Long-time Highland Park resident and Smashing Pumpkings frontman Billy Corgan, along with his partner Chloe Mendel, have announced a livestream charity show that will raise money for July 4 Highland Park shooting victims and their families.
The show titled “Together and Together Again,” is set to take place on Wednesday, July 27, at Madame Zuzu’s Plantbased Emporium, the couple’s tea house in Highland Park. It will be live-streamed free at 8 p.m. CST on the Smashing Pumpkins’ YouTube channel, where viewers can make donations.
All proceeds from the show will benefit the Highland Park Community Foundation’s July 4th Shooting Response Fund. The Response Fund will go directly to victims and survivors or the organizations that support them.
The show will include performances by Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, and Jazz saxophonist Frank Catalano. More special guests will be announced in the coming days.
In a Instagram post with Mendel, Corgan said “There are so many people here affected by this tragedy. It’s very close to our hearts and we hope you’ll participate and support as well.”
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Corgan was born in Chicago and grew up in Glendale Heights. He is an advocate for abuse support networks and animals rights, frequently raising awareness and support for PAWS Chicago.
He has lived in Highland Park for 20 years, raising his two children Augustus and Philomena with his partner Mendel, who is also a musician and a designer. In 2020 they reopened Madame Zuzu’s in their current location on 1st Street, having previously closed their first location after six years for being “forced to move.”
Other Celebrities Offering Support
In the wake of the shooting, high-profile celebrities with ties to Highland have spoken out.
Rachel Brosnahan, star of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” was raised in Highland Park. “I grew up in Highland Park and this parade is a highlight of the year for so many families,“ Brosnahan tweeted. “I’m sick to my stomach every time news like this comes out, but I don’t wish the pit in your stomach as you call your family and friends to make sure everyone is okay on anyone. No words.”
Enough is enough is enough is enough is enough is enough is enough is enough is enough.https://t.co/3xtcyHbyyw
— Rachel Brosnahan (@RachelBros) July 4, 2022
Singer Richard Marx also grew up in Highland Park. “My heart is always broken by these constant mass shootings no matter where they occur but today I’m extra heartbroken. And extra angry at the senselessness,” Marx wrote on Twitter.
Ken Olin, TV Producer of “This Is Us” and “Brothers & Sisters” actor, wished all children “could have a childhood as idyllic as mine was growing up in Highland Park.”
I’ve always wished that every child in the world could have a childhood as idyllic as mine was growing up in Highland Park, Il. I was so incredibly fortunate. And today I’m shattered because even in Highland Park children aren’t safe from America’s gun disease.
— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) July 4, 2022
More ways to help the Highland Park community, victims and those injured:
- Remembering the Victims of the Highland Park Fourth of July Parade Shooting
- Highland Park Fourth of July Parade Shooting: Remembering the Victims, Supporting Survivors and Ways to Help Stop Gun Violence
- 4 Steps to Take to Support the Fight Against Gun Violence
