Sorry Mickey, ARC Music Festival is my happiest place on earth. In the days leading up to this year, I was nervous, even though I’ve attended each year since its founding. Perhaps I had hyped it up too much. What if the legendary lineup didn’t live up to my expectations?
Turns out, I worried for nothing. Year four was as magical as ever. Reading the comments of every ARC IG post, I know I am not alone. As intended, the festival embodies the essence of House music. It is an escape, a haven where everyone feels safe and accepted. Three days of total bliss, less than five L stops away.
Elrow Stage ARC 2024
Regardless of your background, being in the presence of such an open, inclusive, carefree, and joyful environment is unmatched. Defected Records has a slogan that reverberates to my core. “In our House, we are all equal.” Aside from the top notch word play, this statement is so powerful because House music events create a sanctuary, a space in stark contrast to the judgment and scrutiny of the outside world; a place where one can truly be yourself without fear. While I don’t personally feel marginalized on a daily basis, I am a human. I am aware and I have empathy. My closest circle of family and friends is incredibly diverse and that is why I believe equality, equity, and inclusion is so important in life. This perspective is why the origins of House music coming from the Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities resonate so deeply with me. It’s a testament to its power to create spaces for those who have been overlooked and mistreated. All of this story, in a single city park, a couple blocks wide.
Views of the loop from concessions ARC 2024. #searsfromhere
Designed precisely for this outcome: to bring a premiere festival back home to the city that started it all, in a way that honors House’s Chicago roots in a modern, inclusive way, the festival achieves its goal and beyond. The energy creates an immaculate atmosphere. In addition to being able to walk to each stage at any time and know who is playing, and that they’re great, ARC is so much more than the music. Here are a few examples:
It’s restorative. ARC is more than just a three-day event (and a week of afters); it’s a transformational experience. Despite dancing for more than 21 hours and getting 135,000 steps in a single long weekend, I leave each fest more energized and refueled, and passionate than ever before. It’s something to look forward to.
Unity Hands Sculpture ARC 2023
Pinnacle of expression: The people come correct and ready to show out! The vibrancy of the fashion leaves me in awe. Whether custom crafted or Prime overnighted, the outfits are as varied and extravagant as the people wearing them. Seeing the transformation over the course of the weekend is fascinating. The dark and heavy, all-black outfits on Friday, the full spectrum of color and chaos on Saturday, and the glimmers of golds and silvers for everyone holding on Sunday. The spectacle captivates me.
My two best friends. The Party Pod. ARC 2024
The workout: I mentioned my step count earlier because House is immensely physical. It’s my favorite form of exercise. There are countless songs about going to “work”, the sweat, and the effort. Waking up in the morning having already hit my step count for the day by dancing the night before is one of my favorite things. The ability to dance freely without feeling cramped or claustrophobic, even in the front row, is better than any gym any day.
Elrow Stage ARC 2021
Sense of Belonging: As Gene Faris says in his “Spirit of House”, you can be in a crowded room full of thousands of people, and you close your eyes and it’s just you. It’s truly a moment of paradise. Watching your friends dance and feeling the warmth of shared experience, you can connect with others on a profound level. I’ve found my people.
Expansions Stage ARC 2024
Now, one could write these things about many dance music festivals, but ARC does it in a way that only Chicago can. For me, ARC is more than frolicking in a park, it’s a refreshing experience that moves your soul. It’s a place where you feel free, connected, and deeply connected to the music and the community. The festival serves as a reminder of the power of House music to create a space for self-expression, acceptance, and pure joy.
The Grid ARC 2022