This month we are highlighting one of the most revered masters of tap dancing — Reginald "Reggio the Hoofer” McLaughlin. For more than 50 years McLaughlin has pioneered his inspired distinctive “hoofing” across the nation, showcasing his talents to a variety of festivals and classrooms with the goal of keeping this dance tradition alive.

Did you know the Cha Cha slide, a world-wide classic appreciated by all ages, came from the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago? In 1999, everything came together and DJ Casper laid down the vocals that changed the world. The beat was a house track created by DJ Hudson “Hot Mix” Beauduy and played for DJ Casper in a basement studio at 64th Street and Parnell Avenue.

The song was originally written as a step aerobics routine for his nephew. The inspiration for the track comes from the culture of the Chicago stepping movement. This movement pulls from dance styles across the country and the Cha Cha Slide is one of many diverse iterations.

Chicago native Miriam Paz, better known by her stage name “DJ Miriam,” has been a trailblazer for Latina women in the music industry during her six-year long career as a DJ.

Throughout the years, DJ Miriam has gained national recognition. In 2022, DJ Miriam was the only woman-DJ to headline the Sueños Music Festival, the largest Latin music festival in the Midwest, held annually in Chicago’s Grant Park.  Prior to headlining Sueños, DJ Miriam opened for Bad Bunny, who is recognized as the world’s biggest Latino artist, during his Ultimo Tour Del Mundo stop in Chicago.

Did you know the “King of Swing” Benny Goodman was from Chicago? A master clarinetist and bandleader, Goodman led one of the first racially integrated bands in the U.S. and earned immense popularity.

A son to poor, Jewish immigrants, Goodman grew up in the Maxwell Street neighborhood and was enrolled in free clarinet lessons at the Kehelah Jacob Synagogue. He was tutored by Chicago Symphony Orchestra member Franz Schoepp. He played several venues with a litany of bands, and made his professional debut in 1921 at Central Park Theater.

As the flowers bloom and the school year starts to come to a close across the state, it is now the perfect time to go out with family and friends and enjoy an art festival!

During May, farmer’s markets, cities, villages and more come together to provide the community with an opportunity to partake in family friendly events, see wonderful art and support their local artists.

Check out our list below of art festival throughout Illinois this May: