The 3rd Annual Growing Hope Concert was a night to remember! On Sunday, September 7, 2025, we came together at Gallagher Way in Chicago to celebrate hope, community, and the transformative power of music. This year’s celebration took on even greater meaning, as Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed September 7, 2025, as Growing Hope Day in Illinois—recognizing JCC Chicago’s Growing Hope movement as a call to action rooted in Tikkun Olam, the Jewish value of repairing the world. The proclamation honors the power of music and community to inspire compassion, resilience, and lasting change. See the full proclamation here.
Headlined by the legendary Jeff Tweedy, founding member and leader of the Grammy award-winning band Wilco, the 3rd Annual Growing Hope Concert was guided with energy and warmth by Ryan Chiaverini, co-host of Windy City Live and Lead Sports Anchor at ABC7 Chicago, along with special guest Marty Lennartz of WXRT. The evening also featured remarkable performances from Grey Morgan, Mary Grace Junkins, Sylvia Pine, members of the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, spirited Apachi Day Camp campers, and Lisa Rock & Friends. Your support and enthusiasm made the evening unforgettable. Together, we are building a kinder, more hopeful world through the power of music and community.
Missed the concert or want to relive the experience? Stay tuned for highlights, photos, and videos from the event. Be sure to check back here, follow us on social media, and join our social wall for updates.
Growing Hope is more than a concert—it’s a call to action, a mindset, and a movement. Learn more about how you can get involved and help us spread hope and kindness in our community. Share how you spread hope and kindness in our community using hashtag #GrowHopeNow and join our social wall.
We’re already looking forward to the 4th Annual Growing Hope Concert! Stay connected for announcements about next year’s event, and don’t miss your chance to be part of another unforgettable evening. Sign up for our newsletter.
On September 25, 2024, JCC Chicago partnered with the Chicago Cubs and Gallagher Way to present the 2nd Annual Growing Hope concert. It was an unforgettable evening of sounds & stories supporting tolerance, acceptance, understanding, and hope.
On August 9, 2023, our inspiring free concert featured the haunting sounds of violins once played by the hands of Holocaust victims and survivors are juxtaposed against today’s pop, rap, hip-hop, jazz, and country music. In partnership with Chicago Cubs and Gallagher Way.
