The first time I saw Kaytranada was in a club in the West Loop, years before the West Loop became the West Loop. Even then, he easily commanded a room. Established fans and everyday clubgoers got on board with his musical dreamscape, which instantly feels warm, familiar and delightful. Which is why it was no surprise to me that the DJ and producer headlined a sold-out show at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island Friday night. The crowd, filled with people young and not so young across races, ethnicities, genders and senses of style, were devoted to his sound. “You could be anywhere in the world but you’re here with me,” he said early to the crowd. “I appreciate that.” I’ve been listening to Kaytranada’s music for nearly a decade, yet it took me until this particular live set to realize that a large portion of his sonic charm is rooted in his world-building. Since he first popped onto the scene, many artists have tried to replicate the musician’s hip hop-influenced house and dance music. But what Kaytranada has created is becoming its own genre. It’s the kind of music that you could enjoy even if you don’t like dance music. There is a familiarity there that speaks to the beauty and charisma of his sound. But it also speaks to his intelligence. Many of the tracks sound simple enough to create, but it takes someone with real musical intelligence to craft songs that are so instantly enjoyable. As he took the stage for the set opener, the packed crowd whipped out their cellphones to grab a glimpse of the producer for their memories, or maybe just for their social media. But thankfully, that didn’t last too long. This was a show audiences were meant to dance at. Kaytranada is not the sort of performer who’s going to have an accompanying backing band or a bevy of dancers. It’s just him up on an elevated platform with a clean DJ setup, intergalactic video screens and a unique light show. This is a set designed to immerse the audience in the beauty of what it means to be on the dance floor. “Hey man, we created a dance floor for a reason. I’m just saying,” he told the audience at one point. This is about freedom and escape. This is about joy and love. Really, this is just about having a lot of fun. And Kaytranada reminded us of this throughout the course of the show. “This is not a concert,” he said. “This is a party.” And party, the audience did. Although he’s released three full-length albums and multiple EPs, as well as collaborated with various artists, it was Kaytranada’s handful of remixes from throughout the years that seemed to elicit sustained delight in the audience. His remix of Janet Jackson’s 1993 single “If” had the audience roaring in delight. The track has been a staple at the producer’s sets since the earliest years of his career. Kaytranada performs at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Kaytranada performs at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Kaytranada performs at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)People dance to the music of Kaytranada at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Kaytranada performs at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Show Caption1 of 5Kaytranada performs at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Expand A more recent remix of Beyoncé’s “Cuff It” from her 2022 album “Renaissance” was a fan favorite, with audience members knowing all of the words as well as all of the beat drops. One original production for singer Victoria Monét’s latest single, “Alright,” inspired the groups of people around me to grind even harder. Two women in front of me began performing the viral choreography from the song’s music video. The 2016 Chance the Rapper single “All Night” was a clear favorite for the local crowd, many of whom soaked up the rapper’s third mixtape where the track appeared. If the crowd was only two-stepping before, they finally let loose when this song played. Yet he still left plenty of room for tracks off his full-length albums and EPs. Old favorites dazzled the crowd, especially those in the general admission pit. I’m thinking of songs like the anthemic “10%,” off of “Bubba,” or “Snap My Finger” and “Lover/Friend,” from his latest album “Timeless.” The latter track, a collaboration with vocalist Rochelle Jordan, was a particularly potent moment for listeners. And of course, there was “You’re the One,” featuring singer Syd, from his debut album, “99.9%.” The song, something of a breakthrough for the product, is the perfect summer groove. But my favorite moment of the night came around the time that he performed the song “Intimidated.” A collaboration with musician H.E.R., the song – at least sonically – is a slight departure from the more bass-laden tracks he’s known for. The audience members seemed to agree, with some of the loudest, most piercing screams occurring when the song’s opening piano began. It was a light and lovely moment in a show filled with mesmerizing visuals and nonstop, sweat-fueled dancing. But it was only a short break. For this is a dance party. And Kaytranada made sure you didn’t forget it. Thank goodness for that. Britt Julious is a freelance critic.