NORTHERLY ISLAND — Chance The Rapper will hand-pick the headliners for an unprecedented city-sponsored festival for teens later this month.
The first-ever Teens in the Park Festival, sponsored by the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District and others, will run from 4:30-7:30 p.m. June 24 at Northerly Island.
Chance, a Chatham native and son of a top city official, is "curating" the festival lineup, according to a press release. Chicago rapper Phenom will emcee the event, with performers including Chance associate Donnie Trumpet, who recently released a free, critically-acclaimed album with Chicago-based backing band The Social Experiment.
Chance himself is not scheduled to perform, according to the announcement.
The festival is free and open only to Chicago youth aged 13 through 24. Graffiti art, breakdancing, and jewelry-making from groups including Donda's House and the Art Institute are also planned activities at the festival.
"The Chicago Park District is so excited to come together with other essential Chicago youth-centered organizations to create an event featuring local musical artists and experiential learning for teens," Michelle Geddes, director of marketing for the Chicago Park District, said in a statement. "It's this type of collaboration that shows teens the wide variety of exciting opportunities that exist in our great city."
It's the latest city partnership for Chance, 22, who last year won Chicago's "Outstanding Youth of the Year" award from Mayor Rahm Emanuel for his contributions to the city. In February he launched an open mic series for local teenagers looking to share their talents.
The festival later this month is free, but those interested must pre-register on Ticketmaster.com. Visit the festival website for more information.
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