks up to such as Animal Collective, Big Boi (OutKast), Bonobo, DJ Krush, Edan, Invisibl Skratch Piklz, Nightmares On Wax, Prince Paul, People Under The Stairs, Washed Out, etc. 

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Meagan McNeal brings her own sunshine to every performance, combining a passion for people with a powerful voice that effortlessly spans the genres of jazz, R&B, soul, hip hop, rock, and classical music. Born and raised in Chicago, the singer/songwriter has lent her signature vocal style and radiant personality to collaborations with a diverse range of artists and ensembles, including Makaya McCraven, Common, The O’Jays, Eminem, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

In 2019, a viral video of Meagan singing house music on an El train in Chicago led to an appearance on the Kelly Clarkson Show. Regularly performing in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Notes for Peace concerts since 2018, Meagan brings her soulful voice and empathetic approach to original songs that commemorate youth lost to gun violence. In 2022, she also performed with members of the CSO, conductor Andrew Grams, and children’s rocker Justin Roberts in the ensemble’s school and family concerts.

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DJ Lady D, known as the Queen of Chicago House Music, reigns supreme as a luminary in the electronic dance music scene. Born and bred in the vibrant city of Chicago, she was immersed in deejaying from a young age  through her older brothers. Inspired by the likes of Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy, Lady D embarked on her musical journey, driven to unite people through the power of sound. 

DJ Lady D quickly rose to prominence in the underground club circuit of Chicago during the late 1990s. Her eclectic style and ability to connect with audiences earned her a reputation as a skilled and dynamic DJ. Her sets, infused with an infectious energy punctuated by her effervescent smile, captivated audiences and earned her acclaim that would lead to invitations to perform throughout the world.

Lady D's influence extends far beyond the dance floor, as she's not only a skilled DJ but also a mentor and advocate for emerging artists, particularly women, within the electronic music community. Through her tireless efforts, she has shattered barriers and paved the way for equity and inclusivity within the industry. Her dedication to preserving the rich legacy of Chicago house music while pushing boundaries and embracing innovation has solidified her status as a true icon and ambassador of the genre.

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The Hyde Park Best Steppers Contest is back - a local tradition now in its second year!

A panel of judges will be selecting first, second, and third-place winner. The winning couples will receive a trophy and cash prize TBD.

A 45-year veteran of the DJ game, DJ ERICK "ET" TAYLOR started his career 1979 playing house music at most of the venues in the Chicagoland area. In 1994 Eric was introduced to stepping music before it was mainstream, and since then he has played at steppers venues in Chicago and across the country.

In 2010 Eric was selected to be a member of the elite V103 mix squad. Eric can be heard every Saturday night with the Midnight Steppers mix inside the Saturday Night Steppers set on V103.

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