Coldwar Kids performed in a extremely successful pre-Lollapalooza show to benefit the Special Olympics on Wed, August 3rd because of Columbia College Chicago student , 19 year old Lauren McClusky. Her fifth year running this benefit concert is going to be it’s biggest yet. Being the only pre-Lolla show that is a fundraiser this year, McClusky is making her mark in the music industry and hoping to set a trend of spotlighting talent while helping others with special needs make their dreams come true.
This former Boston University undergrad got her chops in the music biz as a little girl growing up as she and her family traveled for the world games and she sold lemonade to help raise funds. Her father, a independent record promoter, taught her the ropes through working on his own business throughout the years. “He doesn’t do event promotions, but I have always dreamed of being in promotions and taking his business over someday.” McClusky excitedly claims.
Talent runs in the family, Rachel McClusky, Lauren’s sister will be performing her pop stylings. Two Columbia College bands, Katz Company and Carbon Tigers will also be on the bill. “It was important to me to keep that aspect of local talent [in the fest] and give them a chance to play at Metro.” Gold Motel and Coldwar Kids were both happy to join in from the Lollapalooza line up.
Upon turning 16, her friend managed a local Chicago band that wanted to play a benefit concert. McClusky, presented with this amazing opportunity, put the pieces together with Special Olympics and Metro owner Joe Shanahan, who’s daughter attended the same high school. A year later the event became a big show put on by two 16 year olds. The bands and headliners have been local the past 3 years, but this year it has grown to accommodate both local and national sized acts.
McClusky’s event received an official Lolla pre-show as of last year, but was undergoing a legal battle with McDonalds over the events title “McFest” and so it could not be publicized. “The event was called that because of my last name [but] we settled with McDonald’s out of court” explains McClusky. Amicably settled, McDonalds has become a sponsor of their pre-show event for the next two years.
Hoping to continue with her Pre-Lolla shows and upon graduated Columbia to pursue her promotions career full on, McClusky is one to watch on the Chicago music scene. To find out more about how you can donate to the Special Olympics, go HERE.
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