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Reunited dance group Ten City help make the Chicago House Music Festival a don’t-miss eventLeor Galilon September 13, 2022 at 5:00 pm

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Ten City’s fifth album, 2021’s Judgement (Ultra), was a long time in the making—and not just because the crucial Chicago house group’s previous album, That Was Then, This Is Now, came out 27 years earlier. The origins of Judgement arguably go even further back than 1986, when Ten City producer Marshall Jefferson issued the foundational house single “Move Your Body” through Trax Records. Three years before that, future Ultra Records founder Patrick Moxey had moved to town to attend the University of Chicago, where he helped Ken Wissoker launch WHPK’s first hip-hop show, started a magazine at the station (for which he interviewed the likes of Big Black), and booked occasional gigs, including one with house trio Fingers Inc. Moxey also sharpened his DJ skills under the tutelage of Joe Smooth, spun at Smart Bar, and hung out at Medusa’s and other house hot spots. Moxey moved to New York City in the late 1980s, where he became an industry player—in the years since he founded Ultra in 1996, the label has worked with EDM stars such as Calvin Harris, Kaskade, Deadmau5, and Steve Aoki—but before he left, he met Marshall Jefferson. A few years ago, after Jefferson reconnected with Ten City vocalist Byron Stingily, Moxey and Ultra label exec David Waxman reached out about releasing new Ten City music.

This version of Ten City is different, of course, not least because it’s missing a key member of the band’s classic lineup, guitarist and backup vocalist Herb Lawson. But the DNA of their music hasn’t changed. On Judgement, the new duo version refine their soulful resplendence and maintain their fidelity to addictive rhythms—their beats work subtly, but they draw you in as powerfully as a colossal horseshoe magnet that Wile E. Coyote might order from Acme. The album feels both contemporary and familiar, in part because it includes reworked material from the late 80s: two new remixes of the 1987 single “Devotion” and a sharpened update of 1989’s chart-topping “That’s the Way Love Is.” Stingily’s otherworldly falsetto has gotten slightly raspy with age, which lends an alluring new earthiness to the group’s sleek style. Ten City surely won’t let another 27 years pass between albums, since they’ve already released more music—this summer they dropped the light disco number “A Girl Named Phil.”

Ten City Part of the Chicago House Music Festival and Conference, which runs from Thu 9/15 through Sun 9/18. Patrick Moxey will be interviewed on Thu 9/15 at 8:30 PM at the Logan Center for the Arts. On Fri 9/16, Ten City headline; the bill also includes Josh Milan and his band and a celebration of Robert Williams and the Chosen Few DJs. 5:30 PM, Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph, free, all ages

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Reunited dance group Ten City help make the Chicago House Music Festival a don’t-miss eventLeor Galilon September 13, 2022 at 5:00 pm Read More »

Monster mash-upKatie Powerson September 14, 2022 at 4:52 pm

The Chicago Children’s Theatre’s 18th season kicks off with Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster!, an innovative production from the Emmy Award-winning multimedia performance collective, Manual Cinema

Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster Through 10/16: Sat-Sun 9:30 and 11:30 AM, Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine, 312-374-8835, chicagochildrenstheatre.org, $25-$36

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Based on two books by children’s author Mo Willems, Leonardo! follows a young monster who is woefully terrible at being a monster. Despite his best efforts, he’s simply too adorable to scare anyone. But when he finds the opportunity to scare Sam, the “most scaredy-cat kid in the world,” Leonardo learns an equally heartening and humorous lesson about finding his voice, the power of friendship, and using his strengths for good. The story was adapted for the stage by Manual Cinema codirectors Sarah Fornace (who also directs the show) and Drew Dir. (The third Manual Cinema codirector, Ben Kauffman, created the music, lyrics, and sound design with Kyle Vegter).

As the production company’s name suggests, the show’s four-person cast executes the story as a DIY film, projected onto a screen set above the stage. Each performer helps bring Leonardo’s story to life using a carefully thought-out fusion of lively puppetry, intricate paper cutouts, and amusing character work, complete with playful costumes and Kauffman and Vegter’s live music. While the story is well-suited for young children (the company recommends it for ages 2-11), audiences of all ages can appreciate Manuel Cinema’s immersive visuals and impressive technical setup that seamlessly blends the stage and screen.

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Monster mash-upKatie Powerson September 14, 2022 at 4:52 pm Read More »

18 Best VR Porn Sites: Top Virtual Reality Porn of 2022Corvelay Mediaon September 14, 2022 at 8:00 am

Everyone and their mother—well, definitely father—is familiar with standard 2D porn. But 3D porn? That’s where things get taken to the next level. With recent innovations in virtual reality (VR) technology, there is now an extensive range of VR porn that people love for its incredibly immersive experience.

Although this article will do a lot of describing of the VR experience, there’s really nothing like trying it for yourself! So, without further ado, let’s get to ranking the very best VR porn sites for your pervy pleasure.

Top 18 Virtual Reality Porn Sites of 2022

RankBrandBest For1.VR BangersBest overall2.VRConkBest for cosplay and parody3.BaDoink VRBest 5k content4.VirtualRealPornBest user experience5.KinkVRBest BDSM content6.SexLikeRealBest for livestream content7.PornHubVRBest free content8.NaughtyAmericaVRBest exclusive content9.StasyQ VRBest for softcore10.VRB GayBest gay VR content11.WetVRBest new site12.Dark Room VRBest for fantasy content13.18VRBest 18+ teen content14.Wankz VRBest for newbies15.MILF VRBest mature content16.Virtual TabooBest á la carte content17.VRCosplayXBest cosplay content18.VR LatinaBest Latina VR

1. VR Bangers

VR Bangers is a 100% VR-focused site and one of the first in the area, so it’s no surprise that they’re among the best. You’re also not likely to get tired of their content for two main reasons:

They have a huge variety of categories with numerous titles in each oneTheir content is frequently updated, with usually two or three new scenes per week at least

Plus, the newly added scenes are always super-high quality, even featuring some 6K-resolution videos. There’s also a nice blend of conventional one-on-one content as well as multiple-partner scenes. Adding to the overall excellent variety is a choice of 180- or 360-degree viewpoints.

Like most sites, you can opt for a monthly, yearly, or even lifetime package, with a standard price range compared to other VR sites.

One bonus is that you get access to a VR porn game no matter which tier you buy.

The only major downside applies to iPhone users—if you want to use your phone, you’ll be out of luck as the site is currently only Android-compatible right now.

Pros

Tons of categoriesA variety of perspectivesIncludes porn gamesBoth 1-on-1 and threesomes, etc.

Cons

Android-only compatibilityNot teledildonic supported

Compatible With

Oculus Rift/RiftSOculus GoOculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRHTC ViveGear VRMicrosoft MRDaydreamAndroidiOS

2. VRConk

VRConk is all about VR (virtual reality) porn and nothing else. Their niche is cosplay and parody videos, so if that’s your thing, you’re definitely in the right place.

You’re not likely to get tired of their site for two main reasons:

They have high-quality content that’s getting released weeklyThey have high production value, meaning top pornstars, unique locations, and major fantasy vibes (cosplay and parodies)

So long as you appreciate the niche that VRConk operates in (cosplay, parodies, fun content in general), you’ll likely feel like you get your money’s worth with them. 

After all, you’re getting all the best elements of VR porn (with the exception of teledildonics): up to 8k, downloadable, binaural audio, and compatible with just about everything (VR headsets and phone OS’s). 

If you’re up for commitment, you can get a free year when you sign up for a year with VR Conk. 

This is a solid deal as it then only comes out to about $8.33 per month. You could also go for a lifetime membership at $250 (by comparison, this would work out to about $10.50 a month for two years, then free for life).

Now let’s take a look at some of the many ways VRConk is an industry leader in its own right.

Pros

Tons of categoriesStreaming and downloading optionsWeekly updatesBinaural ASMR audio180 and 360 degree immersion

Cons

No teledildonicsLimited bundles

Compatible With

Quest Quest 2 GoRift SPSVRHTC Vive ProGear VRMicrosoft MR

3. BaDoink VR

BaDoink VR is another one of the premier VR porn sites, which makes sense as it’s one of the longest running. Some older content is in lower resolution, but all the new and recent uploads are 5K (or even higher).

BaDoink scores points for having one of the easiest sites to navigate, making it a breeze to make your way through their huge library of content. Making use of their sorting options, filters, and tags means that you can get to exactly what you want in no time—and hey, sometimes you’re trying to get in a quick sesh, let’s be honest.

Another big bonus is access to their other affiliated sites, like VRCosplayX, for example (a BDSM focused site). This really helps boost the overall value of your subscription.

When it comes to buying that subscription, however, you might need to spend a few minutes figuring out how you want to do it.

First, there’s only credit card or PayPal, so you’ll be out of luck if you were hoping to pay by Bitcoin or an alternative method.

Second, the pricing is a little weird—while you can get a 3-day trial for just $1 (cool, right?), you end up paying more if you actually sign up (ehh, actually kind of lame).

Pros

Mainly high-quality (5K) contentUser-friendly siteSister-site accessTons of exclusive content

Cons

Be careful when it comes to billingCredit card / PayPal only

Compatible With

Oculus Rift/RiftSOculus GoOculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRHTC ViveGear VRMicrosoft MRDaydreamCardboard

4. Virtual Real Porn

Virtual Real Porn is another one of the most user-friendly sites, which is always a big plus. They also have one of the largest libraries with over 400 scenes.

In addition to the usual array of categories, there are also some fetish ones like for foot fetish types—yeah, we’re looking at you, Quentin Tarantino.

You also won’t likely have to worry about your VR headset’s compatibility with Virtual Real Porn—the site supports Vive, Oculus, Gear VR, and all the most popular headsets.

There’s even a cool feature that remembers your preferred headset—so, tell them yours is Oculus and now they’ll only show Oculus-compatible content.

As with BaDoink VR, Virtual Real Porn wins major points for its user-friendly site. Since they store your settings, it’s extra easy to find videos that suit your preferences. Plus, movies come with a recommended viewing position, making things even easier.

For the moment, the content is largely 180-degree 4K videos, but they’re starting to expand to content with a wider field-of-view. This kind of innovation is promising as it means they’re committed to keeping up with the rest of the pack.

The biggest downside is that there’s no free trial option. Somewhat making up for this, though, is a relatively inexpensive 5-day trial. There’s also a streaming-only subscription that comes in at a cheaper price than the regular subscription that gives you access to all their scenes.

Pros

Super user-friendly sitePreferences are savedWorks with most of the popular headsetsOverall one of the best bang-for-your-buck sites (see what we did there?)

Cons

No free trial optionNo sister-site access

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

5. KinkVR

If you’re on the kinkier side—especially the more extreme kinky side—you can fully embrace it with KinkVR. The site is loaded with hardcore BDSM, and you’ll find some of the most popular porn stars in not only fetish porn but mainstream porn as well.

There are a huge number of categories, so you should be well covered no matter what your kink or kinks are. All the BDSM mainstays are here: bondage, master/slave, torture, etc.

Although the site has a much smaller content library than many sites reviewed here, every single video is exclusive, helping boost the overall value. And helping offset this smaller library is the addition of two new scenes per week, always shot in 4 or 5K.

Another big plus for KinkVR is its low pricing—monthly passes come in around ten bucks and a yearly membership means even more savings at less than $100.

As with all these sites, there’s one thing that holds back KinkVR from being truly excellent, and that is its slow download speeds, which can be a major boner-killer (literally).

Pros

Perfect for all you kink-lords (and queens) out thereTons of exclusive, super-extreme contentCheap compared to other sitesEmphasis on VR immersion

Cons

Smaller content librarySluggish downloading

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOS

6. SexLikeReal

SexLikeReal isn’t its own studio but an aggregator—that is, it compiles scenes from multiple studios.

On the plus side, this means that they have a huge variety of VR content. As you might expect, there are lots of categories and these are conveniently sortable by resolution, softcore/hardcore, teledildonic-supported, and other features.

This is also one of the few sites to feature livestreaming VR content, which is still somewhat of a rarity while the technology gains traction.

SexLikeReal also scores major points for its bevy of super-high-quality stuff, even up to 6K. For porn connoisseurs after more of a cinematic experience, they also have hour-long videos. And for the guy trying to squeeze one out before Econ 101, there are ten-minute scenes as well, so there’s really something for everyone and every situation with SexLikeReal.

Another perk of this aggregator is their flexibility in terms of accessing content. You can opt for pay-per-view or choose to subscribe. Although an expensive site relative to most, SexLikeReal does offer a lot of value.

Porn enthusiasts who might hanker for exclusive content will be a little disappointed in that respect. Many of their scenes can be had for cheaper elsewhere, but SexLikeReal does provide a convenient “one-stop-shop” for VR content.

Pros

Literally thousands of VR videosPay-per-view or subscriptionExtensive weekly updatesLivestreaming VR content

Cons

Quite pricy relative to other sitesMostly non-exclusive content

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboard

7. PornHubVR

Everyone knows PornHub as it’s the world’s largest and most name-dropped porn site. As you might expect, they’ve been working to stay up with the latest in VR offerings.

While VR was formerly an exclusive feature of their premium package, PornHub has since started offering free VR content. One drawback with these is that you’ll have ads unless you pony up the cash for the premium membership (the ads aren’t all that bad, though).

Unlike VR Bangers, PornHub works with both iOS and Android phones, making this a more accessible option. Plus, you can count on the same interface that you’re used to with the original PornHub.

Compared to an aggregator like SexLikeReal, however, or even other standard VR sites, Pornhub VR does lack in variety and overall number of videos. Plus, some viewers report perspective issues while streaming, so it’s probably best to take the time to download what you watch.

Pros

Fewer ads than many sitesGood selection of free contentBoth Android and iOS compatible

Cons

Weaker selection than many sitesOccasional perspective issues

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

8. NaughtyAmericaVR

NaughtyAmericaVR takes advantage of their status as one of the best studios out there to deliver high-quality VR content. For exclusive-hungry viewers, they have more than 400 exclusive scenes, with many of them coming in at over forty minutes!

In addition, their scenes—of which there are at least two new ones per week—are usually filmed with the biggest names in porn, like Aidra Fox and Adriana Chechik.

Plus, you get to appreciate them in either 4 or 5K, with all the newer content shot in 5K. Unfortunately, the high quality does come with a cost—slow download speeds. A nice feature that somewhat offsets this issue is the inclusion of high-res photos.

Another nice aspect of NaughtyAmericaVR is the ability to chip in extra money for access to seven sister sites (the caveat being you must purchase a twelve-month subscription). There’s also an impressive flexibility in how you can purchase your subscription, like using Bitcoin or even giving up unused gift cards!

Perhaps the most frustrating drawback to NaughtyAmericaVR is their site’s poor user friendliness. Finding your exact preference can take a while compared to other sites, but admittedly they help make up for it with such top-tier content.

Pros

Tons of 5K scenesThe biggest names in pornLots of VR categories and exclusive contentA number of payment options

Cons

Sluggish downloadingNot the most user-friendly site

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

9. StasyQ VR

StasyQ VR is a pleasant change of pace from the usual steady stream of hardcore videos. You can think of their site instead like a private strip club.

Not any strip club though—a very high-end one, as they only select the most gorgeous models.

Although you won’t get to see any intercourse, StasyQ VR offers a unique, more intimate experience. This is in large part thanks to the binaural sound they offer, which enhances the already-more-intimate feel of VR porn to begin with.

One downside, in addition to their relatively small library, is the fact that StasyQ costs about the same as regular hardcore VR sites. It’s more forgivable, though, when you consider their super-high production value.

Pros

A nice softcore optionStunning modelsElegant aestheticHigh-quality (binaural) sound

Cons

No intercourseSmall library

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboard

10. VRB Gay

There aren’t a ton of gay-only VR sites, so VRB Gay wins points for that alone. It’s also a sister site to VR Bangers, so it makes sense that the production quality is similarly elite.

Unfortunately, you can’t get a package for both VR Gay and VR Bangers, as you might expect, which might disappoint some bisexuals out there. Another downside is that the catalog is relatively small, with fewer than 100 videos.

Making up for this shortage in scenes, though, is an emphasis on extreme quality and content featuring some of the most notable models around.

Like its sister site, VR Bangers, VRB Gay is user friendly, with plenty of filters for quickly finding what you’re into. Another nice touch is the fact that videos are 2D-friendly, meaning you can still benefit from their high-quality content if you don’t happen to have your headset with you—and hey, who hasn’t gotten off away from home base?

Pros

Only super-high-quality contentVery user-friendly site

Cons

Small libraryNot teledildonic supported

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

11. WetVR

WetVR is from the Tiny4K studio, which made a name for itself with high-quality videos. You can thus expect the same insistence on high-res video from this site.

A downside of that, though, is that it may not be as suitable for people with weaker internet speeds or lack of storage for downloading video.

You might also be frustrated that there’s no video preview because you could end up downloading a video that you wouldn’t have if you had gotten a preview first. On the plus side, their download speeds tend to be good as long as your internet is.

All around though, WetVR offers super-high-quality content with household—well, maybe frat-household—names. Nothing is extreme hardcore, but it’s all tasteful and a must for anyone who loves to see their favorite porn stars slathered in oil.

Pros

Best newcomerStrong industry tiesGood download speeds

Cons

No video previews5K only

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

12. Dark Room VR

Dark Room VR offers a more authentic experience with their content. You won’t find all that many bleach-blonde actresses sporting fake smiles and moans.

Instead, Dark Room VR promises more realistic scenes with high production value. They also feature some of the most gorgeous European models.

Another big perk to Dark Room VR is their free previews, which allow you to make a better call on whether you want to shell out for a subscription. Plus, you can download and stream their videos at different resolutions, so if you’re having trouble with streaming or download speeds you can simply dial it down.

A high-quality site overall, two small downsides to Dark Room VR are its lack of crypto payment and relatively small library compared to other sites.

Pros

More realistic productions100% exclusive contentFree previewsDownload at different resolutions

Cons

No crypto paymentsSmaller library

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

13. 18VR

A sister site of BaDoink VR, 18VR offers similarly top-tier quality. This is a site to throw on your shortlist if you’re into nasty, slutty girls. There are lesbian, anal, threesome, even gangbang videos.

The quality is all POV, 5K, and featuring binaural audio plus a full 360-degree perspective. Even better, their videos work with almost all manner of VR headsets and toys.

One downside, as with other 5K-only sites, is that you may have issues if you’re experiencing slow internet speeds or lack a lot of space for higher-quality downloads.

Pros

Videos compatible with all VR devicesFree Google Cardboard includedOne free video download

Cons

Exclusively 5K videos

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

14. Wankz VR

Wankz VR is a great site for beginners as there is helpful content such as tutorials and a user community that provides useful feedback.

Wankz VR also wins points for its ease-of-use, especially on mobile. They also are on the forefront of innovation in terms of teledildonics, so you can enjoy nearly two hundred scenes synced up to your preferred sex toy.

While the site does accept a solid variety of payment options, the lifetime membership is quite costly compared to other sites. Plus, certain categories remain unavailable with the regular subscription options, which is honestly annoying.

Pros

Huge selectionRelatively low costFree previewsLots of teledildonic-supported scenes

Cons

Requires lifetime subscription to access sister sitesLifetime subscription is pricy

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRiOSAndroid

15. MILF VR

MILF VR is one of the top VR sites for mature content. If that’s your thing, you don’t really need to look any further.

It’s a premium site too in that it offers up to 8K resolution on select videos. There’s also a streaming option in case you’d rather stream than download.

Another nice feature is that you gain access to some fourteen other VR sites, which will help keep you busy should you want to venture away from all those MILFs.

One drawback of MILF VR is its library featuring a lot of remastered videos. Even though they’ve been “remastered,” the quality won’t quite be the same as with the more recentlyshot content.

Pros

Super-high-quality videosAccess to a bunch of VR sister sitesNearly 200 original videos

Cons

Many of the videos are older remastered onesSome of the actresses are rather young

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

16. Virtual Taboo

Virtual Taboo ranks among our top overall sites for its impressive quality and staying on the cusp of VR porn innovations like 7K resolution at 60fps, binaural audio, and 180-degree POVs.

All these features make Virtual Taboo among the most immersive experiences. It’s also very reasonably priced considering how high the overall value is.

One downside, however, is that your subscription is only good for content on the Virtual Taboo site. But while you won’t get other content, you’re likely to be satisfied with theirs given their consistent high-quality content and three weekly updates.

Pros

Super-high-quality videosFrequent updatesUnlimited streaming

Cons

No sister site-content

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

17. VRCosplayX

If you’re the kind of person who plans on going to Comic-Con every year, you’re probably going to appreciate what you’ll find at VRCosplayX. They really stick to their niche, so this site will only be for you if you’re into cosplay porn.

If so, you’re going to love the highly immersive VR experience that they deliver. As part of the BaDoink VR umbrella, you not only get access to BaDoink but can also count on the same high production value.

Unfortunately, VRCosplayX loses some points for maxing out at 5K, having a relatively small library, and the inability to save favorites—honestly, it seems like it would be such an easy feature to incorporate!

Pros

Free Google Cardboard includedAccess to BaDoink VRRelatively inexpensive

Cons

Maxes out at 5KLimited number of scenesCan’t save favorites

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

18. VR Latina

Last but not least, VR Latina offers some incredible Latinas like Veronica Leal, brought to life through the magic of VR. This site has high-quality 5K content as well, plus reasonable pricing.

The ability to purchase a single video for $2.99 as a tester before subscribing is a nice feature. In our humble opinion, more sites should offer free or inexpensive tester videos like this so would-be subscribers really know what they’re paying for.

Something that may detract from the experience is that the scenes tend to be in Spanish. So, if you don’t know Spanish and care about the dialogue, you’ll probably feel like you’re missing out. But hey, talk about a creative way to learn Spanish, right?

Another small downside is the relatively small library that VR Latina offers. Given that this is a niche site, though, it’s understandable.

Pros

High-quality 5K contentStunning Latina actressesReasonable pricing

Cons

Relatively small libraryMainly Spanish dialogue

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

Our ranking criteria

Here are the criteria that we kept in mind for our reviews of these different VR porn sites, so it’s helpful for you to understand them.

Overall selection

You need to factor in quantity and quality of the site’s scenes.

Oftentimes sites charge around the same amount, but one might have only a tenth of the video library that the other has. The other site, however, might have ten times the production value.

So, it depends on what appeals to you most: quantity, or quality? Ideally, you can find a site that has both.

Compatibility

What VR device(s) do you have? Will it work with the content (or most of the content) on a given site? It’s best to do your research to ensure that your headset will be compatible and, while you’re at it, that your smartphone operating system will be as well.

Price

VR Porn is a premium experience and, as such, it carries a premium in terms of cost. There’s really no way of getting around it. That said, you can aim for sites that will bundle content with sister sites or opt for an aggregator to maximize the content you get.

Also, if you go with a lifetime subscription, you probably want to stick to well-established studios so you don’t end up losing out on money (and new content) down the road.

Resolution

VR quality is not necessarily the same quality as you get on your TV. It’s still a fairly new technology, after all (at least in its most current form).

4K is the new standard, with some sites offering up to 8K. This carries a premium, however, in terms of cost, so you’ll have to decide if it’s worth it to you.

Wrapping up

If you’re ready to enter the brave new world of VR porn, you’ll have a good head start with this guide. Don’t be afraid to take a little time before you invest your money into a subscription, particularly an annual or lifetime one.

Take account of the various factors above to ensure you settle on something that you’ll be plenty happy with. After all, why compromise that special alone time?

Either way, though, you’ll be in good shape with the high-quality offerings from these sites.

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18 Best VR Porn Sites: Top Virtual Reality Porn of 2022Corvelay Mediaon September 14, 2022 at 8:00 am Read More »

15 Best Swinger Dating Sites To Find Local Swingers in 2022Corvelay Mediaon September 14, 2022 at 6:55 am

Have you ever wanted to explore swinging? For the uninitiated, “swinging” is when you engage in group sex and/or swap sexual partners within a group. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, you’re in the right place!

Thanks to the internet, it’s never been easier to find other swingers. There are dozens and dozens of sites out there that you can use, and we’ve put together the top fifteen for your convenience.

So, read on to learn more about fifteen of the best swinger dating sites around!

Best Swinger Dating Sites To Find Group Sex in 2022

RankSiteBest For1.AdultFriendFinder Best overall2.SDCThe original swinging site3.SeekingBest for sugar swinging4.Ashley MadisonBest for polyamorous5.TinderBest mainstream app6.BuddyBang Most open-minded7.Pure AppBest for fantasies8.ALT Best for alternative swinging9.SwingLifeStyleBest for long term options10.FabSwingersBest pure swinging site11.3FunBest for threesomes12.FeeldMost judgement free users13.SwapfinderBest wife swap14.KasidieBest swinging camaraderie15.Reddit R4RBest completely free option

1.  AdultFriendFinder – Best overall swinging site

When it comes to swinging, AdultFriendFinder is our #1 pick. It’s simply the best overall, and we’ll tell you why.

AdultFriendFinder has been around for a while, and they also focus on the niche of swinging and open relationships. This means that you can go to the AFF site knowing full well that you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Want a threesome? Want a wife swap? Whatever you might want, AdultFriendFinder is one of the best bets around. 

Swinging Tip: AdultFriendFinder has a huge community, so be sure to be transparent about what you want. This will help prevent you from wasting your time (or anyone else’s). 

Pros:

Straightforward sex-oriented siteMakes finding like-minded people an easy process

Cons:

Relatively expensive compared to some sites/appsThe free membership is heavy on the ads

2.  SDC – The original swinging site 

SDC, or Swinger Dating Club, may be able to lay the claim to the original swinging site. That’s how long they’ve been around and, like SwingLifestyle, don’t let the site fool you. This is a large community dedicated to swinging.

Swinging Tip: SDC has been around for a while, and while it might not have the bells and whistles of newer sites, it still maintains a large swinging community. 

Pros:

Various communities to exploreOpen-minded and swinger-focused

Cons:

Some old and deactivated accountsLess than intuitive site

3.  Seeking – Best for sugar swingers

Some swingers also like sugar relationships, which is when a (typically) older person will lavish money and attention on a younger person in exchange for their company, dates, and anything else they agree to.

If you’re looking for a sugar baby or daddy to join in on your swinging fun, then Seeking is the best place for you. It’s got a huge community and is one of the fastest growing sites around. While the site has tried to go a bit more mainstream lately, they still have a niche focus on sugar relationships, which can definitely include swinging.

Swinging Tip: You may have better luck using Seeking as a sugar couple, because there’s a lot of competition among would-be sugar babies. 

Pros:

Free signups for womenFavorable woman-to-man ratio for menRelatively safe way for swingers to find a sugar baby or daddy 

Cons:

Fairly expensive Hookups may feel somewhat transactional

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for poly-curious

Ashley Madison is notorious for its slogan that encourages affairs (“Life is short. Have an affair”). So, you know what you’re getting with this site.

That said, it can also be a great option for finding swingers, whether or not it involves cheating. Ashley Madison simply attracts the kind of people who are more likely to get down with swinging and other fun. 

Another nice thing about Ashley Madison is that it really prioritizes discretion, meaning you can have your fun without blowing up your whole life (or at least have less of a chance of doing so). 

Swinging Tip: Buy more credits if you want a lower cost-per-credit ratio. (This system is fairly common for hookup and swinging sites.) 

Pros:

Women can use it for freeDiscretion prioritized Judgment-free space

Cons:

Site actively advocates cheatingCan get expensive for men

5.  Tinder – Best mainstream app

Pretty much everyone and their mom knows Tinder at this point, so you probably don’t need much of an explanation from us. That said, not many people realize that a mainstream app like Tinder can also be a great avenue for swinging. 

You may have to wade through a lot of people, but there are definitely people on Tinder who are looking for swinging and other “no-holds-barred” type action. 

Swinging Tip: It’s important to realize that not everyone on Tinder is looking for swinging or even casual hook-ups. To avoid wasting time, be super transparent about what you’re looking for.

Pros:

Crazy huge userbaseMany people looking for non-committal arrangements

Cons:

Lots of fake profiles and spammersAlmost too many people to wade through

6.  BuddyBang – Most open-minded community

BuddyBang isn’t a difficult concept to grasp, thanks to its very evocative name. The nice thing with BuddyBang is that it’s all about casual hookups, and many of the people in that boat are down to try swinging.

So, while BuddyBang isn’t a “pure” swinger site, it’s worth a shot to find other swingers there. 

Swinging Tip: Be prepared for people who are super ready to get down to business. If that isn’t what you’re after, then you may want to look elsewhere. 

Pros:

Active usersSuper direct vibe

Cons:

Annoying ads on the free tierPeople may be too direct

7. Pure App – Best for fantasies

Pure is similar to Ashley Madison in that it’s all about “shameless dating.” You don’t have to worry about being too kinky or anything like that here.

This makes Pure a great option for people who are into swinging and other non-mainstream sexual activities. 

The app also has some solid features that help improve safety and security, meaning you can rest easier when using it. 

Swinging Tip: You may not have much success with Pure if you are in a small rural area, as it hasn’t quite taken off as much as some of the other sites reviewed here. 

Pros:

Focus on privacy Easy to join and get goingGood for fantasy fulfillment

Cons:

Relatively small user baseBetter if you’re in an urban center

8.  ALT – Best for alternative and BDSM swinging

ALT is for the kinky ones out there, and we mean the really kinky ones. If you’re into swinging and also alternative and BDSM stuff, then ALT is probably your best bet.

The great thing about this site is you can be completely yourself. No matter what you’re into, you’re likely to find someone who shares your kink or fetish. 

Plus, there are plenty of people looking to find other swingers on here, making it a great all-around option. 

Swinging Tip: If you’re into swinging but not necessarily BDSM and other kinky stuff, ALT may be a little bit too much for your taste. 

Pros:

Sort by kinksBrowse NSFW contentWatch cam shows

Cons:

Bots and scammersPremium account required to really get the most out of the site

9. SwingLifestyle – Best for long term swinging

SwingLifestyle may have a super basic looking site, one that you will recognize if you used to hang out on internet forums back in the day, but it’s a legit swinger site.

People have been flocking to SwingLifestyle for years, and you really know what you get with this community: an unabashed desire to find other swingers.

Most users join this site for long-term swinging options, not just a one night stand.

Swinging Tip: Don’t be turned off by SwingLifestyle’s old-school look. Give it a try and you may be pleasantly surprised.  

Pros:

Large swinger-focused communityVarious groups and forums to join

Cons:

Unappealing, old-school siteMay not have the size of community it once did

10. FabSwingers – Best for pure swinging

FabSwingers has actually gotten quite a bit of press, but not necessarily for the best reasons. That’s because it’s caused quite a stir in the UK due to various public figures (politicians, policemen, etc.) getting caught up while using the site.

For the average Joe, however, you’re not likely to run the risk of much trouble, so feel free to take advantage of the big swinger community going on at Fabswingers. (As always though you should be mindful of your privacy and image.) 

Swinging Tip: Don’t get turned off by the old-school site. While it could use a tuning up, it still has everything you need to find other swingers and get swinging. 

Pros:

Large community100% focused on swinging

Cons:

Has a bit of a negative reputationSite could use an update

11. 3Fun – Best for threesomes  

If you’re into swinging, chances are you’re open to threesomes. If so, 3Fun is a site that’s all about that one thing—threesomes. So, you have a great chance here to find other people looking for casual hook-ups. 

There’s also a nice feature that lets you sign up as a “couple,” meaning your account can be used from two different phones simultaneously, helping make it easier to find a third person for your threesome.

Swinging Tip: 3Fun is threesome specific, so if you’re looking for bigger group sex groups, then you may need to look elsewhere.  

Pros:

Oriented toward swinging via threesomesCool features

Cons:

Narrow niche Messaging feature could use work

12. Feeld – Most judgement free site

Feeld is similar to 3Fun in that it’s all about connecting open-minded people who may be looking for threesomes and other group sex activities.

One nice feature with Feeld is its all about a sex-positive vibe and inclusivity, meaning that everyone is welcome and no one is judged. It’s definitely a good place to check for other swingers. 

Swinging Tip: As a heads up, the sign-up process requires Facebook, and the site’s premium version doesn’t currently function with Android. 

Pros:

Super sex-positive platform Open-minded user community 

Cons:

Android users locked out of premium versionTo verify your profile, you need a Facebook account

13. Swapfinder – Best wife swap

SwapFinder is another site dedicated specifically to swinging and swaps. This means that you’ll be embraced by a community with the same desires as you, which is always a comfort.

SwapFinder may not have the household name status as a Tinder or even AdultFriendFinder, but it has a streamlined site and a growing community, making it worth your while. 

Swinging Tip: Use the array of filtering features on SwapFinder for optimal results! 

Pros:

Many filtering optionsIntuitive site

Cons:

Free tier not super robustRelatively small userbase

14. Kasidie – Best camaraderie

Kasidie is unique among this list—actually, it’s kind of like Reddit—in that it’s a dating platform but also a social networking site/app. The cool thing about that is you might find more than just other swingers, you might even end up with some super cool new friends! (Or even both?).

Kasidie has a pretty intuitive site and it’s been growing well in recent years. Since people there are generally open-midned adults and swingers, you’ll be in good company! 

Swinging Tip: Keep in mind that Kasidie isn’t purely about swinging. It may be what has brought you all to the site, but you can also have non-sexual discussions as well. 

Pros:

Unique platformSwinger focused

Cons:

Relatively small userbase so farMight end up finding more friends than swingers

15.  Reddit R4R – Best 100% free option

If you’re after someone to join your swinging group, or hoping to find one yourself, you might as well give Reddit’s personals forum a try. That’s because it will cost you absolutely nothing to give it a shot and make a post (or respond to others).

This isn’t really a swinging site or app, just a subforum of a popular site. You will find a good number of people on here, though, so you just might get lucky. 

Swinging Tip: This Reddit subforum is all about making a good first impression, so take your time in putting together a good post to communicate who you are and what you’re looking for. 

Pros:

Totally freeNo subscriptions or memberships necessary

Cons:

Fairly competitiveEvery man for himself (no priority membership or anything like that)

FAQs About Swinging Sites

Is it safe to use swinging apps?

Overall, it’s perfectly safe to use swinging apps. It’s not really any different from using Tinder or Hinge or Bumble or any other dating app. That said, you should always be careful to avoid getting scammed online or, even worse, getting harmed by someone in-person. 

How do you stay safe using swinging apps?

It’s vital to trust your instincts and proceed with caution. The first time you meet someone it’s best to meet in a well-lit public spot (like a coffee shop). You can also let a friend or family member know that you’re meeting someone new and give them your location. These are little things that can make a big difference in keeping you safe. 

Are there any free swinging apps?

There are more free swinging apps if you’re a woman, because many of them provide free memberships to women. If you’re a man, you will have less luck in finding free sites, though some platforms do exist (like the r/R4R subreddit). 

Can women use swinging apps for free?

Yes, in fact, women can use many different swinging apps for free. 

Final Takeaway

Swinging may have gotten particularly famous in Western culture in the 1970s during that era of “free love,” but it’s more popular than ever.

Helping swinging grow in popularity is the fact that millions of people can find each other easily over the internet. With niche sites like the ones reviewed above, you don’t have to waste any time in finding a community with like-minded individuals.

So, what are you waiting for? If you want to get swinging, simply check out the sites reviewed above. Whether you’re a swinging couple looking for others or all on your own, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for!

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15 Best Swinger Dating Sites To Find Local Swingers in 2022Corvelay Mediaon September 14, 2022 at 6:55 am Read More »

Get this week’s issue in print

This week’s issue

The latest print issue is the issue of September 15, 2022. It is the Fall Theater and Arts Preview special issue. Distribution began this morning, Wednesday, September 14, and will continue through tomorrow night, Thursday, September 15.

Distribution map

The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week and distributed free to the 1,100 locations on this map (which can also be opened in a separate window or tab). Copies are available free of charge—while supplies last.

Previous issue

The latest print issue of the Reader is the issue of September 1, 2022.

You can download the print issue as a free PDF.

Many Reader boxes including downtown and transit line locations will be restocked on the Wednesday following each issue date.

Never miss a copy! Paid print subscriptions are available for 12 issues, 26 issues, and for 52 issues from the Reader Store.

Chicago Reader 2022 print issue dates

The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week. Issues are dated Thursday. Distribution usually happens Wednesday morning through Thursday night of the issue date. Upcoming print issue dates through December 2022 are:

9/15/20229/29/202210/13/202210/27/202211/10/202211/24/202212/8/202212/22/2022

Download the full 2022 editorial calendar is here (PDF).

See our information page for advertising opportunities.

2023 print issue dates

The first print issue in 2023 will be published three weeks after the 12/22/2022 issue, the final issue of 2022. The print issue dates through March 2023 are:

1/12/20231/26/20232/9/20232/23/20233/9/20233/23/2023

Related


[PRESS RELEASE] Baim stepping down as Reader publisher end of 2022


Chicago Reader hires social justice reporter

Debbie-Marie Brown fills this position made possible by grant funding from the Field Foundation.


[PRESS RELEASE] Lawyers for Social Justice Reception

Benefitting The Reader Institute for Community Journalism,
Publisher of the Chicago Reader

Read More

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Flawlessly in tune

Originally conceived in the mid-70s as a vehicle for Nell Carter but opening on Broadway in 1981 with Jennifer Holliday in the role that might have been Carter’s (if Carter’s Hollywood career had not blown up), Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger’s musical about the rise of an African American girl group the Dreams (modeled on the Shirelles and the Supremes) is remarkably fresh and cliché-free for a showbiz bio. Even the score, which intentionally mimics tunes of the era (early 60s to mid-70s), never for a moment feels fake, forced, or recycled.  

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Dreamgirls Through 10/16: Wed 1:30 and 7 PM, Thu 7 PM, Fri 8 PM, Sat 3 and 8 PM, Sun 1 and 5:30 PM; ASL interpretation Fri 10/14 8 PM, Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena, Aurora, 630-896-6666, paramountaurora.com, $28-$79

My current enthusiasm for this show is all the greater because of the flawless, full-throttle revival I saw this weekend running at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre. There is not a slow minute or false step in this glorious production. Eyen and Krieger pack a lot of musical history into the show’s two and a half hours—which includes references to payola, cultural appropriation, the rise of rock ’n’ roll, the breaking up of showbiz segregation—and at times two or three plot lines are playing out in a single musical number. But under Christopher D. Betts’s direction and Amy Hall Garner’s powerful choreography, it all unfolds gracefully, flowing from one vivid number to the next on Jeffrey D. Kmiec’s inventive, eye-pleasing set.

The ensemble couldn’t be tighter, led by Taylor Marie Daniel as the Diana Ross-like Deena Jones and Lorenzo Rush Jr.’s Berry Gordy-ish Curtis Taylor Jr. And Naima Alakham simply kills as Effie, the cast-off member of the Dreams who must find her own path to greatness.

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Flawlessly in tune Read More »

Elderberry wine in new bottles

Long before the term “meta” entered common parlance there was Arsenic and Old Lace, a 1939 play by Joseph Kesselring about how plays are ridiculous. It’s also a play about the difference between reality and appearance, embodied by the saintly Brewster sisters and their killer elderberry wine.

Arsenic and Old Lace Through 10/2: Wed-Fri 7:30 PM, Sat-Sun 2 and 7:30 PM; audio description Sat 10/1 2 PM (touch tour 12:30 PM), open captions Sun 10/2 2 PM, ASL interpretation Sun 10/2 7:30 PM, Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, 773-753-4472, courttheatre.org, $40.50-$82

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But don’t let my interpretive flourishes put you off: Arsenic and Old Lace is still the comedy you remember about crazy people who think they’re sane driving genuinely sane people crazy. Mortimer Brewster (Eric Gerard, charming and preternaturally graceful) discovers that his aunts have been poisoning old men and having them buried in the cellar by their nephew Teddy (an appropriately stentorian Allen D. Edge), who imagines he’s Teddy Roosevelt digging the Panama Canal. The aunts (TayLar and Celeste Williams, each with her own perfectly-rendered version of old-maidhood) don’t see that they’re doing anything wrong, despite a strict moral code which frowns on Mortimer’s exposure to the sinful world of theater. When long-lost nephew Jonathan (A.C. Smith, in a comically terrifying high state of pissed-ivity) shows up toting a body of his own, complications—more complications!—ensue.  

Director Ron OJ Parson handles this multi-ring circus with the perfect light touch. The ensemble plays the text’s outlandishness as if it were ordinary behavior and couples it with superb bits of physical comedy. John Culbert’s scene design conjures a Victorian dream house, complete with a staircase sturdy enough for Teddy’s repeated charges up San Juan Hill and a window seat capacious enough for several bodies at a time.

Read More

Elderberry wine in new bottles Read More »

Amanda Flores, aka DJ Flores Negras, founder of Mictlan Productions

Amanda Flores is a Chicago musician, DJ, event promoter, and licensed massage therapist. While fronting metal band Rosaries in 2017, she launched Flores Negras Productions to help create new inclusive spaces in the local music community. Soon after, she began DJing, also under the name Flores Negras. During the pandemic, she’s grown a following for the eclectic taste she showcases at events such as Necropolis (which focuses on dark electronic and industrial sounds) and Cumbia y Los Goths. In August, Flores announced that she’s rebranding her company as Mictlan Productions, while continuing to DJ as Flores Negras—a separation that she hopes will allow both to continue to grow along their own paths. The production work has become increasingly collaborative as well, and she wants to share more of the spotlight with the team of people who are helping her celebrate diverse identities, music, and art in Chicago’s nightlife scene.

As told to Jamie Ludwig

My family’s from the border of Texas. It’s a complicated thing when you’re from Texas and you have to assimilate. So my dad got really into American pop culture. He was a music and movie nerd, and he introduced me to a lot of different music at a very young age. My grandma had a weird old organ in the house, and I’d play with the keys as a toddler. 

My dad bought me my first guitar when I was 11; he worked three jobs, so it was a lot to be able to get that guitar. But I couldn’t afford lessons, and I was also a visual artist. So in school, when I had to choose if I was gonna take an art class or music class, I chose art. I never really was trained in music; I had more of a spiritual, emotional connection with sound. 

My youth was spent going back and forth from Chicago to Texas. My family didn’t want us to grow up there because we were right on the border, and there was all the cartel stuff going on the other side. And also at the time there was more work up here.

My dad started taking me to concerts too. I saw Joan Jett and wore a leather jacket when I was like five. My family sometimes dressed us up like little rockers, but then they got a little scared when I got really into Korn and stuff. There was a little bit of conflict, or restrictions and censorship of my expression. They blamed a lot of my sadness that was more the result of a true trauma on the music, and I had it taken away from me a lot. 

I started to find fake IDs at 15 and go out to weird raves, and I did a lot of drugs. I overdosed at 17, and then I said, “I can’t do this anymore.” I stopped listening to techno for ten years—I just didn’t wanna fall back into it again—and I just focused on more metal and rock music, like the stuff that I grew up with.

I used to dream about being a DJ when I was a kid. Back in the day it was a little harder—I didn’t even have a laptop. So I gave up on that for a minute and just kind of wandered. I drank a lot—I was an alcoholic for most of my life—so I didn’t play music for a good chunk of time. And then I was in a very abusive relationship, and that took a good chunk of my life too. 

Rosaries kind of saved me. That [abusive] person said, “You have to choose—either that band, or having a life with me.” I chose music. 

I don’t know if you’ve ever seen Rosaries play, but I don’t speak onstage. I don’t say, “Hi, this is Rosaries.” I have anxiety. If I don’t have to speak, it’s fine, but otherwise I feel awkward. So [performing] is a way to just feel or express myself. I’m going through a spiritual experience and just really belting out what I feel. I throw my body around. A lot of it is just how I project my anger and sadness, instead of projecting it into drugs and alcohol.

Rosaries released this three-song EP in 2020.

Rosaries started in 2016, and I started the productions in 2017. It was kinda hard for [my band] to find shows. There’s a lot of gatekeeping in Chicago, and that person I’d been with was also a musician, and I didn’t feel safe in a lot of places. They pulled the whole thing: “She’s a liar, she’s doing it for attention.” And there was a group of people who believed it—even though there were photos and things. 

That’s a tale you hear all the time. I notice that repetitiveness throughout punk and different scenes, of people going through the same thing with these men in power in the music world. So you never feel safe in certain spaces, because “Oh, that’s so-and-so’s friend.” You feel like you have to watch your back, and you feel like you can’t comfortably dance or be yourself. That’s why I started doing productions, and that’s why I put my name on it. It was like, “Hey, motherfucker—you can’t be here.” 

I started throwing events on weekdays, which was tough. The [club bookers] were like, “Oh, I guess I could give you a Tuesday in the middle of winter.” 

[At my events] I never ever said, “This is only a safe space.” There’s always a lot of resistance. There are a lot of weird people who just like to bother you and get you mad on the Internet, and I don’t like dealing with them. So I didn’t post much about that, but it was always my intention with booking. If someone was problematic, I never booked them again. 

Mictlan Productions presents NecropolisPart of Mictlan’s residence at Subterranean on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Fri 9/23, 10 PM, Subterranean downstairs, 2011 W. North, $10, 21+

So I intentionally created these spaces. It was a lot of friends and community, and giving people the space and platform that few others would. I understood not fitting in a genre or a stereotype. Rosaries has that problem too; we’re not your basic doom metal, or we’re not your basic psych, we’re just really weird. And that’s the thing—I’m really weird, and people are really weird. Nobody is just one thing. 

I like to accept everyone’s form of creation, basically, because I get it. Music has evolved from so many different influences that when somebody says that [they only like one type], like they’re only a metalhead and they don’t like other things, I’m like, “You’re actually a poser.”

Some people thought [what I was doing] was weird, on the metal side. I like to DJ, but I also like to DJ cumbia and other stuff because my identity is very complex and comes from all these different pieces of my life. A lot of people are the same—we just constantly feel like we need to conform to fit in. But I don’t want people to feel like they have to conform in my spaces. I want them to be whoever they are. 

I quit drinking in 2018. I collect vinyl, and right before the pandemic, I did a couple vinyl events with my friend and bandmate Ivan Cruz [also from Of Wolves], who has very diverse tastes in music as well. So I did the vinyl DJing for a little bit, but vinyl is really heavy, and it’s more expensive if I wanted to continue DJing. 

I eventually got a laptop, and my first gig as a digital DJ was sadly like the last gig I had before the pandemic, on March 7, 2020, at SubT. When the pandemic happened, I was alone, and I had a lot of time to think. I started to really embrace every single part of my past and really dive deep and reminisce about the music I used to listen to back then. I think I did three online events, and then in the winter of 2021, I did this online cumbia goth event, and someone randomly shared my flyer. This big artist called NoFace shared it, and a bunch of artists from LA began following me and hitting me up.

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Last month Amanda Flores renamed her production company after the underworld of Aztec mythology. Credit: Pedrick Hales

Cumbia always sounded really hard to me—that beat always seemed like a heavier sound. I knew from growing up that new wave and dark music is really big in Chicano culture. I throw it all together, and it’s the best party ever. We can be in both realms, from one side of the spectrum to the other, and find our in-between. A lot of DJs love that they can play whatever they want because it’s an expression of identity and that spectrum has no limits. 

I also love writing music, but when you can’t get together with your band, like during the pandemic, you’re all alone. Rosaries wasn’t really practicing, and once we were able to work again, we were all like, “OK, we have to work.” So we didn’t get to see each other. 

Now we’re looking for a new drummer, and we’ve already gone through a lot of drummers. But I told my bandmates I really want to focus. I really want to take us to play on the west coast and do some other things, to give us some goals. I miss playing a lot. It makes me sad sometimes that I’m not able to sing, but it will happen again. 

Last month I DJed twice in LA, and I’m in Texas next week. It’s all DIY. I plan to let music take me to places that I never thought it would. I constantly find myself feeling like I’m in a really cool indie film, where everything looks cool and the vibes are cool. So wherever music takes me, I shall go if I can afford it.

[Outside of music] I’m a healer. I’ve been a massage therapist for ten years, and I have my own wellness studio. I use sound therapy as well and integrate it into my work on the channels. I study acupuncture as well. I do a lot of things, and this is how I stay sober.

I believe that sound has feelings and can create feelings and emotions. A sound can also be a form of nostalgia. I do love soundtrack music a lot, and the way that it can be used to create a mood. So I do have a lot of intentions with sound. It’s cool how sound is a vibration, and we’re bodies of water and we can conduct those vibrations very well and feel that energy inside.

With Cumbia y Los Goths, I’ll bring out songs that you’d hear when you’re a little kid, then bring out songs that maybe you heard with cousins in high school, and then mix in something current. I’m activating parts of our memories. I’ve had people come up to me, thanking me for creating these spaces. It means a lot to me to be able to create a healing space—because we’re seen, we’re present, we exist. 

A lot of times the “other” is looked past, and we’re not represented in spaces. That could mean Chicano, Latine, people going through troubles, people who are nonconforming, nonbinary. We all have different memories, different problems, and different paths in life. My events are for whoever feels like they’re being called; that’s what I’ve noticed as it’s been growing. 

I’m pulling people out of the woodwork, people I’ve never seen before, and I love it. Maybe it’s a place where—instead of just being at home listening to your headphones—you’re like, “Oh wow, someone is gonna play all this stuff that’s weird too.” That person could like half the stuff, and their friend could like the other half of the stuff, and everyone’s vibing anyway because it flows.

If you think of how music has evolved, in general, metal comes from the old blues stuff, and if you go back further, it’s really native music. It’s OK to listen to different sounds. I think you can become a better musician by listening to different types of music and seeing how different music styles have evolved and influenced each other. I could dive deep on that all day.

[As Flores Negras Productions grew], a lot of people were honestly confused. They knew the productions, but they thought that other people were me, and I thought that was unfair to the other artists [who work with me]. Like my friend Angie Delvalle, a great local artist under the name Lucid Is Dreaming who curates dark arts market pop-ups at the events, and resident DJs Faith Betinis (Necropolis) and Maddjazz, aka Jorge Ortega (Ratchet AF). 

I don’t want to turn the productions into something where it’s all about me. I also want to make sure the people who are going to help are dedicated to the whole concept of it all—which is creating those spaces and understanding that diverse mix of music. 

So I was on a plane, and I just decided, “This is it. I’m changing it, ripping off the bandage. It’s over.” I had the party Necropolis, which I still do, but something happened where there’s a huge Necropolis party happening in Chicago, and they took that Instagram [handle]. I decided to use Mictlan because it’s the Aztec version of the underworld, and we’re like the lost souls. So all the people who feel lost can come to Mictlan parties.

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Experimental-metal mainstays Yakuza brings the gang together for a hometown show

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Amanda Flores, aka DJ Flores Negras, founder of Mictlan Productions Read More »

Trash talk

Did you know? The Reader is nonprofit. The Reader is member supported. You can help keep the Reader free for everyone—and get exclusive rewards—when you become a member. The Reader Revolution membership program is a sustainable way for you to support local, independent media.

Lindsay Joelle’s The Garbologists, now in a local premiere at Northlight under Cody Estle’s direction, is a slice-of-life two-hander about an odd-couple pair of New York sanitation workers. Marlowe (Tiffany Renee Johnson) is a Black woman with multiple degrees in art history from Columbia. Danny (Luigi Sottile) is a brash motormouth white man from Staten Island, bent on showing off his street smarts to the new hire with garbage-collector inside jokes about “disco rice” (maggots) and “urban whitefish” (used condoms), as well as “mongo” (the trash that the collectors repurpose for themselves; one of those items becomes a plot point). Over 90 minutes of short scenes, played out on Collette Pollard’s cunning set (including a facsimile of the business end of a garbage truck), the two come to understand some things about the detritus of each other’s lives as well as that of the strangers along their route.

The GarbologistsThrough 10/2: Wed 1 and 7:30 PM, Thu 7:30 PM, Fri 8 PM, Sat 2:30 and 8 PM, Sun 2:30 PM; sensory-friendly performance Wed 9/21 7:30 PM, captioned performance Fri 9/23 8 PM, open caption and audio description Sat 9/24 2:30 PM, Northlight Theatre, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 847-673-6300, northlight.org, $30-$89

It’s a good-hearted piece, with exceptionally fine performances from Johnson and Sottile, but the revelations feel a little too forced and contrived to carry the narrative weight for the show. The small off-the-cuff jokes and exasperated reactions from Sottile and Johnson, respectively, offer comfort-food familiarity for anyone who has been stuck in a small space for hours with someone they’re not sure they want to get to know better. I just wish that Joelle’s story had taken a few more risks, rather than relying on what ultimately feels like a formulaic approach to unpacking the messy black plastic bags of personal loss for Marlowe and Danny.

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Get this week’s issue in printChicago Readeron September 14, 2022 at 4:11 pm

This week’s issue

The latest print issue is the issue of September 15, 2022. It is the Fall Theater and Arts Preview special issue. Distribution began this morning, Wednesday, September 14, and will continue through tomorrow night, Thursday, September 15.

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9/15/20229/29/202210/13/202210/27/202211/10/202211/24/202212/8/202212/22/2022

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1/12/20231/26/20232/9/20232/23/20233/9/20233/23/2023

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Debbie-Marie Brown fills this position made possible by grant funding from the Field Foundation.


[PRESS RELEASE] Lawyers for Social Justice Reception

Benefitting The Reader Institute for Community Journalism,
Publisher of the Chicago Reader

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