Perreo 101 Makes History Headlining Taste of Chicago Festival

Jun 23

Groundbreaking podcast-turned-lecture series-turned-party brand cements itself as a cultural force in reggaetón and beyond

MEDIA KIT

MONDAY JUNE 23, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, CA — Perreo 101, the revolutionary cultural brand known for bridging reggaetón’s academic, historical, and nightlife roots, is making history as it headlines the iconic Taste of Chicago festival this year. From a humble yet groundbreaking bilingual podcast to a global lecture and party series, Perreo 101 now takes center stage at one of the city’s most beloved festivals—further solidifying its role as a pioneering movement in Latin music, education, and cultural preservation.

Founded by cultural critic and speaker Katelina “La Gata” Eccleston, Perreo 101 began as the first-ever bilingual podcast exploring the history and cultural dynamics of reggaetón, placing a spotlight on the genre’s Afro-Caribbean roots, gender politics, and global influence. The podcast’s popularity and thought leadership quickly evolved into an acclaimed lecture series, with invitations to speak at Harvard, Stanford, NYU, Duke, and Google, among others.

Soon after, Perreo 101’s party series redefined nightlife by creating intentional spaces centered around community, authenticity, and celebration of Afro-diasporic sound. With sold-out events from Boston to Los Angeles, and a growing presence at its residencies in Miami at the Clevelander and Walnut Bar in the Bronx.

“Headlining Taste of Chicago is more than just a performance—it’s a cultural statement,” said Eccleston. “We’re showing that reggaetón is not only music to dance to, but a language of identity, resilience, and connection for our communities.”

The inclusion of Perreo 101 at Taste of Chicago reflects a broader cultural shift toward inclusive and historically-rooted music programming. This milestone is not only a win for the Perreo 101 brand—it’s a win for Chicago’s Afro-Latinx and queer communities, who now see themselves reflected on one of the city’s biggest stages.

What’s Next for Perreo 101

With major accomplishments across podcasting, academia, and event production, Perreo 101 is poised to expand even further. Plans include:

New city residencies & festival appearances
Multimedia projects including docuseries and curated music releases
Expanded university collaborations and brand partnerships

As Perreo 101 continues to grow, one thing is clear: this is more than a brand. It’s a movement. And headlining Taste of Chicago is only the beginning.