CHICAGO — On July 9, more than 150 people attended Harry S Truman College’s inaugural Light of Day Social and Music Symposium, a free and public event held at the college’s McKeon Building. The event featured many of Chicago’s leading music artists who shared their backgrounds and professional journeys in the music and entertainment industry.
The symposium was held from 1 to 3 p.m. and followed by a music party from 3 to 8 p.m. Free parking was available in the college’s parking deck. The event was presented by Harry S Truman College in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, Innovation One, and Sound Asylum.
The event was designed to showcase the equipment and curriculum available to the public at the college. Educational pathways offered at Truman include classes in music production, podcasting, and DJing.
“We believe in the power of music to engage young people and spark passion so we’re inviting everyone into the creative process here at Truman College,” said Dr. Shawn Jackson, president of Harry S Truman College. “Our Sound Asylum isn’t just a continuing education program, it’s a catalyst for growth, community, and opportunity.”
The Light of Day Social and Music Symposium had a strong focus on house music, a genre that originated in Chicago.
“House music was created here in Chicago and 40 years later, ‘our music’ has become the musical pulse of diverse cultures and countries all around the world,” said Gershon Jackson, music producer, DJ and Principal of Harry S Truman’s College’s Alternative High School program. “As a transformative leader in education, it is my mission to support student success and community engagement. I’ve chosen to do this through my passion, music. We know that there is a tremendous value in connecting people through music so I created Sound Asylum at Truman College to keep young people engaged and interested so that they invest in themselves creating a positive future, one with choices and one they deserve,” said Jackson.
The symposium consisted of two panels and included label executives, record producers, recording artists, international and radio DJs, promoters, CEOs of digital print and magazine publications, on-air personalities, and podcasters who shared their expertise with aspiring artists, singers, DJs, and entrepreneurs.
Artists and music leaders featured at the event included:
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Maurice Joshua
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Meagan McNeal
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Wayne Williams
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DJ AMPM
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Mike Dunn
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CZBoogie
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First Lady
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Byron Stingily
Symposium panelists included:
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Maurice Joshua, Grammy-award winning producer (Beyoncé); Music production instructor at Truman’s Sound Asylum program
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Meagan McNeal, R&B Soul/Dance and Electronica singer
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Wayne Williams, DJ and Record label executive
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DJ AMPM, DJ Power 92 Chicago
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Mike Dunn, DJ/Producer; Learn to DJ instructor at Truman’s Sound Asylum program
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CZ Boogie, DJ, dancer and owner of a House Music publication called 5 Magazine
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First Lady Khris Raye, DJ/TV/Radio personality
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Byron Stingily, R&B/House music singer
Due to high demand for Sound Asylum programs, Harry S Truman College now offers Intro/Advanced Music Production and Sound Design, Intro/Advanced Podcasting and Radio Broadcasting, and Intro/Advanced Art of DJing courses. These are available as part of Truman College’s Continuing Education programs.
The event was organized to introduce the public to Truman’s creative and educational offerings, while connecting Chicago’s musical past and present with its future creators.
For more information or to RSVP for future events, contact [email protected].
