The interactive art installation known as ‘An Extended Song of Our People’ returns for another season with music programming on three weekdays, through October 31
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is excited to announce that the public art project known as An Extended Song of Our People, returns to provide commuters with another season of groovy tunes and music programming at the 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line station. Programming begins Friday, May 30 with weekly real-time programming occurring three days a week by multiple local disc jockey (DJ) artists.
An Extended Song of Our People is an interactive public art installation created by world renowned artist and Chicago-based social innovator Theaster Gates, and is also the first known artist-designed and constructed broadcast studio/DJ booth in a transit facility.
“This extraordinary work by Chicago’s own Theaster Gates is such an exciting way to experience the intersection of the visual arts, public transit and music that moves the soul of Chicago, right there at our 95th/Dan Ryan terminal,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “We’re looking forward to hosting our guest DJs and watching this welcoming and vibrant community space come alive as they entertain our riders.”
This year the program returns under the leadership of DJ Ayana Contreras as the creative program director and will also be one of the performing DJs. DJ Ayana Contreras’s programming will continue in the spirit of Theaster Gates’ vision for An Extended Song of Our People, which is to feature music of Chicago’s South Side – including Blues, R&B, Soul and Gospel.
Guest DJ Junius Paul and Mr. Jaytoo will be returning. DJ Dreea is a new addition and will contribute to this year’s programming. Just like last year, there will be live programming on Mondays (7-10 a.m.), as well as Wednesdays and Fridays (3-6 p.m.). This season of music will run through Friday, October 31. The DJ booth will be closed on Friday, July 4 (Independence Day) and Monday, September 2 (Labor Day). The schedule can be found at https://aesop95thchicago.com/2025-schedule/
CTA’s collection of public art has nearly doubled over the last decade to include roughly 90 permanent works of art and dozens of temporary art installations across all eight rail lines and multiple bus facilities. This dynamic and immersive collection of public art includes mosaics, art glass, sculptures and interactive installations created by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, many of whom are local.
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