We selected our inaugural issue cover photo, by gifted photographer Daveed Holmes, for our cover to kick off 2020, The Year of Chicago Music.

The designation by DCASE, the city department of art and culture, aims to rightfully position Chicago as a world-class music destination and, at the same time cause the musical contributions from the south side and west side to be known and celebrated, according to Commissioner Mark Kelly.

Featured are Chicago-born musician, Amir “Tubad” Gray, and his band, during a Real Men Charities, Inc.tribute to New Orleans music and food.
Photographer Daveed Holmes perfectly captures the spirit of the day, which included a “Second Line” on far south 75th Street, around the Quarry Event Center, complete with musicians performing around the corner and in the streets and neighbors joining in.  Both Amir and Mario Abney (dancing) are ambassadors for Chicago music, and currently reside and work as musicians in New Orleans.

Amir has appeared on Windy City Live and returns to the Quarry Event Center in February for a performance and music history session with CPS students arranged by the nonprofit. Amir, Daveed, and Mario are Millennial’s sharing their art as leading professionals and are available for private events.