MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — Harlem High School hosted its third annual Harlempalooza music fundraiser in Machesney Park, bringing together local performers, students and community members to raise money for the school district’s music program.
Proceeds from the festival will directly support the purchase of new musical equipment and fund ongoing departmental needs.
The festival featured two stages with six distinct musical acts alongside family activities, raffles, bounce houses, face painting and food options provided by the Harlem Music Boosters. Organizers designed the event to connect the broader public with school music programs while generating financial backing for student performances and state competitions.
Jeremy Toledo, a music teacher at Harlem High School, explained that the annual event directly impacts what instruments and coursework the district can offer. In previous years, funds raised from the festival enabled the school to buy pianos for a newly established course. Toledo noted that 50 to 55 students now take piano classes each year and the district is continuing to build out its music offerings with guitar classes. “Our goal is to build community first, through supporting our music program,” Toledo said. “I mean, your program always has concert needs and our kids are very active in state competitions, and all these different things that they do.” He added that the money raised helps purchase pianos for the new instruction track: “So now we have students up to about 55 students take piano courses every year.”
Student leadership played a central role in organizing and running the festival. Jadane Sisan, a senior at Harlem High School and president of the school’s Tri-M Music Honor Society, helped oversee setup and event operations alongside fellow club members. Sisan shared that the event allowed students to connect with peers and enjoy local musical talent from around the region. “I am the president of Harlem High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society,” Sisan explained. “And my club helps set this up. We’re making sure that everything’s going very smoothly.” Discussing his experience at the event, Sisan noted, “For me as a student, it’s getting to hang out with all of my friends. And then I’m also really happy you get to see all the local bands in the Rockford park area.”
The performing lineup highlighted a mix of local musical acts, former students and current high school performers. Featured groups included Mystery Dates, Trash 80s, Fred and Ginger and individual performers such as Cassie Harkey and student Sierra Van Lake. Toledo emphasized that having Harlem High School alumni return to perform gives current students a clear vision of post-graduation musical opportunities while reinforcing community ties. “It’s nice, a lot of the bands are Harlem alumni,” Toledo observed.
Toledo expressed hope that students see the crowd’s presence as a sign of ongoing encouragement: “I just really want the students to tangibly see how much the community supports them. So to see all these people out here for them, it’s just a great thing to witness and see that, for them to understand that we support them and that we’re proud of them.”…