Jamila Woods, Photo: Zoe Rain and Whitney Middleton
Over the past year, Museum of Contemporary Art has been making their after-hours series MCA Prime Time one of their best offerings. Occurring three times a year, the event has different cultural organizations come in to curate an evening of local artists creating unique music, food and art woven within an interesting theme. On November 19, Pitchfork returns after their fantastic MCA Prime Time: Refresh to curate another amazing evening centered around the theme: Ascend.
Every edition of MCA Prime Time strives to put a spotlight on local artists and this one more than any other reinforces that. All the central artists are Chicago-based musicians pushing the limits of their respective styles. Opening the night will be
Noname, who blurs the lines between poetry and rap, creating intimate songs that are full of a beautiful poignancy that is evident of our times.
Jamila Woods will follow with her mix of soulful sounds and hip hop influence that is becomes transcendental with her strong and evocative voice.
RP Boo, a pioneer of Chicago dance music and the Godfather of Footwork, will be closing out the evening with years of music crafting experience.
Noname Photo: Bryan Allen Lamb
Throughout the night and in-between the headlining sets will be even more musical performances. Audio Jack of
Slo’Mo Party will be handling DJ sets that touch on era spanning
R&B, soul, hip hop, jazz, and funk throughout the evening. Slo' Mo Party's mission is to unites people of every identity and expression together with the best slow jams imaginable. The multi-generational, all women trio Adachi Taiko will perform a fusion of Japanese folk dance and martial arts movements that is synchronized with their physically demanding and thunderous drumming. Rounding out the lineup will be indie-rock duo
Homme, Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart, mixing their ethereal voices with experimental soundscapes that demand to be heard.
RP Boo, Photo: Wills Glasspeigel
The rest of the museum will be open for you to explore in addition to the music-heavy lineup. Artist
Claire Arctander will curate the atmosphere, activities and art that will be strewn across all floors of the MCA. Experiences like the magical world of The Fantasorium will allow you and fellow attendees to convene and preen together while popup food and drink areas will offer a delicious menu (including Corned Duck Biscuit, BBQ Brisket Skewer and Cold Sesame Noodles) for you to indulge in.
Tickets for the November 19 MCA Prime Time: Ascend are currently on sale for
$15 ($10 for members) in advance and will be $20 at the door. Spots for these immersing events usually sell out well ahead of time, so I strongly suggest you pick up tickets as quickly as possible. MCA Prime Time is a 21+ event that begins at 7pm and goes until 11pm at the
Museum of Contemporary Art,
220 E. Chicago Ave., giving you enough time to see everything this event has to offer.
