For the past couple of years, I have been fortunate enough to help out Nelarusky by photographing their festival.
Nelarusky is an organization created by Lauren McClusky when she was only 16 years old, to raise money and awareness for the Special Olympics, as well as showcase upcoming talent, through an annual benefit concert at Metro in Chicago.
There are so many photos that show off the hard work of all involved, as well as photos of the bands that performed. It's easy to get very post-happy on social medias, but that can get annoying to most - so I'll post a larger amount of photographs in this blog feature - which I have not yet used. Enjoy!
green room at Metro before most of the interns and bands came
this Fender Strat was to be autographed by the bands, and then auctioned off to raise money for the Special Olympics
Chaz Bundick of Toro Y Moi autographing and drawing on the auctioned-off guitar
Fender Strat with Chaz Bundick's autograph & doodles
Some people show up to the venue early
Young Buffalo getting interviewed backstage
the crew chatting, and enjoying some food & drink
First announcement about Nelarusky
more information about Nelarusky & Special Olympics
Nelarusky & Special Olympics announcement comes to an end
John Splithoff starting off the show
John Splithoff
John Splithoff
this huge crowd is excited to be part of something great
Young Buffalo getting ready to hit the stage
Young Buffalo gets their set started
Young Buffalo
Young Buffalo plays their last song
the Nelarusky crew gets ready to present the check on stage
a quick photoshoot takes place backstage
Nelarusky presents a $25,000 check to Special Olympics Illinois!
Nelarusky crew has the crowd's full attention
so many people made this amazing moment happen
Toro Y Moi huddling up backstage
Toro Y Moi takes the stage to close out the fest
huge crowd for Toro Y Moi
Toro Y Moi
Toro Y Moi closing out the show