ANDERSONVILLE — This weekend marks the opening of the Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble’s season with a brand‑new music festival, Copasetic Vibrations. The two‑day event begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and continues Saturday at the ensemble’s downtown venue, 1650 W. Foster Ave.
Festival lineup highlights local talent
Fourteen musicians will perform, spanning a wide range of styles. The roster includes hip‑hop artist GO79MAN, Brazilian‑born indie‑pop singer Bonatto, South Asian beatboxer Shamik, Wisconsin‑based jazz‑fusion group Lakewaves Trio, the video‑game‑inspired jazz collective Andy’s Critical Hits!, and the Afrofuturist psych‑rock band Electric Mothership.
Attendees can enjoy light refreshments, artist merchandise, caricature drawings by local artist Kennedy Free, and the possibility of food trucks serving snacks throughout the evening.
Tickets and audience details
General admission is $30 for a single‑day pass or $50 for the full weekend. The event is 18 and up, but students receive a $20 discount with the code “goodvibez.” Tickets are available online via the festival’s website.
Why the ensemble is expanding into music
Artistic director Davon Suttles explained that the festival is an effort to give musicians a platform in a city where performance spaces can be costly and hard to secure. “It’d be really cool if we gave space for musicians to come in and showcase their work in front of our audience,” Suttles said, noting his own family background in music.
The ensemble, known for its dance‑theatre productions, youth arts education programs, and visual‑arts exhibitions, sees the festival as a natural extension of its mission to nurture Chicago’s creative community.
Community building at the heart of Copasetic Vibrations
Suttles emphasized that many of the performing musicians are also helping run the festival, fostering collaboration and camaraderie. “We’re celebrating these musicians and giving them a chance to work together and build a community,” he said.
The festival’s name, “Copasetic,” harkens back to a 1930s slang term popularized by tap‑dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, meaning “cool” or “chill.” Suttles, a professional tap dancer, noted that the term reflects the relaxed, celebratory spirit the event aims to create.
One of the featured acts, Jamie Demeny’s 4‑Player Game, will even incorporate tap dancing as percussion, blending the ensemble’s dance heritage with the musical performances.
Looking ahead
Suttles hopes Copasetic Vibrations becomes an annual tradition, continually showcasing emerging Chicago and Midwest talent. “If you’re a local musician or artist looking for community, you’ve got to support your fellow creators,” he urged. “Come meet other artists, have a conversation, and help us expand this vibrant scene.”
For more information, the full schedule and ticket purchases, visit the Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble’s website.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
