School foundation to host ‘music fest’

CHAMPAIGN — The Champaign-Urbana Schools Foundation hopes to bring the community together at a new event aimed at celebrating local schools, musicians and the community itself.

CUSF will hold its first-ever We are the Schools Music Fest starting at 1 p.m. Feb. 16 at The City Center, 505 S. Chestnut St.

“This event is more than just a celebration of music; it’s a rallying cry to show our teachers, students and schools how much they mean to our community,” said CUSF Executive Director Michelle Gonzales. “We want every teacher to know they are appreciated and supported, and every student to feel inspired.”

The all-ages event is expected to run until about 7 p.m. and will showcase 11 bands, each one featuring a school teacher, staff member or student. The lineup includes Mariachi Tigres de Urbana, New Orleans Jazz Machine, Squirrel Movement, Modern Drugs and The Yung Ones.

There will also be kid-friendly activities and information tables hosted by local organizations and high school service clubs.

The show will be emceed by Pete Shungu and co-hosted by CUSF board member DeShawn Williams.

Tickets will be available to purchase at cuschoolsfoundation.org soon, and those who plan to attend can RSVP on the event’s Facebook page in the meantime, the foundation said.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• $40 for general admission.
• $10 for teachers, staff and public school parents and siblings.
• $5 for students.

The lower costs for those connected to schools were made possible by event sponsors.

Meal tickets will also be available for pre-sale and are $10 for an adult meal, $5 for a kid’s meal and $1 for snacks.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to CUSF teacher grants and sponsored projects that benefit teachers, students and families at public schools in Champaign and Urbana.

For more information, go to cuschoolsfoundation.org or email info@cuschoolsfoundation.org.