Chicago Music Summit Announces Keynote Speaker

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) are pleased to announce that Chicago's own Common will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural Chicago Music Summit sponsored by Google. One of hip-hop's most poetic and respected lyricists, Common will address registered attendees only (space is full; no walkups). The Chicago Music Summit is September 20, located in the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) and the Storefront Theater (66 E. Randolph St.).

"Chicago has such a rich and diverse music community and it is a guiding principle of our Cultural Plan to foster that community," said Mayor Emanuel. "With the addition of Common to the Summit, music professionals will have the opportunity to learn from one of our city's great success stories, someone who continues to give back to his hometown."

The south side native burst onto the hip-hop scene in the early nineties while still in high school, offering alternative rap. After two years of studying business in college, a record contract started Common on the path to recording albums. Each was more successful than the one that came before – and along the way, Common earned multiple Grammy® Award nominations, winning two. His 10th album is due to be released this fall.

In 2000, he launched the Common Ground Foundation which is based in Chicago. The foundation is dedicated to the empowerment and development of disadvantaged youth through its mission to use creative arts to expose youth to new opportunities.

In addition to his music and philanthropic endeavors, Common has a thriving acting career, is an author of children's books and his memoir, One Day It'll All Make Sense, was on the New York Times best-seller list.

The keynote session is only open to those who have pre-registered for the Chicago Music Summit; registration for the free summit has reached capacity and is now closed. The Summit is designed to provide musicians and other music professionals with the tools, resources and networking opportunities to advance their careers. On the evening of September 20, live music showcases happening throughout the building are open to the general public and free admission; no registration required. View the complete lineup of free music on the event website, chicagomusicsummit.org

For more information and updates on the Chicago Music Summit, visit chicagomusicsummit.org. The Chicago Music Summit is sponsored by Google with the added support of ChicagoMusic.org, ChicagoArtistsResource.org, City Winery, CIMMfest, Hailo, The Engineering and Recording Society of Chicago (E.A.R.S.), Fort Knox Studios, Inspiration 1390AM, The Recording Academy, V103, WGCI and WBEZ.

The Chicago Music Summit is presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events with the support of programming partners: Bailey Boy Artist Development, Bandzoogle, BMI, The Brainiac Project, CASH Music, ChicagoArtistsResource.org, ChicagoMusic.org, Chicago Music Commission, Chicago Music Magazine, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, Cibola Tech Incubator, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, Columbia College Chicago, Creative Entertainment Network, Dominican University, Dynasty Podcasts, E.A.R.S. The Engineering and Recording Society of Chicago, The Echo Nest, eighth blackbird, Elastic Arts, Gray Communications, Leavens, Strand, Glover & Adler, LLC, Leo Burnett, Linchpin Digital, Mark Hubbard, Mozilla Foundation, Music Dealers, On the Street Promotion, The Recording Academy, SESAC, Sony Music Entertainment, Soundslice, Story Amp, Threadless, TuneSat and World Business Chicago.

# # #

Note to Media: Requests for interviews, to cover the Keynote address or to cover the Music Summit must be submitted in advance to the attention of Cindy Gatziolis at cgatziolis@cityofchicago.org. Submitting the request is no guarantee of an interview or a credential to cover the event. No requests will be accepted after September 17.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors. 

About Google Inc.

Google is a global technology leader focused on improving the ways people connect with information. Google’s innovations in web search and advertising have made its website a top Internet property and its brand one of the most recognized in the world.

Google is a trademark of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.