Music is an essential part of life. It’s an expression of love, trials, and triumphs. It brings life to those who create it, dance to or sing along with it. For many, learning the art of creating music is an opportunity of a lifetime and the Chicago Executives will provide this chance for youth on the south side of Chicago. Beginning Monday, July 18th The Chicago Executives and Next Showcase Chicago will host the Kids Summer Camp and Jam Festival. The five-day camp will be held at The Montessori School of Englewood for children in 5th-8th grade. Each day will begin with breakfast at 8:00 am. Once participants have been fed, the day will continue with workshops designed to teach students about songwriting, the recording process, branding yourself as an artist, designing graphics and flyers, and social media etiquette for artists.
The Chicago Defender had a chance to sit down and speak with Elizabeth Johanson, the CEO of Chicago Executives, and Dr. Enin Perryman; singer, and songwriter of the hit “What is Love” to discuss their motivation for creating a camp for children to learn about the fundamentals of becoming a successful artist.
The Chicago Defender: Why is a camp like this important for children?
Elizabeth Johanson: We don’t want kids learning incorrect procedures when it comes to learning about how to conduct themselves as an artist. We want them to know how to create music and how to brand themselves properly
The Chicago Defender: When did the journey of creating a summer camp for kids about music begin?
Elizabeth Johanson: We started in 2018, then the pandemic hit and of course there wasn’t much we could do. We tried some things online that went okay but I think because everyone was so new to it so we had to make some adjustments. This is our first year coming back with the program and the city of Chicago combined with us and gave extra funding for it which helped us to make this a big production like we wanted it to be. We’re bringing in vendors from all over the city for the festival, and throughout the week there will be surprise pop-up artists for students to interact with.
The Chicago Defender: What do you want participants to learn from this experience?
Dr. Enin: Belief in yourself. Hard work pays off. Take in the knowledge and have fun. The idea behind this was to give back to the community and start with kids at a young age so they can learn everything it takes to be a successful artist.
Elizabeth Johanson: We want kids to learn how to market themselves and use the internet properly. There’s a lot of money to be made using this resource but we want kids to know the right way of doing everything.
Each day begins at 8:00 and ends at 3:00 pm. Breakfast and lunch will be served daily, participants will receive an artist roadmap filled with activities to walk them through the beginning of their journey with music. Registration is free for those who want to attend. The week will culminate with a Jam Festival on Saturday, July 23rd from 11:00 am-3:00 pm. For more information about this event or for vending opportunities contact [email protected]
Liz Lampkin is a Lifestyle, Love and Relationships writer. Follow her on social media @Liz_Lampkin
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