Big Freedia brought bounce to Chicago as part of the Millennium Park Summer Music Series. The Queen Diva and her dancers shook and twerked across the stage at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, serving up acrobatic feats and New Orleans energy.
The evening of free music began with the Femmergy, a celebration of femmes and gender expansive artists presented by Chicago’s most beloved and creative queer collectives. Your Godmutha Tristen & Party Mom Kristen of the LGBTQ+ party Slo ‘Mo hosted were the evening’s emcees.
Mister Wallace and Futurehood were among the queer Chicago artists performing to activate self-love and joy.
Big Freedia stomped out to a roaring crowd to “Big Foot,” from her latest album Central City. The crowed returned her energy, with the whole park bouncing and singing along on the perfect summer night.
The Queen Diva of New Orleans Bounce music’s set included crowd favorites like “$100 Bill” and “N.O. Bounce.”
Big Freedia’s set referenced her features on songs like Beyoncé’s Grammy-Award winning single, “Break My Soul” and “Formation” as well as Drake’s “Nice For What.”
Big Freedia teased an uccoming TV series, Big Freedia Means Business, chronicling her triumphs in music, business and life that debuts this summer.
No one was immune to Freedia’s booty-shaking charm. The ASL interpreter even backed it up!
This celebration of queerness, music, and booty shaking expression might go down as the best party of Chicago’s summer. How incredible to live in a place where the city sponsors free opportunities for citizens to celebrate together.
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger.’ Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
