Lupe Fiasco And Rhymefest To Give Free Shows At The Cultural Center In May

By Mae Rice in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 19, 2016 5:55PM



Lupe Fiasco performs in Los Angeles (Photo by Chris Weeks/Getty Images for Sonos)

Lupe Fiasco and Rhymefest will headline a free, two-day music showcase at the Chicago Cultural Center this May, the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced Tuesday.

Lupe Fiasco, a Grammy-nominated rapper who was born in Chicago, will headline the showcase on May 14; Grammy-winner Che "Rhymefest" Smith, who grew up on Chicago's South Side and co-wrote Kanye West's "Jesus Walks," will headline on May 13.

On both days, free shows will run from 7-10:30 p.m. Other Chicago-affiliated artists performing include soul singer BJ The Chicago Kid and Jamila Woods (both performing May 13) and pop duo Celine Neon (performing May 14).

It's worth noting that Lupe's show at the Cultural Center could be among his last—as we previously noted on Friday, he's recently been alluding to plans to retire, and tweeted last week that his next three albums will be his final trilogy.

Though the Cultural Center shows are free, attendees need to RSVP in advance to get in. You can register online here starting 11 a.m. on May 2.

Lupe and Rhymefest's performances are part of the larger Lake FX Summit + Expo, which bills itself as a convention for artists and "creative entrepreneurs." Overall, the event will feature 100 panels, talks, and workshops, plus a resource fair. See the full Lake FX schedule here.