BJ The Chicago Kid performing at Kheemerfest 2024 (Photo Credit: Ethan Davis).
By Ethan Davis
On a recent Saturday, the 4th annual Kheemerfest was held right next to Grace Temple MB Church in Dolton, Illinois.
Chicago artists BJ The Chicago Kid, The Cool Kids and Adam Ness headlined the event. Artists like Jaas X, Jaleal, Carson, Gorilla Social, and We Just Friends also starred at the unique event. Kheemerfest hosted some karaoke performances. Many attendees with tents and lawn chairs congregated around the stage to watch the performances.
BJ The Chicago Kid and a guitarist performing at Kheemerfest 2024 (Photo Credit: Ethan Davis).
Orlando Winfrey interviewed LaKheem Trotter, the festival’s founder, on The Franchise Power Hour on My Radio Chicago, where he is a radio host. He also helped Trotter organize the festival through Wintrust Bank, where Winfrey works.
“This stuff is awesome,” Winfrey said. “Like I said, “Summertime Chi.” These events are the things that are like the heartbeat of Chicago.”
Various vendors were also present at the event. Be Fancy, which specializes in fitness apparel and waist trainers, One Plate at a Time, a barbecue vendor, and Haymarket Beer Company, among others, were there.
Marvia Tankson is the founder and owner of Lit Luxury Candles, which sells candles, body sprays, room sprays and more. She is also Trotter’s ‘other mother,’ as she is the actual mother of Trotter’s best friend, Larnell ‘Peezy’ Pillow.
This was Tankson’s first time attending the festival.
“I’m so glad to see his growth,” said Tankson. He has a whole fest after his name: the Kheemerfest. I’m so proud of him.”
Marvia Tankson showing her products from Lady Lit Luxury Candles at Kheemerfest 2024 (Photo Credit: Ethan Davis).
Kheemerfest aims to uplift rising artists, which has fostered an environment for creative expression and community outreach. Dolton will have a mainstay event for years to come.
“To just get the younger generation to have nice, clean fun and enjoy the festivities,” says Tankson.
“That’s what it means to me. A good time and togetherness.”
This is the 4th annual Kheemerfest, which also hosts karaoke events (Photo Credit: Ethan Davis).
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