SUEÑOS 2023 Music Festival ~ Chicago

Jun 28, 2023

This 2023 Memorial Day weekend, Chicago played host to the second annual Sueños Music Festival. From Saturday, May 28, through Monday, May 30, the producers of Lallapalooza and Baja Beach Fest, filled the streets of Downtown with the wildest reggaeton vibes by some of the hottest names in Latin Music. If you could not attend this exciting and vibrant event, The Garnette Report has you covered. This writer was able to visit the festival at Grant Park, in order to give you, our readers, a glimpse into the point-of-view of an exclusive attendee to one of the biggest reggaeton festivals.

While starting off slow, with minimal crowds in the early afternoon. Sueños started its lineup with artists like DJ Gordo, followed by PaoPao and YOVNGCHIMI. And a surprise performance from Bella Dose. While these artists did give tremendous effort and heart into their performances, they objectively did not receive the same electrifying level of enthusiasm from their crowds as some of the headliners from later in the evening.

By my estimate, it was around the arrival of Ivy Queen, the well-established singer, rapper, songwriter, and all-around Queen of Reggaeton, that the crowds began to garner the attention of those even outside the event for miles! As I walked around I heard many festival-goers speaking in anticipation of her performance. Additionally, some in the press lounge even went so far as to complain that their duties would interfere with their being able to watch her perform. But I can say with the utmost certainty that she did not disappoint. And that her long-established and prominent reputation is a well-deserved one.

From there, the crowds only grew, and with them, so did their volume for the artists following Ivy Queen. Musicians such as Arcangel, El Alfa, Feid, and more exhilarated the crowd. With Wisin & Yandel to close out a fantastic first night.

Our interview with Latin Grammy-winning artist PaoPao can be found HERE.

While Day Two of Sueños was unfortunately not in the cards for this writer due to unforeseen circumstances, I can say that some of the biggest names, not just in Latin music, but Pop music as well, were in attendance along with crowds to rival night one. Some of those names included Becky G, Myke Towers, Nicky Jam, and the one and only DJ Dynamiq. DJ Dynamiq was also gracious enough to offer us a personal interview on Day One. As well as invited us to his performance at TAO nightclub in Chicago for a private all-girl afterparty that night.

Our interview with DJ Dynamiq can be found HERE.

D’USSÉ Cognac also maintained a major presence throughout the festival catering to artists and fans alike. Sueños is one of many festivals that the luxury brand will be attending as part of a festival tour. However, on this particular stop, the Cognac brand offered tastings and specialty drinks, a pop-up D’USSÉ vending machine that offered mystery prizes–including passes to the brand's day and after parties, and a premier VIP bar located in the Press lounge. This bar offered exclusive experiences for artists like PaoPao and DJ Dynamiq, along with the Press and yours truly, with tastings and swag bags.

Diageo's brands Buchanan's Scotch Whisky, CÎROC Vodka Spritz, and Tequila Don Julio also boasted a star-studded guest list during Sueños. On Day One, Dominican rapper Messiah paid a visit to the sponsor's Buchanan's Pineapple VIP experience, where he was offered their newest drink, Buchanan's Piña Fizz. He also took pictures with fans and got to enjoy performances by many of his friends.

On Day Two, reggaeton artist Jhayco could be found at the CÎROC Vodka Spritz Oasis drinking CÎROC Vodka Spritz Watermelon Kiwi and Pineapple Passion, and enjoying the performances with his fans. Artist Eladio Caarion also joined the fun after his performance. Caarion celebrated with a specially engraved bottle of Tequila Don Julio 1942.

Overall, there was a unique energy in the air this weekend that evoked immense pride for one's heritage and a unification in diversity that allowed for various nationalities within the LatinX community to come together for an enthusiastic expression of music and culture.

The fans were exuberantly waving their various native flags to the music of their favorite artists in an eye-catching display. All while donned in the latest festival fashions, each so unique, one hardly knew whether to watch the performers or the lively crowd!

Featured Image Via Briana Lawrence and Sueños PR