New Center Will Offer Free Music and Dance Instruction to Young People
CHICAGO, August 28, 2024 – BandWith Chicago, the acclaimed youth performing arts nonprofit, today announced that the organization invites supporters and community members to attend a groundbreaking celebration for the organization’s planned performing arts center. The groundbreaking will be held indoors from Noon to 2:00 PM CST on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 134 S. California Ave.
BandWith recently purchased a neglected 25,000 square foot industrial building in East Garfield Park – the former Loyal Casket Company– and has commissioned the full-service design and architecture firm Lamar Johnson Collaborative to reimagine the building as a state-of-the-art performing arts and training center.
This center will be a beacon for the arts, housing BandWith’s dance, drumline, sound engineering, instrumental, and choral ensemble programs. It will be a place where students grow as individuals and performers, where young adults receive job training and meaningful employment, and where the community comes together to experience the transformative power of art.
BandWith students will perform at the groundbreaking ceremony. 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett will give remarks, as well as other officials from the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, community organizations, and contributing foundations.
ABOUT BANDWITH CHICAGO
The mission of BandWith Chicago is to promote wellness within underserved Chicago communities by providing lasting access to exceptional performing arts instruction. BandWith offers individual and small-group music instruction, weekly ensemble play, and performance opportunities to participating youth throughout the year. BandWith’s free in-school and afterschool programs serve more than 175 students annually in the East Garfield Park community. Learn more about BandWith and the Banding Together capital campaign at www.bandwithchicago.org.
“We can learn and explore new things, instead of focusing on all the bad things going on.”
– Imani, Grade 4, Piano Student and Band Member
CONTACT
Annie Palomino, Executive Director
917.405.8663
[email protected]