Charivari Detroit Music Festival was established in 2014 with the objective of celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Detroit through music and art. Since its inception, the festival has grown in popularity, becoming one of the most anticipated events of the summer in Detroit. Aims to promote health, art, and music, celebrate Detroit’s contributions to electronic dance music, and attract a diverse group of artists and audiences from around the world.
Photo Credit: Todd Johnson – Official
This year, Charivari Detroit Music Festival commemorates its 10th anniversary and promises to be the biggest and best yet. It will be held from August 11-13 at a new location, the Historic Fort Wayne Park. The festival will feature performances by well-known and up-and-coming acts across various genres, including House, Techno, Funk, Disco, Jazz, New Wave, Electro, and Pop, featuring artists such as Delano Smith, Doc Martin, DJ Minx, DJ Lady D, and others.
EG caught up with Todd Johnson, one of the festival’s founders, to discuss the festival’s concept, vision for the future, the upcoming edition, and more.
EG: Hi Todd and welcome to EG. We are thrilled to chat with you today. Congratulations on Charivari Festival reaching its 10-year milestone! How does it feel to see the festival grow and evolve over the past decade?
Todd Johnson: It feels incredibly humbling to see something we’ve created be so well-received and supported by a growing audience both locally and internationally. Hosting this event has been a true honor.
EG: As one of the founders of Charivari, what inspired you to start this festival and what were your initial goals for it?
Todd Johnson: Our team’s goal was to present an event that celebrates Detroit’s DJ culture and the incredible talent that comes from Detroit. We wanted to pay homage to Detroit’s rich history in electronic music. Our hope was to attract a diverse group of artists and audiences from around the world and celebrate Detroit’s contributions to electronic dance music.
EG: Detroit has a rich history in electronic music. How does Charivari pay homage to the city’s musical heritage while also showcasing new and diverse talent?
Todd Johnson: Charivari Detroit was first and foremost presented to be a celebration of our city and its contributions to electronic dance music. Techno is a Detroit creation and Detroit is flush with the pioneers and present-day masters of the genre. Charivari Detroit Weekend prides itself over the years to be perhaps the greatest assembly of Detroit-based DJ talent ever.
EG: The festival features multiple stages and a variety of musical styles. How do you curate the lineup each year to ensure a dynamic and engaging experience for attendees?
Todd Johnson: We sit down as a team and talk about what has worked, and who we would like, and then begins the back and forth and curation method of availability and affordability. The first calls to Delano Smith and Eddie Fowlkes and everyone else just come together from a combination of asking, begging, meeting payment requirements, persistence, etc.
“Charivari Detroit weekend prides itself over the years to be perhaps the greatest assembly of Detroit-based DJ talent ever.”
EG: In addition to music, Charivari also promotes health and art. How do these elements contribute to the overall festival experience?
Todd Johnson: The addition of yoga and art enhances the festival experience. We believe that music, health, and art are interconnected and contribute to the overall well-being of our attendees.
EG: The Wonderful stage at Charivari is dedicated to showcasing female artists. Why was it important for you to create a platform specifically for women in electronic music?
Todd Johnson: The Wonderful stage was created as an initiative to further showcase Detroit’s incredible female talent and to highlight the importance of gender inclusivity in electronic music. It came about from a conversation between one of the Charivari Detroit partners Theresa Hill, herself a DJ, and my daughter, sillygirlcarmen. Charivari Detroit has always showcased Detroit’s incredible female talent. DJ Minx, DJ Cent, Ash Lauryn, DJ Holographic, sillygirlcarmen, etc. It just seemed natural to showcase female DJs even further. This has led to a Who’s Who of Wonderful addition such as UltraNate, Tara Brooks, Sabine Blaizin, Mary Droppinz, etc. This year we are honored to present Chicago legend DJ Lady D, Rissa Garcia, Black Velveteen, DJ Nola, and more. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements in creating an environment that is welcoming and engaging for all attendees.
EG: As a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, how do you ensure that Charivari remains an inclusive space for people of all backgrounds and identities?
Todd Johnson: We ensure diversity and inclusion in our team, our bookings, our artist curation, and most importantly, in our actions. We believe that creating an inclusive space begins with leadership and extends to all aspects of the festival.
EG: Charivari has gained international recognition and attracts attendees from around the world. How do you balance showcasing local talent with inviting diverse artists from different regions?
Todd Johnson: We always plan our Detroit talent first and then surround the event with artists that support our efforts, those our team scouts out, fan suggestions, and emerging talent. It’s essential to showcase Detroit’s talent while also promoting diversity in the electronic music scene.
“We ensure diversity and inclusion in our team, our bookings, our artist curation, and most importantly, in our actions.”
EG: Electronic dance music has become a major marketing platform. How do you navigate the corporate sponsorships while maintaining the festival’s authenticity and community focus?
Todd Johnson: Charivari Detroit exists solely from the grassroots support of the community. We believe that authenticity and community focus are essential elements of our festival and are what make Charivari unique.
EG: With the rapid growth of electronic music, how do you see Charivari evolving in the future to stay relevant and continue its impact on the Detroit music scene?
Todd Johnson: We will stay focused in our lane, stay true to our vision, listen to those who support us, book great DJs and work hard.
EG: What advice do you have for up-and-coming artists who aspire to perform at Charivari or be a part of the Detroit electronic music scene?
Todd Johnson: The best way to play Charivari Detroit or other events in my opinion is to be engaged in the events prior to your personal involvement. Support the scene, the venues, the promoters, and other artists. Be engaged.
“We will stay focused in our lane, stay true to our vision, listen to those who support us, book great DJs and work hard.”
EG: Looking ahead to Charivari Festival 2023, what exciting surprises and highlights can attendees look forward to?
Todd Johnson: Attendees can look forward to a better-integrated VIP experience hosted in partnership with Westcoast Weekender and Fusicology Brand. There will also be a more robust after-party presentation across the weekend with more great artists not appearing at the festival.
EG: Social media has played a significant role in promoting festivals and connecting with audiences. How has social media impacted the growth and visibility of Charivari Festival?
Todd Johnson: Social media has been a blessing in expanding our brand reach and creating awareness. Our own social media footprint, coupled with the reach of our partner artists, has opened the world to our event.
EG: Music has the power to bring people together and create a sense of unity. In your opinion, how can electronic music contribute to fostering social cohesion and addressing societal challenges?
Todd Johnson: Music is the binding factor in everyone’s commonality. It is above age, gender, sexuality, and race. We embrace the notion that art and shared experiences positively contribute to what binds people with the community.
EG: Lastly, let’s have a bit of fun. If you had to choose one track that perfectly represents the spirit and energy of Charivari Festival, what would it be and why?
Todd Johnson: Sharevari – Number of Names. It’s a classic and the title has a ring to it.
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