The Lavender Prairie Country Music Festival made its vibrant debut over the weekend of September 13-15, transforming a dimly lit alley near Belmont Avenue into a celebration of queer country and alternative music.
Held at Judson & Moore Distillery, the three-day festival showcased both local and national queer musical talent. The event was spearheaded by composer and musician Andrew Sa, booking agent and bar manager Sully Davis, and Alexis Stein from the Queer Social Club. The festival was organized in response to a perceived gap in larger booking opportunities in Chicago.
The nearly sold-out festival featured a diverse lineup, ranging from upbeat pop to intense hardcore soul, highlighting the rich spectrum of queer country music.