It’s once again warm weather season and what’s a summer in Chicago without a music festival heavily centered around house music? House heads young and old get your dancing shoes ready and bust out the sunscreen as Chi-city’s river front will never know what hit it after the debut Riverwest Music Festival blasts off this Fourth of July weekend. Set entirely outdoors at the corner of Elston and Division, this three day party’s line up puts even Ibiza to shame. Ideally we’d like to see every artist on the roster, but knowing that’s not possible here are our top five acts that you simply cannot miss!

Loco Dice

German DJ and producer Loco Dice is always a name that’s more than welcome in Chicago and his Friday, Independence Day set will, undoubtedly please the crowds. The undeniable master of creating moods has garnered fans and recognition all over the world with his own productions and unforgettable sets. Whether you’ve seen him ten times or only once, his deep and sexy sound is one that simply cannot be missed!
 

 

The Martinez Brothers

If you’re looking for some more exotic rhythms, something more “caliente,” or simply to watch two brothers from New York throw a party in the DJ booth, then look no further than The Martinez Brothers. Steve and Chris have been recording music professionally since 2006; however, if you’ve ever seen them live, you would think that they’ve been doing it all of their lives. Whether it’s house, techno, salsa or hip-hop these brothers know how to get your feet to break into rhythm. Catch their set on Friday and be sure to bring some comfortable shoes!
 

 
Deep Dish

It’s no secret that superstar duo Deep Dish (aka Sharam and Dubfire who also appear separately on the festival bill) love playing in Chicago. After all, they did name their hugely successful partnership after one of the city’s favorite staples (even though they originated in Washington D.C.). Earlier this year, Chicago fans of the legendary twosome were treated to a secret show in one of the city’s top venues prior to their official reunion gig in Miami. Those who were lucky enough to attend were taken on a euphoric sonic journey through the duo’s catalog composed of some of dance music’s finest remixes and original compositions new and old. It will be very interesting to see what the veteran producers have in store for a larger festival crowd, but whatever it is, it will surely diminish any sign of disappointment even from the most fickle of house music connoisseurs.
 

 
Hot Since 82

It’s hard to think of the current house music scene without mentioning Daley Padley (aka Hot Since 82) at least once. The 30-year old Leeds-based producer’s rise to DJ superstardom has been nothing short of incredible, to say the least. It’s no wonder then that last year we named his brilliant remix of Green Velvet’s Bigger Than Prince as the (insert link to article here). Whether turning a drum& bass track such as Rudimental’s Right Here into a deep house monster or creating something entirely new based on a 90’s trance classic (Alena’s Turn It Around was more than effectively sampled in Insane I Know), his ability to sound both, ‘catchy’ and ‘underground’ at the same time is nothing short of stunning. Be sure to check out why fans from places such as Australia and Ibiza have fallen in love with this multi-talented overnight sensation!
 

 
Steve Lawler

If we were asked to choose only one artist whose set we could catch due to time constraints during this festival then Steve Lawler’s name would be at the very top of our list. The Ibiza legend and multi-talented artist has been redefining what it means to be a DJ and a producer since the early nineties. His never ending strife to give his 110% both on stage and in the studio have earned him a notoriety few of his peers have been able to achieve. Whether playing tech house, deep house or disco, his sets are a must for all house music lovers as one just never knows what surprises he may have in store!
 

 

Still need to grab your tickets? We are giving away one pair of 3-day passes to Riverwest Fest on our Facebook page. Additionally, select tickets are still available for purchase here. Check out the full lineup below and let us know who you are most excited to see over the 4th of July weekend!

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