Roscoe Village residents will gather this Friday night for the 19th annual Exquisite Corpse Ball, a Halloween‑themed concert and fundraiser held at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave. The event, billed as “Dork Christmas,” promises a night of classic rock covers, elaborate costumes, and community spirit.
Local Bands Bring Iconic Hits to Life
Seven Chicago bands will perform 25‑minute sets, each impersonating a legendary act. Mom Genes, fronted by Chicago musician Tony Rogers, will open the show dressed in KISS‑style black‑and‑white face paint. Other acts include the Daytonics as KC & The Sunshine Band, Kid Million as Eminem, Undead Friends as the Zombies, the Good as Pearl Jam, Seth Limmer as the J. Geils Band, and the Bette Davis Guys as the Psychedelic Furs.
Rogers, who has helped organize the event for a decade, said the preparation mirrors “the spirit of kids at Christmas.” He and his band have spent months crafting costumes and props to keep the audience’s expectations high.
Fundraising for Intonation Music
Beyond the music, the concert supports Intonation Music, a Bronzeville‑based nonprofit that provides free music education to Chicago youth. Executive Director Tonya Howell explained that the organization partners with schools, the Park District, and community groups to offer after‑school bands, recording opportunities, and mentorship.
Intonation Music is celebrating its 20th year and recently opened its first physical location in Bronzeville, giving young musicians a space to practice, record, and collaborate. “When people understand how important music is in their own lives, they’re more likely to stay connected and support our events,” Howell said.
Tickets and Details
The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $26.96 and can be purchased online. Attendees are encouraged to arrive in costume, as the event’s “egoless” performances and comedic interludes rely on audience participation and enthusiasm.
“We’re just going to keep the party going until they kick us out,” said David Singer, a founding member of Intonation Music, who will also perform as a rap‑style Eminem.
Why the Event Matters
For nearly two decades, the Exquisite Corpse Ball has become a staple of Chicago’s Halloween celebrations, drawing music lovers, families, and longtime supporters of Intonation Music. The blend of nostalgic rock tributes, creative costuming, and charitable purpose exemplifies the city’s vibrant cultural scene and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.
Community members looking for a fun, family‑friendly way to celebrate Halloween are invited to join the festivities, enjoy classic hits from KISS, Pearl Jam, and more, and help keep the lights on at Intonation Music’s headquarters.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
