Afrofuturist Weekend 8

Chicago’s annual AfroFuturist Weekend returns, bringing five days of music, art, and innovation by BIPOC artists who are pushing the boundaries of our imagination. Now in its 7th year, the festival continues its mission to cultivate an energy of love, communal hope, envisioning positive Black futures via a reclamation of our past. Emerging from Elastics Arts’ ongoing Dark Matter Series and Residency program, which supports the creativity of the next generation of Chicago-based, BIPOC artists, the festival shines a spotlight on various groundbreaking perspectives of the future. These range from fresh interpretations of Afrofuturism to embracing ancient-future afro-diasporic mythscience and decolonial imaginings. It offers a stage for emerging voices to shine alongside established artists, encouraging collaboration and the co-creation of liberated Black futures. Previous editions of the festival featured remarkable performers like Ben LaMar Gay, Nicole Mitchell, Angel Bat Dawid, Kwabena Foli, Ytasha Womack, Fabulous Freddie, and Ugochi. These artists carry on the proud tradition of Black art and music, weaving political commitment, historical awareness, and spiritual inspiration into their work. Additionally, a partnership between Elastic Arts and Fourtune House in Bronzeville, initiated in 2022, has extended the festival’s reach, fostering unity among Chicago’s neighborhoods. In the spirit of pushing boundaries, this year’s lineup showcases artists spanning generations and genres. Together, they ask what the future means for us today. In a time marked by uncertainties—ranging from environmental concerns to financial instability, racism, and violence—the event presents Black radical positivity as a political force rooted in creativity, generosity, and forward-looking vision. Among the highlights of the 2023 lineup are composer and sound artist Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe , who employs voice and electronics to uncover a past haunted by the future; vocalist and composer Akenya , and string ensemble D-Composed , who will each offer work that renders meaningless the boundaries among jazz, classical, and popular music domains. Angel Bat Dawid returns to perform with her FutureYouth ensemble, and Nicole Mitchell returns to collaborate with AfroFuturist Weekend co-founder Jonathan Woods. The weekend also hosts a Friday night AfroFuturist Bal l featuring Fabulous Freddie and el.la.Katrina , embracing the role of party and play in calling forward a thriving future centering Black and African Diasporic flourishing. We will be treated to the talents of composer and pianist Sharon Udoh , whose work captures the intimacy of the present and resonates with the essence of Black, queer futures. Saxophonist and composer Elijah Jamal Asani reimagines the rich tradition of Black music, creating a contemporary soundtrack for life. Additionally, Ayodele Drum & Dance infuses the event with the exuberance of West African dance and live drumming. Portland-based Brown Calculus is dedicated to the profound impact of cosmic Black music. Multimedia visionary AJ McClenon blends speculative poetics with historiography to explore water’s dual role as a container of grief and a channel for joyous future possibilities. Chicago's premier DJ Duane Powell takes us to higher heights, curating a set that conjures the power of a community ring shout in the key of House. Other participating artists and ensembles include the Suspended Culture collective , Frog Belly Society, Shanta Nurullah, a Dark Matter Residency showcase featuring current Dark Matter Residents and alumni, and many more. Together, these artists and more teach us that crafting new futures requires both imagination and collaboration. People from Chicago’s diverse communities are invited to join together in solidarity and camaraderie, celebrating the transformative power of art as a tool to reflect on the past, energize the present, and shape daring new futures. This year's AfroFuturist Weekend Festival is FREE and open to the public, thanks to generous support from The Chicago Community Trust, Live Music Society, and The Joyce Foundation. We’re also pleased to announce that this event was supported by a Chicago Presents grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. More Info below.