Fireworks light up the night at the inaugural Chi-Town Rising event on New Year’s Eve. (Courtesy of Chi-Town Rising)
Bronzeville native and rising rapper-singer Sir the Baptist, nightlife veteran DJ Sye Young and Blackhawks anthem singer Jim Cornelison will be ringing in 2017 at Chi-Town Rising, the downtown party billed as the city’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration, organizers announced this week.
In addition to shining a spotlight on local talent, the second annual event will feature L.A.-based indie pop band Saint Motel and Sheinelle Jones of NBC News’ “Weekend Today,” who will host the show with NBC 5’s Siafa Lewis and co-hosts Kye Martin, Alicia Romam, Marley Kayden and Byron Miranda.
A midnight countdown will feature a giant star ascending the Hyatt Regency Chicago–hence the “rising” in the event name–and a fireworks display over the Chicago River.
The event will again be broadcast live on NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago, which will feature hosts Penelope Menchaca of Telemundo’s "12 Corazones" and Telemundo Chicago’s Maria Elena Ponticiello. Lily Fragoso, Veronica Cruz and David Miranda will serve as co-hosts.
Chi-Town Rising starts at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 and occurs at multiple downtown locations including Pioneer Court and City Front Plaza, with musical performances directly in front of the Hyatt Regency Chicago (151 E. Upper Wacker Drive).
The event is free, but tickets are required to enter designated viewing areas; VIP upgrades are available (prices vary). Food and drink vendors will be on site. For more information, visit the event website.
Video: Phil Ponce speaks with Chi-Town Rising organizer John Murray ahead of last year’s inaugural event.
Follow Reuben Unrau on Twitter: @reubenunrau
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