DJ Jesse De La Peña celebrates 40 years in music

Jesse De La Peña, a pivotal figure in Chicago’s music landscape, commemorates 40 years of active involvement in shaping the city’s sound and culture. From his emergence during the mid-1980s hip-hop scene to his role as a cofounder of the acid-jazz ensemble Liquid Soul, De La Peña’s career reflects the evolving musical tapestry of Chicago.

Starting in the early days of Chicago hip-hop, De La Peña quickly became a fixture within local circles, bridging emerging artists and audiences. His influence extended beyond live performances when, in the early 1990s, he helped establish Liquid Soul, a band that gained international acclaim by blending jazz, hip-hop, and acid jazz elements into a unique sonic experience.

De La Peña’s commitment to fostering community and cultivating talent was perhaps most visible through his long-running weekly hip-hop series, Blue Groove Lounge. Launched in 1994 at the venue now known as Bookclub—formerly the Elbo Room—this series became a cornerstone event, running until 2003. While not Chicago’s inaugural hip-hop showcase, Blue Groove Lounge endured longer than its contemporaries and became a crucial gathering point for MCs, DJs, producers, dancers, and graffiti artists. It also attracted nationally recognized performers including Cypress Hill and Missy Elliott, underlining its significance in the broader hip-hop network.

In 2011, De La Peña expanded his influence into radio by joining Vocalo, a community-oriented station. Until funding cuts led to its suspension in 2024, he served multifaceted roles as producer, curator, and on-air host, continuing his mission to elevate local music voices.

To honor his four decades of musical contribution, De La Peña is hosting a celebration on August 1 at Bookclub. The event promises a reunion of sorts, featuring longtime collaborators such as DJs Uncle Milty and Dirty MF, and includes a pop-up shop run by "Big Larry" Mondragon, known for his Definitive Selection streetwear store in Pilsen. Additionally, De La Peña is set to record a live podcast episode reflecting on the Blue Groove Lounge era, sharing anecdotes and spinning records that defined the series.

Beyond live events, De La Peña has initiated a video interview series titled Know Chicago, intended to document and preserve the city’s rich musical heritage. The series debuted earlier this year with radio host Harv Roman and plans to spotlight influential figures including Wax Trax! co-owner Julia Nash, producer and vintage vinyl curator Tone B. Nimble, Slick’s Lounge owner Howard Bailey, and hardcore punk frontman Martin Sorrondeguy.

In related developments, Chicago’s music ecosystem sees continued innovation with the introduction of Song Beacon, a concert discovery app launched by New York’s Fire Talk label. Recently expanded to include Chicago, the app leverages the city’s vibrant live scene and label connections to help fans find gigs and track artists. Fire Talk’s ties to Chicago artists and industry insiders like Jon-Carlo Manzo, founder of the Angel Tapes imprint, underscore the city’s significance as a musical hub.

Simultaneously, Drag City’s Soccer Club Club gallery opened an exhibition honoring late psych-folk artist Ed Askew, whose visual and musical legacy spans decades. The show, "Boy With a Hat: Ed Askew, Paintings 2014-2024," coincides with the release of his posthumous album, The Final Painting, further cementing Chicago’s role in preserving and celebrating its diverse artistic voices.

Meanwhile, Chicago’s house music roots continue to be celebrated through events such as the G.E.T.O. DJz’s house picnic on August 1 in Columbus Park. Featuring pioneers of ghetto house, juke, and footwork, this daylong gathering highlights the enduring vitality of local underground dance cultures.

Jesse De La Peña’s 40-year journey encapsulates the dynamic and interconnected nature of Chicago’s musical scenes, from hip-hop’s dawn through acid jazz innovation to community radio and archival projects. His ongoing efforts to nurture talent and document history ensure that Chicago’s rich and diverse musical heritage remains accessible and vibrant for future generations.