The pandemic has caused massive shifts in the event industry. Curators have had to adapt to safety protocols, virtual spaces and figure out new ways to connect with audiences. We are excited to have Juan Teague, Lee Farmer and David Chavez join us in discussing the change, opportunity and future of event programming (virtual and live).
GUEST PANELIST:
David Chavez
David is a festival curator and event organizer in the city of Chicago. He’s worked in the industry for over 15 years presenting artists from all over the globe in venues and theaters as well as festivals across Chicago. Throughout his career, he’s helped broaden the audience for international music in the city, debuted many first time artists, helped launch music programs and festivals at various venues, commissioned new musical projects, consulted major arts and educational institutions, and helped open the city’s first Music Industry Office.
On behalf of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special events, he continues to be an integral curator of many festivals including the Chicago World Music Festival, Millennium Park Music Series, Taste of Chicago, and founder of the Chicago House Music Festival.
Lee Farmer
“DJ, Record Producer & Marketing Executive…..In that order”. This is how Lee Farmer describes himself.Lee came up in the 80’s Chicago music scene under the mentorship of Chicago Icons like Mike “Hitman”Wilson, Steve “Silk” Hurley, Farley Jackmaster Funk and Julian “Jumpin” Perez. He was fortunate enough to carry crates and be the “fly on the wall” for many legendary DJ sets and recording sessions all before he graduated High School. After graduation, he Joined the Navy and Served in Desert Shield/DesertStorm. After serving his country Lee returned to Chicago and was instrumental in the formation of record labels that spawned several international dance hits. Over the years Lee has been DJ of the year for the Chicago R&B Soul awards, Co-founder of the Soul Selector DJ’s, Technical producer for VH1’s Master of the Mix television show, and music director for several national brand tours. 2017 saw Lee returning to the studio which has resulted in a new release called “Stand Up & Dance” that Lee produced along with Grammy Award Winning Trumpeter Maurice Brown. He has also collaborated with his brother professionally known as Freak Fineman on the 2018 release called “This Could Be The Night”Featuring GTO released on S&S Records. During the 2020 Corona virus lockdown, Lee collaborated with the Mariano’s grocery chain to create a virtual opportunity for artists, and “Virtual! Live at Mariano’s” was born. Lee and his team at the TCG Collective also created the virtual series “Studio Show Live” for the Illinois Lottery and created the popular DJ series “Sundown Sounds” on Twitch which has featured may well know international DJs including Louie Vega. Lee is currently the producer for the Silver Room digital series which will air in October of 2020. Lee and his team were also the execution arm for the program that took home the coveted Platinum Trumpet Award from the Publicity Club of Chicago at the 2020 Golder Trumpet awards.
Juan Teague
Juan B. Teague is the ambitious founder of Juan & Only,
LLC, a premiere, full-service logistics and planning
company based in Chicago. Through her company, she
has produced countless events for very high-end influencers and tastemakers in the worlds of entertainment and sports, as well as a variety of corporate companies and non-profit organizations. Juan is the creative genius that has successfully brought the visions of clients such as Common, Kanye West, Dwyane Wade, Columbia Records, Atlantic Records, eOne Music, Heineken, and so many others to life. Juan produced events such as Dwyane Wade’s Live To Dream festival. She partnered with Nickelodeon to produce A Worldwide Day of Play through the Wade’s World Foundation right on Chicago’s South Side as well as Common’s AAHH Fest!! With the help of partners, Juan brought two new festivals to the west and south Sides of Chicago.
With a 20+ year background in hospitality, Juan went from working the front desk in Iowa City to Director of Sales here in Chicago. Juan resides in Washington Park where she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and fur baby Tank. When she isn’t planning spectacular events around the world, you
can find her attending church and traveling the world!
