HOT MIX 5’S 35TH ANNIVERSARY
Saturday, June 11, 2016, Hot Mix 5 is reuniting to perform at the McCormick Convention Center for their 35th anniversary. Yes, The King of House Music, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Ralphi Rockin Rasario, Originator Kenny Jammin Jason, Mickey Mixin Oliver and Scott Smokin Silz will reunite to grace the stage once again.
Farley Williams who is the event coordinator for this event, and has been given the title as the King of House Music, says this festival is not only about the Hot Mix 5’s reunion but a celebration of life. “We are doing this to celebrate each other, there are so many tragedies in life, we just lost Muhammad Ali and before him was Prince, we must remember to live each day to the fullest and that is what this celebration is about”.
This music festival is for the entire family, featuring over 50 local, national, and international DJs who use Hot Mix 5’s music as an inspiration to create their own tunes.
“Hot Mix 5 got kids interested in music and learning how to DJ, instead of being like Mike some kids wanted to be like Hot Mix 5” Williams said.
Farley Williams says this event is a celebration of our influence in music and most importantly a time to give back to the community.
During the festivities you can check out the health fair. Hot Mix 5 not only wanted to put on a great show but give back to the community by addressing the concerns of eating healthy and staying fit.
“Hot Mix 5 is a multicultural group, blacks, whites, and Hispanics that appeals to the whole city. We want to reunite our city and put us together in the same room” Williams said.
The group’s local and global impact has not gone unnoticed. The city of Chicago dedicated a honorary street sign entitled “Hot Mix 5 Way” located next to Buckingham Fountain along with individual street signs throughout the city.
McKenzie Marshall
Fellow, Chicago Defender
McKenzie T. Marshall is a senior journalism major with a concentration in broadcasting at Howard University. McKenzie is a contributing writer for “The Hilltop,” and a member of Howard’s chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. She also interned at the Washington, D.C., bureau of the BBC in the spring of 2016. McKenzie’s ultimate career goal is to be an on-air news reporter. One day, she wants to host her own television show focusing on politics and foreign news.