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Why Are We Doing This?

We all had our causes back in the day: the war in Viet Nam, civil rights, women's and gay liberation. Our schools had well-funded programs in all areas. Today, the Chicago Pop Festival has identified a major need and is raising money to help preserve music programs and education in schools and communities. All of the artists are generously donating their performances so that proceeds from the festival will benefit the following.

Music for Life Alliance
Guitarist Muriel Anderson, a Chicago native, founded the Music For Life Alliance which facilitates access to music learning for young people who may not otherwise be able to experience the educational, psychological and social benefits of making music. Through awards, grants and recognition and by creating and maintaining a national database, the Music For Life Alliance helps support and unify grassroots efforts across the country.

Music National Service
Launching in the San Francisco Bay Area, New Orleans, Seattle and Chicago in 2009, MNS supports and expands the use of music to address important civic and social needs. The Aspen Institute named it as one of "10 non-profit innovations that will strengthen U.S. communities." Part of MNS is MusicianCorps, a "musical Peace Corps" that recruits, trains, and places musicians in high-need settings where music can reach, teach and heal. Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education, Urban Gateways, and Columbia College Chicago are among the leaders of the MNS Initiative, serving six communities throughout Chicago.