Deep Dish Music Festival

Music

Deep Dish Music Festival is an all-day invitational music festival for high school and community college ensembles to celebrate and cultivate their unique musical talents. Jonathan McReynolds, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician will be the guest artist for Columbia’s 8th annual Deep Dish Music Festival sponsored by Lou Malnati's on March 7, 2025.

The festival includes:

Performances of high school and community college ensembles adjudicated by Columbia faculty
Workshops led by Chicago music professionals on topics such as music technology, music business, and music theory specific to contemporary, jazz, and popular music
Master Classes with Jonathan McReynolds
A concert featuring Columbia's Jazz Ensemble directed by Scott Hall and the R&B Ensemble: Showcase directed by Cassandra O’Neal performing with Jonathan McReynolds
A special performance by Columbia's Fusion Ensemble directed by Bill Boris
And of course, plenty of Lou Malnati's pizza!

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician Jonathan McReynolds will adjudicate, perform, and lead a workshop for festival attendees.

What was born in his dorm room in the presence of a few friends has graduated to Christian music’s biggest stage. Born and raised on the South side of Chicago – Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and musician – Jonathan McReynolds is celebrated around the world for his soulful voice, soothing tone, and honest, inspirational lyrics. McReynolds has won multiple awards including 15 Stellars, 4 Doves, and BMI’s coveted Songwriter of the Year.

Jonathan has earned a record six straight #1 radio singles and multiple number one albums. He recently starred in the BET Original Movie “Favorite Son” and starred as a judge in two seasons of the BET hit TV series “Sunday Best”. Beyond his musical achievements, Jonathan is a dedicated mentor and educator. Committed to using his platform to encourage personal growth and spiritual development, Jonathan continues to be a light within the music industry and the world at large through intentional living, and integrity-based principles.

Application and Fees
These are costs for the 2025 festival. Prices include participation in the day’s events, including adjudication of submissions, workshops, master class, and all performances.

• 1 – 9 ensemble members: $200• 10 – 15 ensemble members: $300• 16 – 25 Ensemble Members: $400

Some scholarships are available! Please indicate whether you'd like to be considered for a scholarship on your application.

Deep Dish Music Festival 2025 Application
About the Music Department
Columbia College Chicago's Music programs focus on contemporary, urban, jazz and popular music, and the creation of original musical work for the stage, screen and beyond. In core classes, students learn theory, composition, improvisation, arranging, technology, history, analysis, and aural skills. Instrumental, vocal, and composition private lessons complete the curriculum, designed to prepare students for collaborative music-making experiences in ensembles that play a variety of styles and genres, including the performance of original student generated songs, compositions, and productions.

Learn more about Music at Columbia.