FORMA: A Night of House Music

MoMI presents FORMA, a new concert and media series organized by guest curator Sarah Von H, the writer and founder of the cultural journal RAREPEACE. FORMA is a series dedicated to the shape and form that music takes in media and focuses on highlighting the contributions of diverse artists and musicians.

For our first event, we are hosting an evening devoted to exploring house music, featuring a discussion, dance party, and multiscreen video art presentations. DJs br0nz3_g0dd3ss, Kalifa (formerly known as Le1f), Stonie Blue, and Kif will be spinning for an outdoor dance party in the Museum’s courtyard, preceded by a conversation about the impact of house music on the Black community.

Following the decline of disco fever, pioneering Black DJs like Frankie Knuckles, also known as “The Godfather of House Music,” and Ron Hardy were quickly thrust into the city’s spotlight as they began to experiment with drum machines and synths, especially the iconic Roland TR-808. Predominantly Black, Latinx, and queer audiences flocked to their venues, the Warehouse and the Muzic Box, drawn in by the inclusive, sanctuary-like scene. It wasn’t long until fabled record labels like Gramophone and Trax were founded, devoted to spreading the sound of house music across the country and the globe. The rest is history. 

Video Art Presentations

8:00–11:30 p.m., Lobby Wall & Café

All night long, a multiscreen video installation by digital artist 7thgrl will play on loop on the first floor of the Museum. 7thgrl’s videos are focused on representing the Black ballroom scene and the art of voguing. 7thgrl was recently featured in Vogue Brazil, British Vogue, CFDA, and Reykjavik Grapevine.

A Conversation on House Music

8:00–8:30 p.m., Fox Amphitheater

In this conversation about the impact of house music on the Black community, DJs influenced by house music will talk about keeping the genre alive. Moderated by music curator Sarah Von H. 

Outdoor Dance Party

8:30–11:30 p.m., Kaufman Courtyard

Come to our Kaufman courtyard to dance and vogue to the music sets of the best contemporary House DJs—br0nz3_g0dd3ss, Kalifa (formerly known as Le1f), Stonie Blue and Kif—with sound provided by Karlala Soundsystem. Tickets include snacks and beer donated by Captain Lawrence and SingleCut.

Tickets: $25 / $15 for members / $20 for students. Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. Review safety protocols before your visit.

Museum visitors and film audience members can add on the event for $10.

For ages 21+.

Pictured above: DJ Kalifa, photo by Peter Honnemann