Chicago History Museum, School of Rock seek young local musicians for “Rock the Museum” fest

Applications are open for Rock the Museum, a new music festival that will bring young performers from the Chicago area to the Chicago History Museum on Saturday, Nov. 21. The event, hosted by the museum and School of Rock, will showcase emerging musicians while raising money for the museum’s educational programs, according to the Chicago History Museum.

The festival will run from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the museum, 1601 N. Clark St. Organizers said additional details about performers and programming will be announced later.

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Who can apply

The event is open to musicians ages 15 to 22 who live in Cook, DuPage or Lake counties in Illinois. Artists may apply as full bands, solo performers or small groups, but all submissions must feature family-friendly rock music.

The Main Stage will feature emerging artists performing original songs in 20-minute sets. The program is open to artists who write and perform their own music. The Acoustic Stage will feature solo artists, duos and trios performing mostly original material, with covers also allowed during their sets.

School of Rock House Bands will also perform on the Main Stage. Organizers said applicants do not need an established fan base. Performers under 18 may apply with permission from a parent or legal guardian.

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Deadline and selection process

Applications are free and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Monday, Oct. 12. A team of School of Rock faculty members and teen advisers will select performers based on musicianship, songwriting and performance quality, according to the announcement.

Both stages will have limited equipment. Artists must provide any additional gear they need for their performances.

The festival is part of the Chicago History Museum’s effort to preserve and share the stories of Chicago and its people. By presenting young musicians at the city’s oldest cultural institution, Rock the Museum will connect Chicago’s musical history with artists shaping its future.