Park Service: Of The Trees Ignites Chicago’s EDM Scene

This past weekend, Chicago buzzed with excitement as American bass artist Of The Trees launched his brand-new three-city event series, Park Service. Kicking off in one of the Midwest’s most vibrant EDM hotspots, this inaugural event took place at the captivating venue known as The Salt Shed. It featured a star-studded lineup with performances from Jade Cicada, Chmura, and Snuffy, making for an unforgettable night of music and creativity.

Nature Walk: An Inviting Start

Before the night’s festivities kicked off, attendees were treated to a unique nature walk organized by Of The Trees’ team, skillfully led by Just Neeks. Fans roamed through the beautiful expanses of Grant Park and Millennium Park, creating connections and engaging in lively conversation. This thoughtful pre-show activity set a positive tone, as the first 50 participants received exclusive Park Service patches to commemorate the day.

Engaging Production at The Salt Shed

The Salt Shed, a recently opened multi-purpose venue, hosted the sold-out Park Service event, which turned into a wondrous sunset session filled with bass-driven beats and immersive visuals. The venue provided ample room for attendees to navigate, featuring bars, food options, and interesting retail spaces that complemented the overall experience.

One of the most striking aspects of The Salt Shed was its outdoor stage, tastefully adorned with moss and grass structures that felt like an enchanted garden marrying nature and electronic music. Dynamic lighting swept across the stage, enhancing the immersive experience and leaving the crowd in awe. Tantalizing surprises included light-up plant pots descending from the ceiling, synchronizing with the visuals that graced the background.

Of The Trees showcased his signature style, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere through a curated selection of visuals that harmonized natural landscapes and modern technology. The projections invoked serene views and ecosystems, bringing an essence of Mother Nature into a nightclub setting. Adding to the anticipation, he debuted several unreleased tracks, including a collaboration with Tape B, tantalizing fans with a taste of what’s to come.

Camp Alderwild: A Cultural Movement

The performances at Park Service are part of a larger narrative embodied in the Moonglade Park era, which acts as a precursor to the much-anticipated return of Camp Alderwild 2026. Scheduled for August 28–29 in Telluride, Colorado, this festival marks an important moment in the realm of electronic music. Having debuted in 2025, Camp Alderwild was the first significant electronic music event for the region in over a decade.

With Of The Trees as its creator and host, this intimate gathering continues to celebrate the breathtaking backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. As one of Colorado’s most prominent homegrown electronic artists—following a sold-out performance at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre—Of The Trees epitomizes the fusion of music and nature. His commitment to showcasing the beauty of the natural world resonates deeply with fans, making him a fitting ambassador to reintroduce electronic music to the tranquil setting of Telluride.

As Park Service unfolds its chapters across different cities, it will undoubtedly continue to gather momentum, engaging electronic music lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Each event promises a celebration of sound, community, and the great outdoors—encapsulating the essence of what makes the EDM culture so captivating.