Occupy Chicago Plans A Festival

By aaroncynic in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 14, 2012 4:40PM

Chicago now has one more music festival to add to its roster this year. On May 12 and 13, the weekend before the NATO summit, Chicago will have its very own Occupy Festival. The two day festival to be held in Union Park promises to host 25 yet unnamed “top international, national and local musicians,” along with “special musical guests and visual performing artists.” An “autonomous” group of organizers referring to themselves as SolidClarity LLC is organizing the event, with the support of Occupy Chicago, as a way to “channel the momentum of thousands of individuals who will be looking to peacefully organize within the city of Chicago during the month of May in a positive and constructive way” and raise funds.

Graham Czach, one of the event's organizers, said via press release:

"What makes this festival unique is that it embodies the spirit of the people with a united cause which affects everyone and gives people a chance to share ideas and express themselves in a positive way. It all happens within a safe environment through art and music, the true universal languages that break down barriers and allow freedom and inspiration to flourish.”

Ticket prices are $35 per day or $55 for both days, a subject that’s raised a few eyebrows. While those might seem like 1 percent prices, considering this year’s Pitchfork will set attendees back $45 per day and we may as well take out a second mortgage to get into Lollapalooza, these are pretty average ticket costs. Initially, festival organizers planned to offer VIP passes, but have since announced via Twitter that they have rescinded that offer. According to the feed, the first round of artists performing will be announced next week.