Ellie Goulding, Kali Uchis, and Liz Phair are among the headliners confirmed for Chicago’s inaugural Versa Festival. Set to take place on June 11 and 12, at Lincoln Park South Fields, Versa will be the largest woman-led and women-powered weekend lineup in over two decades, with the aim to amplify women’s voices.
“Versa is a destination where you can show up as you are, and walk away inspired to live life at full volume. It is an experience that leaves you recharged with the magic that happens when we make space to celebrate ourselves and each other,” the website’s description reads.
The festival’s musical acts span a range of genres with something for everyone – from indie, pop, rock, and hip-hop. In addition to the headliners mentioned above, the lineup also features Monica, Mon Laferte, Jamila Woods, Young M.A, Ingrid Andress, Yuna, Big Freedia, Yendry, Laura Jane Grace, Salem Ilese, Deb Never, Madame Gandhi, Lila Iké, Adeline, Vagabon, Coco & Breezy, Lillie Mae, and Tia Wood.
Versa will also offer a variety of non-musical programing, including “conversations with culture-shifters, from the legendary Gloria Steinem to emerging icons like Alok Vaid-Menon and many more,” according to festival organizers. There will also be an all-women comedy lineup, with such marquee acts as Chelsea Handler, Ilana Glazer, Fortune Feimster, Patti Harrison, Aida Rodriguez, Dulcé Sloan, and Sydnee Washington.
Additionally, festival attendees will get to experience a broad range of delicious culinary options, curated by food expert, author, and long-time Bravo Top Chef judge, Gail Simmons. An enticing list of celebrated female chefs from Chicago and beyond will be announced shortly.
Attendees will likely be eager to catch many of the headliners – several of whom are returning to the road for the first time after the pandemic. Last year, Liz Phair released her first new studio album in eleven years, Soberish. The record was met with critical acclaim, as Variety, Forbes, and Good Morning America ranked it among their Best Of 2021 albums.
Fans will also have an opportunity to hear music from Goulding’s latest record, Brightest Blue. Back in July of 2020, the British singer-songwriter dropped her fourth album, which reached No.1 on the UK charts. Kali Uchis, meanwhile, released her sophomore LP (and first Spanish-language album), Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios). The record is currently up for the first-ever Best Música Urbana Album Award at the 2022 Grammys.
