MIDNIGHT SUN presents THE BLAXPLOITATION MIXTAPE

City Winery Chicago presents Midnight Sun live at City Winery Chicago

MIDNIGHT SUN PRESENTS THE BLAXPLOITATION MIXTAPE

In 1971, a new film genre was created. Spearheaded by the independent film Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, created by the late, great filmmaker/director/writer/actor (and Chicagoan) Melvin Van Peebles, Hollywood rushed in to duplicate that success with a slew of movies that eventually became known as Blaxploitation Films. Those movies saved the film industry in the 70’s and also yielded some incredible music.

To celebrate that incredible artistry, The Sun has curated a set that consists of soundtrack jams that stretch from Shaft to the Hood Movies of the 1990’s, with some curveballs thrown in from the 1980’s as well. This is a show that you do not want to miss…ya dig?!?!? Right On!!!

There is no band in Chicago like Midnight Sun. Established 1976, this 10-piece ensemble throws down with 4-part harmony, full horn section and percussion.

Assembled from Chicago's elite funk, soul, and R&B talent, members of Midnight Sun have backed the biggest artists: The Isley Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Guy, Gerald Albright, Roy Ayers, Chris Greene Quartet, Destiny's Child, Brian Culbertson, The Emotions, Terisa Griffin, Fred Hammond, Lalah Hathaway, Al Jarreau, The Ides of March, JD McPherson, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Jill Scott, Johnnie Taylor, CeCe Winans–the list keeps going.

Isiah Mitchell - Lead & Background Vocals

Keith Henderson - Electric Guitar

Maurice Johnson - Keyboards & Background Vocals

Eric Johnson - Drums

Marqueal Jordan - Saxophone & Lead/Background Vocals

Maurice Fitzgerald - Bass

Chris Paquette - Percussion

Chris Greene - Saxophone

John Moore Jr. - Trumpet

Bryant Smith - Trombone