Critical Sounds Symposium Closing Party: DJ Lady D

Close out Critical Sounds on the dance floor with DJ Lady D, who returns to bring the symposium/festival to a euphoric close. Lady D spins house, disco, and tech-house in the Harris Studio— an open space transformed for the night into a proper party. This is Chicago: the music that started here, played by one of its greatest ambassadors. Free and open to the public.

About the artist

Queen of Chicago House Music | Chicago, IL

DJ Lady D is an American multifaceted artist from Chicago whose extensive contributions to the music industry span a wide range of roles. As a DJ and producer, she captivates audiences with her soulful sound and energetic performances. Her own city has dubbed her as “Chicago’s House Music Queen,” through her dynamic sets, infused with infectious energy and seamless mixes, DJ Lady D has garnered a loyal following and reputation as a thrilling headliner and a prominent representative of Black women in electronic music. She is also the visionary owner of D’lectable Music, a label that nurtures emerging talent and drives the evolution of music.

DJ Lady D has been inspired by other artists such as Lil Louis, Depeche Mode, D’Angelo, and Cocteau Twins. She formed an all-female DJ collective called Superjane to prove that female DJs were more than a novelty. In 2011, she became the first and only Black female DJ to ever play at Lollapalooza. In addition to playing in events such as Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), Arc Music Festival, and at the United Center, DJ Lady D has toured across all of North America, Europe, Russia, and Asia. DJ Lady D was recently elected to the Board of Governors for the Recording Academy’s Chicago Chapter where she engages in outreach and professional development for the Chicago music community.

In 2024, DJ Lady D signed her song “A Deep-Felt Love” to Defected Records and was released on the Soulfuric Deep Imprint. It debuted at #1 in the Deep House charts on Traxsource.com.

About Critical Sounds

Critical Sounds is a symposium and festival exploring the intersection of sound studies, electroacoustic music, and experimental performance. Bridging academic inquiry with artistic practice, the program features a keynote lecture, live performances, practice-based research, and workshops—including a special session with Chicago’s own DJ Lady D. All events are free and open to the public.

Presented in partnership with Arts + Public Life, the Franke Institute for the Humanities, Patchbent, and Experimental Sound Studio.

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