Get ready for SPARK 2023
Fire up Flames! Are you ready for the lively performances at this year’s Spark?
Free for current UIC students, staff, and faculty, SPARK is UIC’s annual fall music festival that takes place right on campus at Harrison Field. Vanesa Velazquez, Assistant Director for the Center for Student Involvement, elaborates that, “SPARK offers a mix of entertainment for UIC’s diverse campus community. Students are able to enjoy live music, connect with their peers, and have fun for free.”
From Childish Gambino to Twenty One Pilots to H.E.R., each year’s performers truly know how to entertain UIC students and spark their excitement for the school year. Vanesa describes that the process of choosing performers is through the SPARK Student Planning Committee and UIC competitions. This year’s openers will feature DJERGO and Lavender Point, winners from UIC Radio’s DJ Battle and Battle of the Bands. Watch the Lavender Point Teaser for their upcoming music video. Meghna Dasgupta, student station manager at UIC Radio, has worked at SPARK the past two years. She and other members of the planning committee select a headlining artist and middle act every year, ensuring consideration of the student body. Get ready to hear trendy hits like “Caroline”, performed by rapper Aminé as the headliner, and “Photo ID” from the middle act, pop artist Remi Wolf!
Live performances are not the only thing to look forward to at SPARK. Each year, local and new food vendors are available, offering creative and diverse tastes to try. Similar to how performers are chosen, the planning committee also selects the vendors each year. Vanesa says, “We try to take into consideration the diverse tastes and preferences of UIC’s student body.” If you have ever wanted a tattoo, try out the free temporary spray paint tattoos that will be offered at this year’s SPARK. Additionally, get ready to pose for photo-ops, available near the block SPARK letters!
Meghna says, “It has been an amazing experience. Being able to put on this concert as part of the student body, which has been a staple event for over 10 years, is really rewarding.” For SPARK newcomers, Meghna recommends to be prepared to have a great time and enjoy fun music from student performers, Aminé, and Remi Wolf. Similarly, Vanesa recommends reading the tips on the SPARK website that includes FAQs such as parking information, how to RSVP, and other general guidelines for the event.
Additionally, VIP passes have been offered to students who follow UIC’s Center for Student Involvement’s social media pages–@UICCSI–and enter various raffles and giveaways found on their account. If you missed your chance to get a VIP pass, don’t forget to turn on notifications to stay updated for future events.
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SPARK is one of the most anticipated UIC community wide events. As a member of UIC, it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with peers, have fun, and look out for fellow members of the Flames community.