North Park Family Honors Late Son With Concert Fundraiser

The Chucky Ar La Fest, honoring the late Charlie Sullivan, takes place Saturday at Martyr’s, featuring nine performers and raising funds for young musicians. Sullivan's family founded the Charlie Sullivan Foundation for Music and Social Justice after his tragic death from fentanyl poisoning in 2020. Tickets for the event cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Susan Sullivan, Charlie's mother, highlights his musical talent and community involvement, including activism and urban planning studies. The foundation has donated to organizations like the West Point School of Music and Guitars Over Guns, which will have students perform at the festival.

The first concert was organized on what would have been Sullivan's 25th birthday, aiming to create opportunities for emerging artists. According to his father, Brendan Sullivan, many young musicians struggle to access resources, limiting their growth and opportunities. The foundation aspires to host regular all-ages shows across Chicago and even an annual street festival in the future.