April 16--Spring Awakening organizers said Friday they are searching for a new location for their annual electronic music festival after plans to hold the June event in Jackson Park fell through.
"We are working proactively with the city of Chicago to secure a new venue for the event, and are planning to announce the new location and lineup very soon," organizers said in a statement.
Chicago Park District Spokeswoman Jessica Maxey-Faulkner said React Presents was conditionally approved for a permit to hold the festival June 10-12 in Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave.
Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th) initially welcomed the festival to the park, but said organizers didn't provide her with plans for the event. Hairston said she also received a phone call from an official from the University of Chicago, which is scheduled to host its convocation ceremony June 11 on the university campus nearby.
"Though many options were discussed, ultimately the decision was made that the neighborhood could not safely accommodate such a dramatic increase in visitors and traffic," university spokesman Jeremy Manier said in a statement. The convocation accommodates up to 20,000 people, Manier said.
It's unclear how many people were expected to attend the festival. React Presents began selling three-day wristbands for $169, plus fees, in February, but organizers have not yet announced a lineup.
Documents filed in bankruptcy court last month by React Presents' parent company, SFX Entertainment, hint at a possible bill.
Skrillex, Above and Beyond, Dvbbs, Gesaffelstein, Klingande, Zeds Dead, ATB, Claude VonStroke, Cosmic Gate, Cash Cash, RL Grime, Madeon, Green Velvet, Rezz and Dada Life were listed as Spring Awakening performers in the filing.
A rep for Zeds Dead said Friday the Canadian group is still set to play at the festival. Reps for the other artists did not return a Tribune request for comment.
The festival is usually held at Soldier Field, but the stadium is one of a few venues hosting Copa America Centenario, an international soccer tournament, in June.
