Fueling Art & Empowering Youth: TWO PIECE FEST Chicago!

Two Piece Fest is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

TWO PIECE FEST is coming to the neighborhood of Rogers Park in Chicago, IL on 2/14/26!

Two Piece Fest is a non-profit festival dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for duo acts to express their creativity.

Each year, we host 22 dynamic duos performing across two stages in a single day, cultivating a diverse environment for both performers and attendees representing a wide range of backgrounds. All proceeds are donated to local mutual aid organizations, ensuring our work directly benefits the community. Since 2008, we have consistently provided a safe space for diverse performers and attendees to enjoy a day of positive and creative artistic expression. Since 2021, we have begun supporting mutual aid organizations by raising money at Two Piece Fest.

For 2026, we're excited to announce our plans to bring our festival to Chicago on Valentine's Day (2/14/26), in addition to our long-standing Philadelphia event! The funds we raise will be crucial in making this Chicago festival a reality. Specifically, we are aiming to secure funding that will directly support three key areas:

Performer Compensation: We are committed to paying each of the 22 performing duos. This will allow us to book a full day of diverse range of talented and inspiring artists, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive festival experience.
Venue/Sound Rental: We have secured a beautiful and historic venue for the Chicago festival: the United Church of Rogers Park (UCRP). This 100+ year old community church is located in the heart of the lively Rogers Park neighborhood. We will transform their space into a vibrant, family friendly, and community based festival experience!
Mutual Aid Partnership: We are proud and excited to partner with local Rogers Park non-profit organization, Circles and Ciphers (more information provided below). A significant portion of the funds raised will directly support their vital work.

By donating, you'll directly fuel the launch of our special festival in Chicago's diverse Rogers Park, bringing inspiring artists to a new community with no ticket cost thanks to our "pay what you can at the door" model, ensuring no one is turned away for lack of funds and further benefiting our cause, while also empowering Circles & Ciphers' crucial work with Black and Brown youth through restorative justice and leadership programs.

MORE ABOUT CIRCLES & CIPHERS:

Circles & Ciphers is dedicated to empowering young Black and Brown individuals in communities affected by violence, poverty, and the criminal justice system. We achieve this through a comprehensive approach that includes:

Restorative Practices: We use methods like peace circle training to help young people address harm, build understanding, and repair relationships.
Financial Support: Recognizing the value of their time and development, we compensate youth for their participation in our programs.
Conflict Resolution: We equip young people with the skills to navigate and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Radical Hospitality: We create a welcoming and supportive environment where young people feel safe and respected.
Sustainable Leadership Development: We walk alongside each young person, providing guidance and resources to help them become effective leaders in their communities.
Community Building and Wellness: We foster a strong sense of community among our youth and staff through weekly hip-hop peace circles. These circles provide a space for self-expression, relationship building, and healing from past trauma.
Overall Wellness Support: We prioritize the well-being of our young people by connecting them with mental health resources and conducting monthly individual check-ins. These check-ins allow youth and Circles & Ciphers leaders to develop and track personalized wellness plans.

Kaba Studios:

In February 2020, Circles & Ciphers established Kaba Studios, a recording studio named in honor of restorative justice advocate Mariame Kaba. This studio serves as a space for healing and artistic expression, grounded in communal principles and restorative justice. Kaba Studios offers a safe and supportive environment where artists from across the city who lack resources can:

Explore their artistic talents.
Learn about the music industry.
Heal from past trauma or conflict.

The name "Kaaba," meaning "cube" in Arabic and referring to a sacred structure in Mecca, reflects our aspiration for the studio to be a place of peace and respect.

We are fundraising to strengthen and expand these vital programs. By providing financial support, our TWO PIECE FEST community can help C&C:

Reach more young people impacted by violence and systemic inequities.
Enhance restorative practices and leadership development initiatives.
Continue to compensate youth for their valuable time and contributions.
Maintain and further develop Kaba Studios as a vital resource for artistic expression and healing.
Expand our community building and wellness support, including mental health resources.

Your contribution will directly empower young Black and Brown individuals to heal, grow, and become leaders in their communities, fostering a more just and equitable future.

WHY ROGERS PARK??

Rogers Park stands out as a truly special neighborhood, making it an ideal location for a DIY, diverse, and community-based event like Two Piece Fest. As Chicago's northernmost neighborhood, Rogers Park boasts the city's most beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan. This coastal location, combined with its renowned racial and cultural diversity – often cited as mirroring Chicago's overall ethnic makeup – fosters an environment of openness and inclusivity. This vibrant atmosphere, along with the neighborhood's strong sense of community, numerous independent businesses, and thriving arts scene – including live theater – creates a welcoming and supportive backdrop for such an event. The accessibility via public transportation further solidifies Rogers Park as a perfect place to celebrate DIY culture and community spirit.

If we exceed our $6,000 goal, all additional funds will be equally divided between the 22 performing duos and Circles & Ciphers, amplifying the positive impact of your contribution.

If you are unfamiliar with TWO PIECE FEST, we urge you to surf through our long history on our website - www.twopiecefest.com

Please reach out with any questions!

Thank you!