Taste of Randolph
Friday, June 19 at 5:00 PM
Day 1 of 3 · Friday, June 19
Lineup
Action/Adventure
Action/Adventure (A/A) is a pop punk band hailing from Chicago ready to shatter decades-long stereotypes of the scene. Comprised solely of BIPOC, their mission is to create #PopPunkInColor and ensure pop punk is a genre where everyone is represented on and off stage. Playing collectively together since 2014, the group… Action/Adventure (A/A) is a pop punk band hailing from Chicago ready to shatter decades-long stereotypes of the scene. Comprised solely of BIPOC, their mission is to create #PopPunkInColor and ensure pop punk is a genre where everyone is represented on and off stage. Playing collectively together since 2014, the group has gotten attention from alt scene tastemakers like Alt. Press and Kerrang!, garnered nearly 20k monthly listeners on Spotify, over one million plays on TikTok, and even secured a slot at the final Vans Warped Tour in 2018. The band consists of Adrian Brown (drums), Blake Evaristo (lead vocals), Manny Avila (bass), Oren Trace (guitar), and Brompton Jackson (vocals/guitar). They’ve released multiple singles along with three EPs, Rumble Pak (2015), Last Minute Stuntman (2016), & Going Heel (2018), and are set to release their fourth EP, Pulling Focus, in April 2021. Typically landing somewhere near melodic hardcore, the dynamic five-piece collectively write music that slides along the vast spectrum of pop punk. Poppy lyrics and melodies bring an air of familiarity that are simultaneously bringing a fresh perspective through a new lens, and gripping riffs and thrashing breakdowns that you can nod your head to, they draw inspirations ranging from Fall Out Boy to Senses Fail and Four Year Strong. A/A has now successfully planted their flag into the national landscape of the pop punk scene following the release of their powerful 60-second single, “Barricades,” which details discrimination each band member has faced while gigging at pop punk shows across the country. On a whim at the suggestion of a friend, guitarist and vocalist Brompton Jackson posted the impactful music video for “Barricades” onto TikTok one afternoon with their hashtag #PopPunkInColor, and uninstalled the app shortly after. By the end of the day, they had over 60k plays. Within three weeks, the guys had over one million plays and an email from their dream label in their inbox. Now poised to release their first EP as a signed Pure Noise Records act, Pulling Focus, is releasing on April 30, 2021. Now labelmates with the same acts they grew up listening to, (Senses Fail, Four Year Strong, & The Story So Far), the band is set to make even bigger waves in the scene. Come catch the A/A wave. Read moreShow less
Ryan Perdz
Ryan Perdz is a grunge-rock singer-songwriter from Buffalo, NY, signed to Big Machine Rock in 2025, known for singles "January," "Sour," and "Heavy Eyes."
Gene Farris
A global ambassador of Chicago’s classic house music sound, Gene Farris has spiritedly contributed to the evolving house and techno culture of this century. He started spinning vinyl- Acid House, Disco and the classic Chicago style of his peers. Inspired by Lil’ Louis, Gene developed a unique sound at a young age. In t… A global ambassador of Chicago’s classic house music sound, Gene Farris has spiritedly contributed to the evolving house and techno culture of this century. He started spinning vinyl- Acid House, Disco and the classic Chicago style of his peers. Inspired by Lil’ Louis, Gene developed a unique sound at a young age. In the early 90’s, he played the legendary underground warehouse parties in Chicago, and held a residency at the Power House, two experiences that solidified his career behind the decks. During this formative time Gene continued to DJ, holding an eight year residency at Chicago’s infamous Boom Boom Room, plus a four year residency at Jimmy Woo in Amsterdam. In 1994 Gene hit the studio with a profound sense of innovation and audio brilliance. As a self-taught engineer and producer, his work with Cajual, Relief Records, Defected Records, Soma Recordings and his own breakout label Farris Wheel Recordings, propelled his influence into ever expanding realms. More recently Gene has been spotted mixing funky beats for massive crowds at Coachella, Outside Lands and Firefly in 2013. Gene remains a strong supporter of his roots, playing Wavefront in Chicago '12 and '13. Visitors to Chicago can catch Gene hosting the 'Le Freak' event at Soundbar, a monthly at Primary and frequenting Spy Bar. Gene works closely with fellow Chicago house legend Cajmere, AKA Green Velvet. The two have worked in collaboration on over 13 singles. The most recent, O’Darlin from the Jungle Love EP (Cajual Records) hit number one on TraxSource this year. In 2014 alone, Gene has had three additional number one hits; ‘Phoenix’ (Guest House), ‘Jackin’ (Farris Wheel Recordings) and ‘Along Came The Spider’ (Relief Records). Continuing evidence of his insatiable ambition, talent for production and creative instincts for crafting tracks that give new life to classic samples and old school beats. Cajual Records and Farris Wheel Recordings tenaciously release momentous tracks from artists internationally, including Gene's newest album, "Cosmos". The album features songs with Dajae, Cajmere, Sonny Fodera, and Dj Mes, which will also be out on Relief Records in June 2014. Gene is passionate about growing Farris Wheel Recordings, producing bangers and sharing the wealth of house music with the world. Working with phenomenal producers and artists, is only developing his style and skill further. There is more to come and with the talent and vision Gene possesses the world of House music has nothing but gratitude. Read moreShow less
OFFAIAH
Originally introduced to the world in 2016 as an unknown Argentinian producer, Offaiah is in fact an alias of English producer and DJ Michael Woods who was previously better known as Warrior. Offaiah's debut track Trouble became a favourite of BBC Radio 1 DJs Artist page: Danny Howard & Annie Mac, and in 2020 he signe… Originally introduced to the world in 2016 as an unknown Argentinian producer, Offaiah is in fact an alias of English producer and DJ Michael Woods who was previously better known as Warrior. Offaiah's debut track Trouble became a favourite of BBC Radio 1 DJs Artist page: Danny Howard & Annie Mac, and in 2020 he signed a deal with Defected Records. Read moreShow less
DJ Heather
The Chicago house community has brought greater attention to all the city's great djs, including the genre busting DJ Heather. Widely regarded as one of the premier selectors in the nation, this Chicagoan demonstrates her skills and sharp deck acumen for the masses throughout the Windy City and the world at large with… The Chicago house community has brought greater attention to all the city's great djs, including the genre busting DJ Heather. Widely regarded as one of the premier selectors in the nation, this Chicagoan demonstrates her skills and sharp deck acumen for the masses throughout the Windy City and the world at large with verve and undeniable talent. Her interest in music was sparked early on by her parents eclectic music collection. A full spectrum of jazz, blues, rock, soul and folk was part of the Robinson household. With a foundation set, she began to discover her own tastes ranging from the Jackson 5, Chic, Blondie and Kiss. The British New Wave, Ska, Punk the burgeoning Hip Hop and Industrial movements further sparked her enthusiasm for music. "I felt as if I was on a mission of discovery. Vintage Vinyl and Big Daddys in Evanston became my haunts. I loved finding new bands and sounds such as Depeche Mode, The Specials, Black Flag, Treacherous Three and Ministry making them my own. I would then share them with friends by making tapes. Medusas presented a true club experience to underage kids. I think the teens of Chi-town felt that they werent really missing out on what the adults were doing. That was undoubtedly our own world. If we were lucky enough to sneak into clubs like La Rays, Warehouse and The Music box that made our dance music experiences all the more meaningful." Primarily known in the Chicago dance community as a hip hop dj, she began a shift in the material she played. It was never a intentional choice to spin house music instead of hip hop. The demand simply seemed to intensify after each gig. Over time she moved on to specialize in house and maintains a soulful head-bobbing approach. Heather's track selection sends a nod of respect to the forbearers of Chicagos signature sound. Many things influence me, more than one sound She fuses disco, classic house and techno. She drops tracks by producers who understand the forward curve of the electronic music scene. Commanding the crowds attention and keeping their feet moving. Soon her presence within the Windy City scene began to solidify and her reputation nationally began to grow. Getting a chance to play outside Chicago definitely has been a combination of luck and timing. Friends, acquaintances and follow djs have looked out by suggesting me for gigs. Promoters, thankfully, trusted their opinions. That kind of luck would play a big part in her first gig in Europe. By chance a tape was passed on to a promoter and lead to a trip to Paris. In 1998 she was asked by San Francisco transplant and fellow Chicagoan Mark Farina to support his Mushroom Jazz 2 cd tour. Truly the ultimate compliment. She would later join him on the road in support of the third and fourth installments of the Mushroom Jazz series. As well as the house release San Francisco Sessions for Om Records in 1999. The cd also featured Something Else her first of three collaborations with 2nd Shift (JT Donaldson and Tim Shumaker) originally available on Seasons Recordings. A year later Heather released her own officially licensed mix Tangerine for the Chicago based Afterhours label. "With my debut compilation I hoped to simply illustrate that I could program and mix. I think I achieved that." With stand out reviews she hit the road on her own. That same year she returned to Chicago club staple Smartbar to begin her second residency at the venue. 2002 marked her inaugural trip to South Africa. That year Heather also began her relationship with the London club Fabric. Named after her favorite soy yogurt, Blackcherry Recordings, made its debut with the buzz worthy single Picture of You featuring Heather along with D.C.s own Eastcoast Boogiemen. 2005 also marked Heathers installment to the much heralded Fabric CD series, for the club of the same name. With 15 years of experienced behind her Dj Heather has grown to become one of the Windy Citys main Dj exports. She is an artist who defies conformity, defines quality and continues to nurture her solid skills for soul music of the technological generation. Read moreShow less

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