DJ Saint set to deliver distinctive sound to Chicago Pride Fest

DJ Saint is “ecstatic” to bring his distinctive sound to the 23^rd annual Chicago Pride Fest, the two-day street festival (June 22-23) in Lakeview that is a true celebration of LGBTQ+ life, culture and community.

DJ Saint is spinning on the Waveland Stage on Saturday, starting at 2:30 p.m.

“Pride Fest is my favorite; it’s the start of the summer and everyone is so excited to be out,” along Halsted Street, said Saint, who will be DJing an 8-hour set on Sunday at Hydrate Nightclub, starting at 2 p.m. “Getting to play Pride Fest is such a cool full-circle moment for me. I’m excited to play an extended set and take people on a journey of love and connection all day.”

Saint said he will simply be enjoying festivities on Pride Sunday, June 30^th. No work, just enjoying the parade with friends and more.

“Things are going great,” Saint said. “I'm coming off a winter hiatus; I took a ton of personal time to recharge, to grow both personally and professionally, move, and now I’m really excited to get the summer jumping.

“Pride Month is such an incredible time for us as a community to come together for amazing outreach, charity organization and with all the parties that happen, it’s just a really beautiful fun time. I always look forward to June to see what everyone pulls out of their bag for the month, so many amazing performances, and all the summer fashions get me giddy.

“It’s summer time, baby.”

Pride Fest features live music on three stages, a Youth Pride Space for teens, incredible drag performances, the Proud Pet Parade with prizes, dance exhibitions, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, guest speakers and more than 150 food and merchandise vendors.

A $15 suggested donation for entry to Pride Fest helps pays performers and festival workers, and supports local non-profits & community programs like the Chicago Pride Crosswalks.

“Expect all the high energy and performance that I bring to every DJ set with growth in my technique and track selections,” Saint said. “I have spent the past couple years focusing on the sound I want to bring to these parties. Recently, I had the pleasure of opening at Kashmir in West Town, which was such a sick experience. I also just played LaCage in Milwaukee, which was one of the largest, most interactive crowds I’ve played for. I’m excited and looking forward to traveling more to play different cities this summer.”

Saint added: “If you’ve never heard me play, I surprise. There’s a lot of sound that comes out of me. There are twists and turns. I like to bring just enough familiarity to hook you in and inspire with something you’ve never heard before. Bridging gaps between tech house, UK garage and tribal, sprinkling in a fierce vocal and I like to keep it pretty dark, sexy and weird.”

So who is DJ Saint?

“I think many people would be surprised to know/learn that underneath this strong exterior, there is a very sensitive, soft, very gentle being,” he said. “Most people don’t get to see that side of me, and I’m not interested in handing that out. But as people get to know me, if they get to know me, the layers start to peel.”