“Respect the mic!” is the chant of 20hz/20khz at Quennect4 Gallery (Q4) in Humboldt Park. The open-mic event hosted at the independently owned art space has evolved into one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Named after the measurement in hertz of the frequency audible to the human ear, the bi-weekly Thursday event brings out a diverse audience looking to hear an ingenious mix-up of experimental sounds.
Luis Tubens, 26, has emceed the event since late 2006. He warns not to come expecting the hippest and coolest underground party spot.
“A lot of things are said to be underground but the one true things about this event is that people come here for the love of the art, not just to drink or visit an aesthetically nice place, that’s not what we are about. We give a platform to new acts that want to share their work and not be judged,” he said.
The mural-covered basement, home to the stage of 20hz/20khz, sees dozens of underground acts at every show. The constant energy transforms the battered stage into a collective celebration of originality. Samples of hip-hop, blues, jazz and punk music all make their way on stage one band after another.
Acts must be present when doors open at 9 p.m. to catch a spot on the coveted lineup.
“We give preference to new acts on the list and encourage them to perform – good or bad. We see people come back and get better and better,” Tubens said.
The Minneapolis Henrys are among the regular acts at 20hz/20khz. The trio’s electroacoustic set never fails to send the crowd into a euphoric dance. The showcase of popular acts from Q4 – like the Henrys – have also traveled to neighboring venues like Subterranean, located at 2011 W. North Ave.
