NEAR WEST SIDE — The first ever Hip-Hop Summerfest will offer family friendly fun and great music the entire weekend.
The music festival will feature artists such as Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Dana Dane, Slick Rick, along with top DJs, both local and national. The outdoor concert will kickoff at Addams/Medill Park, 1301 W. 14th St. Single day tickets are $25, three day pass $55 and VIP express three day tickets are $99.
Organizers include Chicago Peace Organization, Project Hood, The Circle Foundation & Star Events (The Four Group), and Youth Connection Charter School.
The Rev. Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church and founder of Project Hood said events like this are sorely needed in a community plagued by violence and blight.
Brooks said the number one goal is "to promote positive messaging." The event will also "give hip hop artists an opportunity to show that they care about the violence, about the education and about the things that are affecting our young people every single day,” he added.
The event will promote peace, organizers said. Chicago Police and a private security firm will be present to try to make sure the event remains nonviolent and safe for attendees., Brooks said.
The event organizers said there will be a book bag giveaway, led by native Chicago rapper Lil Durk.
Youth Connection Charter School has been in the community for more than 20 years serving at-risk youths. The school's principal, Lashuan Jackson, said, “We’re using education as a way to bridge the gap, stop the violence and give children a brighter future.”
Connecting with the festival was a way to “work with the community and encourage youth to get back in school," Jackson said. "Our whole thing is to promote education because we know that education stops violence.”
A portion of the proceeds from the three-day event will go towards the organizations involved.
For the full lineup and tickets visit hiphopsummerfest.com.
