The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), in collaboration with Next Showcase USA, announced the winners of the 2026 Chicago Made Music Showcase, held Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater. Following performances by 17 finalists, multidisciplinary artist Keya Trammell was named the $10,000 Grand Prize Winner. Artists Mike Lawry Baby and Luis Alfredo were also awarded additional $1,500 cash prizes for stellar performances. More than 150 artists auditioned for this year’s showcase, with 17 finalists selected to compete before a panel of industry professionals, including award-winning artist Sir the Baptist, entertainment lawyer Daryl Jones, Interscope/Capitol Records executive Caryn Lee and music producer and writer Matt Hennessy. Selected artists will have opportunities to perform at major Chicago events, including Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza.

Lollapalooza Chicago Made Performance Winners:

• Zion Ali

• Zia Jenaye

Taste of Chicago Goose Island Stage Winners:

• Vee Armstrong

• Tim Farrell

• Huey Gang

• Andrew Hoyt

• Lima

• Estefania Mena

• JJ Smith

• Smooie

For more information on the Chicago Made program, visit ChicagoMade.us and follow @ChicagoDCASE on social media using the hashtag #ChicagoMade.

Photo Credit: Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events