The LatiNxt Kick-Off Party - Industry Conversations & Meetup at Marz Community Brewing Company consists of two panel sessions, industry networking, and a post-discussion music set by Future Rootz DJs.
Harmonizing Diversity: Intersectional Voices in Chicago's Music and Creative Scene
Moderator
SLOMO (Fausto López) was born in Xicago and channels his Cuban & Ecuadorian heritage through his love for music from across the afro-latin diaspora. Together he blends his Xicago roots with traditional sounds through a mixture of house, cumbia, reggae, tropical bass, and global remix. As part of Sound Culture Center for Global Arts and Future Rootz he entertains himself messing with digital designs, collecting music, staying up too late DJing, and producing events at various venues around the city.
Panelists
- B.BLYSS!: Tamara R. Allen co-founded The Be! Agency, B.BLYSS!, and is the creator of new installations, Beats & Bonfires, and El Brillo Latino, a distinctive LGBTQ+ Latinx camping event. With over 20 years of experience in event production, she has been instrumental in developing safe, inclusive, and sophisticated environments through culturally diverse events. Her leadership at The Be! Agency champions the visibility and empowerment of multicultural and LGBTQ+ communities, embodying the agency's commitment to humanity and equality. Tamara’s extensive background not only as a producer but also in managing and consulting for public, private, and social sector entities helps her drive impactful initiatives that promote a broader understanding and appreciation of diversity in creative industries.
- Demo Ramirez (Villapalooza): Mexican American Hip-Hop Artist from South Side Chicago. Growing up in Little Village, he was influenced by street related violence and politics and transformed his trauma into the art form that he now uses to share his experiences. He blends Spanish and English in various songs. As part of Svnto Pecvdo, a Hip-Hop super group, the impact of the music made alongside BugNBeats, El Grave and Juan Zarte, is still revered to this day as a contemporary classic amongst Latin American Rap fans. In his artistic trajectory he has performed in Chicago, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Mexico City, San Luis Potosí, Aguascalientes, Querétaro, Valle De Chalco, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl and various other cities domestic and abroad. Demo Ramirez is part of Beetle Studios, a music production company and also owner/founder of LoneWolf Records LLC based in Little Village.
- Lovers & Friends: A Black and Latina duo igniting the LGBTQIA+ party scene for the 30+ crowd. Attendees can expect beats that make them wanna move, drinks that make them wanna stay, and a crowd that's ready to mingle.
- TRQPiTECA: Chicago-based artist duo and production company founded by DJs, artists, and producers Natalie Murillo (La Spacer) & Jacquelyn Carmen Guerrero (Cqqchifruit). TRQPITECA presents inclusive cultural experiences that celebrate diverse communities through dance music and art. Since 2015 they have worked with over 350 performance and visual artists, designers, DJs, and musicians from Chicago and around the world. TRQPITECA is an LGBTQIA+, women of color owned platform celebrating Chicago’s legacy as the birthplace of house music, a musical movement created by Chicago’s BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Their mission is creating opportunities for people to experiment and connect through the production of dance music and art; uniting individuals across generations, cultural backgrounds, and identities; celebrating individuality, self-determination, and self-expression.
Future Harmonies: Charting the Next Notes in Creative Integration and Collaboration
Moderator
Melissa Duprey: Melissa DuPrey is an Afro-Latina multidisciplinary performance artist with roots in Humboldt Park. The actor/comic/emcee has been seen on EMPIRE, GREY'S ANATOMY, and the new HULU show, HOW TO DIE ALONE.
Panelists
- Miguel Alfaro: Miguel was born and raised in the South Side of Chicago with family roots in Zacatecas y Durango. He is a cultural programmer, artist manager, writer, and event producer with 8+ years of experience in leading concerts and special events. Currently he works as the Program Manager for Navy Pier’s Department of Arts, Culture, and Engagement- overseeing over 100+ annual free public programs. Miguel is co-founder/manager of the regional Mexican band, “Código Verde”, who has have opened up for acts such as Cypress Hill and Grupo Bronco. He is the founder of indie record label & music school, “DAB Records LLC/ DAB Escuela de Musica”, that he started with his brother, Danny Alfaro Barraza. At DAB, they teach the next generation of musicians how to master their instruments and tackle being an independent working artist in the city. Miguel also serves as the Director of Acquisition for Cruel Management, an artist booking & touring agency based in Chicago.
- No Sé Discos / Allá: Wife-husband duo, Lupe Martinez and Jorge Ledesman operate and produce work for their record label No Sé Discos. No Sé Discos focus is on supporting works from family along with projects of close friends. They are part of the pioneering Chicano avant-pop recording artists Allá formed in 2003 along with brother Angel Ledezma. Their self-funded, self-produced Chicano psychedelic masterwork "Es Tiempo" was released in 2008 on record label Crammed Discs (Belgium).
- Ruidosa Art Collective: Yeshi Regalado is a Latin-American musician from Chicago with over 10 years in the music industry. She fronts & manages her band La Rosa Noir as the band's lead singer & rhythm guitarist. She founded Ruidosa Art Collective, which spotlights Latin American and POC creatives. Additionally she manages events for MICTLAN Productions. Yeshi is passionate about music and the community it holds.
