THE BUILDING PROJECT
BandWith’s free performing arts programs will be moving into a permanent home, to open in the fall of 2025. Through a generous gift from the Glasser & Rosenthal families, BandWith was able to purchase a 25,000 sq. ft. building in East Garfield Park. However, we need your help to complete the project!
2022
Capital Campaign Launched
BandWith kicked off fundraising efforts to build a permanent performing arts center in East Garfield Park.
2023
$8M+ Raised for the Project
Thanks to incredible donors—including the Glasser & Rosenthal families. BandWith secured over $8 million to make the dream real.
2024
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Shovels hit the ground as construction officially began at the new 25,000 sq. ft. home just blocks from our original program site.
2025
Construction Underway
Progress is moving fast. The space is taking shape; walls, rooms, and performance areas are coming to life.
Fall 2025
RIBBON CUTTING
The BandWith Performing Arts Center opens its doors ready to welcome students, families, and the entire community.
KEY MILESTONES
BUILDING OUR FUTURE
DRUMLINE
Formed in 2019, Drumline builds rhythm, discipline, and belonging. Students learn and perform across Chicago.
DANCE
Year-round dance education powered by expressive movement and community showcases.
STUDIO ENGINEERING
Students are introduced to the foundations of sound recording and production for college-level and entry-industry skills.
250+
students learning, creating, and performing each year.
$13.5M+
raised for our new building project
10+
years of empowering youth through music and movement.
50+
live performances each year at schools, festivals, and city events.
10000+
hours of music and arts instruction delivered.
hear it from our students
What BandWith does goes beyond music. These are the voices of parents, students, and supporters who’ve felt the difference firsthand.
"BandWith feels like family. It’s helped me express myself through dance and become more confident in who I am."
Jaliyah, Junior, Choir & Dance
“BandWith’s after school program takes me back to when I was young and we had programs and people who cared about the well-being of the kids. With programs like BandWith, youth throughout Chicago can see their
potential and value.”
Bernetta Smith, BandWith parent
“I can be having the worst day of my life and when I start dancing, I can feel a weight being lifted...I feel dancing gives me the freedom to be happy"
Mario, Dance Team
"Music used to be just a hobby , now I see it as my future. BandWith gave me purpose and a path."
Kristian, Drums & Piano
“When I dance with BandWith, I feel free. It’s like all the stress of the day just melts away.”
Angel, 10th Grade, Dance
“Performing at Arts in the Dark was unforgettable — the energy, the crowd, the pride. I’ll never forget it.”
Nylah, Drumline
“I joined for the drums, but I gained so much more. BandWith brought me out of my shell and gave me real friends and real growth.”
Ashari, Drummer
“I started BandWith just wanting to dance. Now I’m learning to sing, perform, and even lead. It opened me up.”
Cenyhia, Junior, Dance
“It’s more than an after-school program. BandWith taught me patience, professionalism, and how to show up for others.”
Justice, Dance
NEWSLETTERS & ARTICLES
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get it straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter •