I knew little of Chicago before I headed there to cover Pitchfork Fest at Chicago’s Union Park. But I found myself instantly entranced by the bustling city and its rare blend of vibrancy and charm upon my arrival. It didn’t hurt that I was staying at Virgin Hotels Chicago smack-dab downtown, a stone's throw from Millenium Park and the glistening river.
As I skirted back and forth between the hotel and Pitchfork Fest to chat with PAPER favs like MUNA and Model/Actriz, I found myself buzzing with boundless energy. Lucky for me, I could keep the party going upstairs at Virgin Hotel’s Cerise Rooftop cocktail and nightclub. With a view of the surrounding downtown skyscrapers and a rare energy, it’s the perfect setting to sip and move to some of Chicago’s finest local DJs. “Cerise has cemented itself in Chicago as a destination for Chicagoans with programming by the people for the people,” Mary “MJ” Jones, Area Director of Entertainment for Virgin Hotels Chicago and Nashville, tells PAPER. “[Cerise] has proven to remain a fixture despite the odds.”
With DJs spinning from a wide swath of genres, Cerise represents the diversity of Chicago’s sprawling music scene. “Chicago often gets misunderstood and it's important to be booking and collaborating with individuals here that are working to make it a place and space that people feel inspired to create and produce in,” MJ shares. “So many amazing individuals live here and work on their craft everyday. Having a space that is able to showcase that and give them a platform is what makes [Cerise] so special and still have that honest feeling behind it.”
After a busy weekend dancing at Virgin Hotels Chicago, we got to check-in with some of the incredible DJs who perform at Cerise to chat about Chicago’s thriving scene, their favorite local spots and what playing at Virgin Hotel Chicago’s very special rooftop means to them.
Evie The Cool
What makes Chicago's music scene unique?
To me, one of the things that makes Chicago’s music scene unique is its diversity. The city’s music resume includes artists as soft as Ravyn Lenae and as hard as Chief Keef. Some of the biggest genres in the world have originated here and influenced music on a global scale. I have been a part of this scene since 2010 and can say there is a lot of genuine support. These artists are not afraid to work together and help each other in one way or another.
How does the Cerise rooftop fit into Chicago's local music scene?
The space is extremely inclusive and allows a variety of parties that have different types of genre themes. Virgin Hotels supports creatives in the music scene no matter their social status, which allows for more experiences than other places. They are tapped in with all the major things in the city, as well as the minor.
What are some of your favorite spots to listen to music in Chicago?
Some of my favorite spots in the city to listen to music are also some of the places I love to DJ at. My list includes Blind Barber (West Loop), Era Social Club (South Loop), and HVAC Pub (Wrigleyville). These spots usually have immaculate vibes and tend to book great DJs.
DJ Mochi
What makes Chicago's music scene unique?
Chicago’s music scene is unique because it’s the birthplace of so many innovative genres and pioneers of the industry. From house to juke to hip-hop to rock, there’s a scene for every style of music out here. There’s also a certain level of authenticity and hustle out here, too. Because we’re not LA or NY, there’s no real desire to “be seen” or go commercial. People out here want to create music for the love of it and the community is very welcoming and wants to collaborate for the greater good.
What are some of your favorite spots to listen to music in Chicago?
For a cozy night of Jazz, Dorian’s and The Whistler are fantastic. For house music, Podlasie Club and Smart Bar book amazing DJs. The Salt Shed is phenomenal. It’s a recently renovated salt factory along the Chicago River. If you want to dance to music from all around the world, check out my party series, Global Currency at Sleeping Village. It’s a special experience.
How does the Cerise rooftop fit into Chicago's local music scene?
Cerise is great not only for their scenic views of the city, but also for their intentional curation of events. They allow DJs to take full control over their parties and allow us to play whatever we want and be as creative as we’d like. As an artist, it’s very liberating to be able to play in a space where we feel this sense of control.
Mo Mami
What makes Chicago's music scene unique?
Chicago has a rich and diverse music scene that many, if you’re not a local, can easily miss. In the summer, our city comes alive with opportunities to hear live music, from blues and house to hip-hop, while also celebrating the diverse cultural sounds of the many communities that call Chicago home. Chicago is a world-class city rooted in a small-town friendliness that translates to our music scene.
What are some of your favorite spots to listen to music in Chicago?
When I’m in the mood for a live band, I like to visit Dorian’s in Wicker Park. Tucked behind a record store, this venue has a plethora of programming, from live jazz bands to vinyl record DJs. Another go-to venue of mine is The Giant Penny Whistle in Pilsen. This is one of those spots where, no matter who the DJ is, you’ll find yourself dancing until the lights come on.
How does the Cerise rooftop fit into Chicago's local music scene?
Cerise serves as a catalyst for Chicago’s local music scene by bringing together locals and visitors under one roof(top) for an experience that creates national and international connections. The programming at Cerise has always maintained a mission to provide opportunities to upcoming DJs, myself included. My work with Cerise has empowered me as a local curator by giving me the opportunity to book over 30 women DJs, some making their Chicago debut. In an industry that often prioritizes profit over artists, Cerise stands out as a rare gem that takes a chance on local talent and curators.
Photography: Will Galvan, Virgin Hotels Chicago
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