When True Star co-founders NaTae Thompson and DeAnna McLeary first heard two students pitch the idea of organizing a music festival, their reaction wasn’t exactly confidence.
The idea didn’t come from event planners or music executives. It came from two young women in True Star’s youth media program who, after more than a year of pandemic lockdowns and social isolation, wanted to create a space where young people could reconnect in person.
“They were missing their proms, their luncheons, their senior trips, their graduations,” McLeary told The TRiiBE. “People were just like, ‘COVID’s over, throw the mask away.’ But there was a lot of social isolation, especially for our young people.”
Rather than dismiss the idea, True Star leaned into the organization’s longtime philosophy of listening to the young people it serves.
“We really stand on our mission of listening to young people and investing in their ideas,” McLeary said. That student-led idea became the inaugural From the Go Fest in 2021.
Now entering its sixth year, From the Go Fest returns Saturday, July 18 from noon until 7:00 p.m. at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center campus, continuing its mission of showcasing Chicago’s emerging artists, entrepreneurs and creatives.
According to Thompson, the free festival has never strayed from its original purpose because it wasn’t created by adults.
“It was not our idea,” Thompson said. “It literally came out of an idea of two young ladies who were in the program.”
The first festival was held in Douglass Park on the West Side as Chicago cautiously emerged from the pandemic. Thompson remembers blistering temperatures and a location that was difficult for attendees to find.
“We only had a couple hundred people come out,” Thompson said. “But we still deemed it a success because it was one of the first things Chicago did coming out of COVID.”
The following year, organizers moved the festival to the DuSable Museum campus in Washington Park on the South Side, where its more centralized footprint has helped attendance grow into the thousands.
Although organizers considered moving to an even larger venue this year, Thompson said they’re choosing to remain at DuSable while continuing to grow intentionally.
For True Star, the festival isn’t simply about putting artists on stage. It’s about creating opportunities on every side of the entertainment industry.
Young musicians perform some of their first paid sets. Student photographers build professional portfolios. Aspiring journalists receive media credentials to cover the festival. Young entrepreneurs sell products through the vendor marketplace. Behind the scenes, youth workers help produce the event as part of their summer employment.
“Sometimes this is that artist’s first time actually being paid to perform,” Thompson said. “This is their first time performing in front of a large crowd.”
That philosophy reflects the organization’s mission since its founding in 2004.
Long before From the Go Fest, True Star Magazine highlighted emerging Chicago talent before many became household names. McLeary points to artists including Chance the Rapper and Tink, who appeared in the publication early in their careers.
The festival continues that tradition. One of this year’s featured performers, rising Chicago rapper Lil M.U., first attended From the Go Fest simply as a dancer, McLeary said.
“She just came to From the Go Fest and danced like three years ago,” McLeary said. “She didn’t have a song out. She hadn’t recorded nothing yet, and now look at her.”
This year she shares the stage with over 20 other young artists, most notably including rapper Happy Birthday Calvin, singers Sherrionn, and VAADI.
While Chicago’s summer calendar is packed with festivals, McLeary said she believes From the Go Fest fills a different need by centering young people in every aspect.
“They need an event that’s for them,” she said. “Not doing something hoping they show up, but literally just giving them the resources and letting them run with it.”
Organizers hope attendees leave with new relationships, career opportunities and inspiration. “We’re always telling young people, network across,” McLeary said. “You’re sitting next to the next big thing. They [just] may not be big now.”
For the young adults who choose to participate in the event, many will leave with new valuable experiences. Some will leave with a check for their first paid performance. For some, the festival will serve as their first professional photo or media assignment. Some will simply gain a new creative collaborator or partner.
Thompson said the goal is the same as it was when two students first pitched the idea years ago, creating a space where young Chicagoans feel seen, heard and empowered.
“We wanted to create an atmosphere and a safe space for young people to feel heard, understand that their voice matters and be able to speak their truth,” Thompson said. “We’re all about showcasing Chicago emerging adults in a positive light.”
