Featuring DJ Slugo, Traxman, Jana Rush, DJ Earl, and more.
Photo credit: Viva Acid – Official
Viva Acid and Dance Mania Legends are set to host a special event in Chicago, marking more than three decades of Ghetto House. The event will take place on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at Avondale Music Hall.
Bringing together pioneering figures and a new generation of artists, the night focuses on the evolution of Ghetto House and its influence on Juke and Footwork. The event also aims to highlight ongoing issues around recognition and compensation for Black electronic music innovators who helped shape the genre.
Rooted in Chicago’s late-1980s house movement, Ghetto House developed into a distinct sound by the mid-1990s, defined by raw rhythms and direct vocal expression. This showcase reflects that lineage, connecting original contributors with contemporary performers in a shared setting.
“Give us our flowers while we’re alive. Support the artists who created this music while they’re here. When we do events, release music, and sell merch, that support helps keep this culture alive and allows the people who built it to continue creating,” said DJ Slugo of Dance Mania Legends.
The lineup spans DJs and vocalists across generations, including Tish Bailey, whose voice has appeared on widely known records without proper credit. Performers such as Jae Ivlie, Keisha Kash, Lana Je’, and Tish Bailey will be joined by a wide roster of DJs, including DJ Slugo, Traxman, Jana Rush, DJ Earl, DJ Clent, DJ Chip, DJ Milton, DJ Rampage, and many more.
“This event celebrates the people behind the music and the culture they built, as well as featuring performances by uncredited vocalists of popular records within the genre. By bringing these pioneering artists together on one stage, we hope to help restore recognition, create new opportunities, and support the creators who shaped this sound and continue to inspire the next generation,” commented Viva Acid.
The event also serves as a lead-up to Viva Acid’s sixth annual summit, scheduled for October 1st–4th, 2026, which will expand into panels, workshops, and discussions on music production, cultural preservation, and industry challenges.
More information and tickets are available here.
