Media Communications Students Gain Exclusive Backstage Access to Lollapalooza

This summer, students from Kennedy-King College joined Lolla University, a month-long educational program focused on the intricacies of festival production that culminated with a behind-the-scenes look at one of Chicago’s favorites: Lollapalooza.

“It really opened my eyes to all the job possibilities in the music and festival fields – there are so many ways I can go with my career when I get my associate degree this December,” said Kennedy-King student Salli Ross.

Throughout the program, Salli and her peers engaged in lectures, documentaries, and in-depth discussions in the classroom at Kennedy-King College, then ventured downtown to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Lollapalooza.

“We got to sit in on a bunch of panels with managers, artists, and entertainment teams. We could pick their brains – especially how they got the entry level jobs that helped them get into the industry,” explained Ross.

Introduced as a pilot initiative at Kennedy-King College under the guidance of Professor Marshaun Robinson, Lollapalooza University was conceived with the intention of exposing students to the multifaceted components, meticulous planning, and dedicated personnel essential to create festivals and events of this magnitude.

“Enabling students to comprehend the vast array of career opportunities within the industry is crucial in helping them envision themselves as integral parts of this field. A career in the music industry is attainable, and the support of partners such as Lollapalooza is a testament to that,” Robinson emphasized.

Professor Robinson and Associate Dean of Continuing Education Kendra Torres are hoping that with this year’s Lollapalooza University success, Kennedy-King will be able to create more partnerships and opportunities for hands-on learning experiences for students across programs.