Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), in collaboration with Next Showcase USA, have announced open auditions for the 2024 Chicago Made Music Showcase. The program, operated by DCASE, aims to support local creatives by connecting aspiring artists in Chicagoland with resources necessary for success in the music, film, and creative industries. Musicians are invited to audition for a chance to perform before industry experts and compete for networking opportunities, performance slots, or the $10,000 grand prize.

“We want all of Chicago’s aspiring artists to know that the City has their back,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Our creatives and our arts community are essential to Chicago being a world-class city, and the Chicago Made initiative is one of the many ways we are investing in our tremendous homegrown talent.”

“DCASE is committed to supporting our immensely talented, diverse and innovative creative sector,” added DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “The Chicago Made Music Showcase is an invaluable launching pad for our city’s musicians and bands.”

Auditions will be held at the Chicago Cultural Center on specified dates. All solo artists and bands must be residents of Chicago and audition in person. Auditions are free of charge, judged on stage presence, voice, originality, and creativity by a panel of industry professionals.

Twenty semi-finalists will be selected from these auditions to perform at the House of Blues Foundation Room on September 30. From there, fifteen finalists will be chosen to perform at the Finale Showcase on October 19 at the Claudia Cassidy Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center.

Last year’s showcase featured 16 finalists from over 140 live auditions. Jasmine Marthel won the $10,000 grand prize and now performs nationally alongside her musical career in Chicago. Finalist Jamiah Roger secured a record deal with Delmark Records and performed at this year's Lollapalooza. Another finalist, Queen Ari, is set to perform at Taste of Chicago Grant Park.

Chicago Made supports local creatives who contribute significantly to making Chicago an artistic hub. The program connects emerging artists directly with some of the city's most visible festivals and cultural programming.

Next Showcase USA provides a platform that educates and accelerates artists towards achieving next-level success.

For more information about DCASE programs or events visit [Chicago.gov/DCASE](http://www.Chicago.gov/DCASE) or follow their newsletters and social media channels.

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