DRAWING THE BLUEPRINT AT 0002
Photo Credit: John Cotter Media
A few weeks have passed since our first concert event, "The Blueprint CNCRT," and the excitement still lingers. The event, originally scheduled for January 12, 2024, was highly anticipated for the city, and we did our best to create a comprehensive promotional campaign for the whole thing. We revealed artists through teasers on social media and plastered posters, stickers, and flyers around the city. Our main campaign video, co-directed by myself (Danny Pleckham) and Chris Vergara of Round3, highlighted each of the artists involved along with DJ Preme. Paskal Pawlicki of Trance Productions played a crucial role by providing the necessary equipment for the promo shoot. The trailer video depicted a group of people getting ready to put a plan in action. Running around in all black and putting out the message, word quickly spread from artist to artist that it was time for the event to happen.
"There's a ripple effect happening right now in the city, and we're here to capture it." - Rons
However, as the date of the show came closer, our plans hit a major hurdle when a blizzard forced us to reschedule to January 19. We quickly adapted, knowing the show must go on, but just days later, another challenge arose when Ausar, one of our featured artists, had to withdraw due to a family emergency. We pivoted quickly, and managed to bring Kayo on board as a replacement, doing our best to stay resilient. We had to make this work!
The concert was held at Reggies, an iconic venue in downtown Chicago known for hosting legendary shows for artists like Mac Miller and Logic early on, just to name a couple. Despite the setbacks, we still had a solid crowd of around 150 attendees fill the space, eager to experience the night. The energy was electric as the audience awaited the performances.
Photo Credit: John Cotter Media
DJ Preme returned as our DJ for this event after being apart of our first community event. He was able to always keep the momentum going and raise the energy levels during & between performances. Known for his work with big names like Travis Scott, Don Toliver, and G Herbo (at the time of writing this), Preme's set was a high-energy mix that got the crowd moving constantly. Responsible for some of Chicago’s most energetic DJ sets, Preme has been on a tear and has become a key contributor to the city’s unmatched vibe over the past year. His ability to get the crowd raging within just a few songs is unparalleled, and he didn’t disappoint.
Better Known As kicked off the night, captivating the crowd with his alter ego turned sonic superhero persona. Performing songs from his latest project, "Lately", he set the tone and resonated with everyone present. He also brought out his brother, Lemonxde80s, to perform their hit song "Check" together before his set was over, leaving the rest of the artists with the perfect setup of energy.
Kiraly Payne followed Better Known As and Lemonxde80s. Inspired by artists like Smino, his unique sound and skillset set the stage for his long-awaited debut album. Kiraly brought out friends and myself (Danny Pleckham) to perform multiple songs, continuing to elevate the energy as more people arrived. Whether performing wavy, bar-heavy cuts like "Freez" or electro-infused bops such as "You Need Me" Kiraly's return to form was met with enthusiasm from the crowd.
Photo Credit: John Cotter Media
SONNY's set was a true highlight, as he performed with a live guitarist. The addition of live instrumentation gave his songs new life, creating a deeper experience for the audience and a new way for them to hear the music. Known for his creative risks and coming off his recent mixtape "A.G.N.B.", Sonny’s dynamic style and energetic performance showcased why he’s one of Chicago’s rising stars. His performance, which has featured co-signs from Chicago forces like Andrew Barber and Lyrical Lemonade at other shows, brought an enigmatic and lively energy that was hard to match.
Kayo stepped in for Ausar and did not disappoint. Fresh off his 2023 album "It Was Fun While It Lasted" and his mixtape "UNTIL HIS BURIAL", Kayo's set included hits like "Check on You" and "LOVEPUNCH". He brought the energy to an all-time high. In a special moment, Senite, an incredibly talented female artist from Chicago, performed their hit song "LOVEPUNCH" from the crowd while Kayo rapped his part on stage.
Photo Credit: John Cotter Media
D2x headlined the event with incredible energy. A Southside native, his performance showcased his latest album "Hotel 1105". Earning critical acclaim for its jazzy undertones and powerful lyricism, the soulful set was a fitting end to an unforgettable night. At one point he had the lights shut off, and all the phone lights up, giving a new meaning to his hit song "Waves & Moonlights" as the lights of phones waved in the crowd. Before ending his set, he performed a special rendition of J. Cole's "Love Yourz," rapping his own version of the song under a spotlight.
Despite the challenges we faced, "The Blueprint CNCRT" was a testament to the resilience and dedication of our team and community. The event highlighted our commitment to providing a platform for artists to "pave their way" and brought together a diverse group of talented performers and enthusiastic fans. The success of "The Blueprint CNCRT" has set a high bar for future events, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum. Thank you to everyone that was able to make it to the event. It truly means a lot to myself, as well as to all the artists and people involved behind the scenes. Stay connected with us on social media for highlights and updates on future events. Together, let's continue to pave the way.
Be sure to check out the recap video below shot by Carter Maggio & Kole Valignota!
