TESS, DJ

The first twenty minutes. That, according to Tess, is the magic moment in a set where the DJ and the audience establish trust. It’s where the songs complement the vibe. It’s where the DJ assures the audience it’s going to be a journey that celebrates the breadth and history of music. And, for Tess, it means a welcome hint of nostalgia too. As much as her sets at Adorn include house and disco funk, the Louisiana native loves to mix in Bowie, Sister Sledge, Barry White, and old Chicago soul and blues. After moving to the city in 2002, Tess discovered DJing as a therapeutic, zen experience different from her previous work in poetry and as a visual artist. In addition to residencies at Soho House and Beatnik, she spins at pop-up gigs and venues such as Smart Bar.