January 17, 2026: House Calls x Mixmag The Lab Takes Over Chicago

Chicago — January 17, 2026

Photographer: @yophotography

House Calls x Mixmag The Lab Comes to Chicago

A Crowd That Came to Dance

On January 17, 2026, Mixmag’s The Lab landed in Chicago for a one-night-only collaboration with House Calls, fully recording Justin Jay’s set rooted in the birthplace of house music and it delivered exactly what it promised: a joyful, sweat-on-the-dancefloor weekend rooted in house music culture and future-facing energy.

The Lineup: Justin Jay, Geo Smith & Janesita

The night featured a tight, intentional lineup that reflected what it means to go pro in today’s house music world while staying playful and human.

• Justin Jay- Grammy-recognized and globally touring, Justin Jay returned to Chicago with one mission: bring joy. Known for his melodic, soulful approach to house music, his set blended live-feeling energy with sharp selections that kept the room locked in. As he shared with the Grammy Recording Academy, “DJing is beautiful because you can just wing it and be in the moment.” That philosophy came through loud and clear.

• Geo Smith- This producer and DJ delivered stellar direct support, grounding the night in local talent and deep house music. His set bridged classic house with modern production, reminding everyone why Chicago artists continue to shape the sound.

• Janesita- Chicago-born DJ, Producer and Radio Muévelo host brought her signature blend of Latin house, Chicago house, and club rhythms. Her global reach and authentic connection with dancers has made her a trusted selector for moments exactly like this.

  
  

Justin Jay: Bringing Joy to the Dancefloor

Justin Jay’s recent run speaks for itself. New singles like “BUS STOP,” “Ain’t Safe,” and “R U Ready?” alongside his Field Trip EP push into bass and garage territories, while his label Fantastic Voyage continues expanding with projects like Bangers Only. Festivals, club rooms, genre blends. All joy, no ego.

Why This Night Mattered for Chicago House Music

January 17, 2026 marked more than a party. It was a moment. Mixmag The Lab returned to Chicago to document where house music comes from and where it’s headed next. No filler. No distractions. Just a room full of dancers, DJs telling real stories, and a city that still knows how to move together.

What Is House Calls?

House Calls is a Chicago-born house party that feels less like a brand and more like an invite to the best after-hours you didn’t know you needed.

The music always comes first. Deep house, jackin’ cuts, soulful grooves, and left-field moments that reward dancers who stay curious. DJs are given space to build, not rush. The crowd comes to dance, not posture.

In short, House Calls isn’t trying to reinvent house music. It’s preserving the feeling, the freedom, and the community that made Chicago house matter in the first place and making sure it still hits.

What’s Next: House Calls YouTube Mix Series

Stay tuned for the House Calls YouTube mix series, featuring tracks from The Martinez Brothers, Nervous Records artists like DJ Chus, Defected Records favorites, and Chicago classics including DJ Deeon and Lee Walker.

If this weekend proved anything, it’s that when House Calls picks up, Chicago answers.

Listen to a Justin Jay Mix on stage

Listen to a Geo Smith Mix at the park

Listen to a Janesita Mix in an elevator

Watch a House Calls Live party

ENDS

Source note: Grammy-related interview references via the Recording Academy with Justin Jay.

Source note: Migmax x House Calls featured post via Mixmag