Festival features Reggae, African, Calypso, Rock Music
Known for its blues and jazz, Chicago will be transformed July 4th into a Reggae, African, Calypso and Rock music city during the 20th International Festival of Life (IFOL). We're bringing outstanding entertainers to Chicago's Washington Park Wednesday, July 4 thru Sunday, July 8. Plus, international musicians will be walking the red carpet, making presentations and performing at the 31st International Reggae and World Music Awards being presented in conjunction with the Festival for the first time in its 31 year history.
Among the entertainers will be Reggae ambassadors Beres Hammond, Third World, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, African music honorees Awilo Longomba and Nkulee Dube, R&B group Enchantment and a host of local Chicago bands.
Emcees who will delight the stage include Mr. C. Casper- Cha Cha, Tony Rebel, DJ J Niice of B-96 FM, Matt McGill WVON AM, George Daniels, Field Marshall, Radio Babylon, DJ Boom Bostic, Selecta Hazey, DJ Slacky, One Blood, Fireworks, Art Bailey, Mike Bill, Ladies of Reggae, Mo-bay One, and others!
Read on to see some of the headliners and watch our festival video playlist to hear some of this year's music from performers and honorees.
$200 VIP Platinum Pass 5-Day season pass (includes: parking, VIP seats, limited backstage access, 3 drinks and hors d'oeuvres). Prices are subject to change.
This history making 31st IRAWMA and the 20th anniversary IFOL is sponsored by NBC 5 TV- Chicago, The Chicago Park District, Chicago Office of Tourism, Amway, J.FC Jerk and Fried Chicken, Robert Scott – One Stop Studio, Rogers Park Fruit Market, Insurance Brokers, Inc, Captain Hooks Fish/Chicken and Firehouse, KCB Inc, Seashell Restaurant and others. The Marriott Chicago Midway is the official hotel for the five day celebration. Travelers are encouraged to fly into Midway Airport. For hotel reservations call 1-800/956-2606 and mention the code “FES”. For online reservations, please click here
