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Chicago choreographer and dancer Erin Kilmurray (known for innovative works like The Fly Honeys Show) dreamt up ‘the Function’ in the early days of pandemic isolation, reminiscing on the past nightlife scene of before. The production combines innovative choreography with non-traditional spaces, centering around four dancers who have full creative control of their pieces. After premiering the piece at the Museum of Contemporary Art in 2022, Kilmurray brought ‘the Function’ back this summer — this time reworked for a warehouse space in a four-show run. Kilmurray sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the production’s origins and some of what people can expect from its new iteration.
This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited by Abigail Harrison and Morgan Ciocca. Learn more at erinkilmurray.com.

Last summer, social justice organizer Damon A. Williams and producer Daniel Kisslinger released a six-part documentary podcast titled ‘Help This Garden Grow,’ which highlights the legacy of Hazel M. Johnson. Known to many as “The Mother of Environmental Justice,” Johnson fought for better environmental practices in Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens. Williams and Kisslinger hope their podcast can educate the Chicago community and beyond on Johnson’s important environmental justice work, and prompt future generations to continue her fight.
This segment was edited and produced by Ari Mejia. You can find ‘Help This Garden Grow’ on most podcast platforms, and follow Respair Media & Production on Instagram @respairmedia.

DJ Dynamiq is a world touring DJ, performing at major events and festivals, including the Sueños Music Festival in Chicago. He made his festival debut at Chicago’s inaugural Sueños Festival and has been a lineup staple every year since. This year’s festival featured headliners Rauw Alejandro, Peso Pluma and Maluma, and as Dynamiq has witnessed Sueños evolve over the years, the festival maintains one main stage, relying on the DJs to keep up the energy. DJ Dynamiq sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to reflect on DJing at Sueños, keeping the audience engaged, and the other opportunities his DJ career has brought him.
This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. Find DJ Dynamiq on Instagram @djdynamiq for updates and information on upcoming events.

Growing up in a musical family, Chicago artist Face learned to mix and master her own beats during the pandemic. On March 26, she headlined Schubas Tavern — joined onstage by fellow Chicago artists Ine’a J and Kiraly Payne — performing songs from her sophomore EP ‘Paragon.’ Released February 14, the artist reflects on family and relationships throughout the project. This summer, Face is gearing up to perform at Navy Pier's Skyline Sessions on July 26, debuting her new song "Symphony" alongside Jay Wood and Kaicrewsade. Face sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe to discuss generational musical talent, Women’s History Month, how she got her name and how sometimes you’re the problem in the relationship.
This interview was produced by Bekoe, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Face on Instagram @shesface.

DJ Fredy Fresco is the host, MC and DJ for Sueños 2024, known for his lively DJ sets and electrifying stage presence. Fresco was only 13 years old when he started spinning records in his family’s apartment, which became his training ground for his craft in mixing. Now, he has established himself as a versatile DJ and performer and is also one of the official festival DJs for Sueños, Chicago’s largest Latin music festival being held in Grant Park on May 25 and 26. He sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to share about his journey as a DJ and his involvement with Sueños.
This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. Find DJ Fredy Fresco on Instagram @djfredyfrescoofficial for updates and information on upcoming events.

As a lifelong Chicagoan, Brandon Johnson wishes more people could see the city through the eyes of the mayor. Growing up in a faith-centered family on the “West West” Side of Chicago, serving the community has always been a deeply-instilled passion in Johnson’s life. After becoming a public school teacher in Cabrini-Green, Johnson was galvanized to pursue politics — later becoming a Cook County commissioner and the 57th mayor of Chicago, “the greatest freaking city in the world.” This is what his Chicago sounds like.
This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was edited and produced by Ari Mejia. Find the mayor on Instagram @chicagosmayor.