Riot Fest co-founder says ‘unfair’ process drove event out of Douglass Park

“It was the hardest decision I have ever made in my life.”

Riot Fest co-founder Michael “Riot Mike” Petryshyn was emotional at times Wednesday as he spoke exclusively to the Chicago Sun-Times about the event’s departure from Chicago.

After nearly 10 years at Douglass Park and three more before that at Humboldt Park, with both venues generating pushback from the community, Riot Fest is moving to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, its producers announced Wednesday. These big changes are accompanied by an all-new “RiotLand” concept, with dozens of unique attractions and an immersive “Choose Your Own Adventure” world that make it a true destination experience.

This interview with Petryshyn has been edited for clarity and length.

Q. When did you start considering SeatGeek Stadium as a venue choice, and what ultimately led to ending the relationship with the Chicago Park District?

A. When I finally made my decision, it was about a month ago. However, the seed was sown in April. I had enough. I was tired of (the Chicago Park District) moving the goalpost on us (with approvals). ^{I was tired of being misrepresented. I was tired of seeing a community in which we have deep roots go unsupported. … It’s never been an easy relationship. I always felt like the attitude was, “Little old Riot Fest, who cares?” … My heart is always with the fans, with the bands, and I believe everyone is welcome at Riot Fest. I’m a guy whose musical catalog only says one word: unity. And I saw them prevent that.}

It’s the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life. This isn’t just about moving a location, and it would have been, in many ways, much easier to re-submit to an unfair and senseless process, judged by people who have never set foot in it. in North Lawndale. … But I think it was the right decision. … We’re showing a side of ourselves that no one has ever seen, because we weren’t allowed to for so long. … As soon as I entered these grounds (at SeatGeek Stadium), I saw everything I had in mind on the RiotLand map.

Q. What were the obstacles with the Chicago Park District and the “delays” that the 24^th Neighborhood Ald. Did Monique Scott explain in her letter of support for Riot Fest?

A. (The Chicago Park District) has started moving the approval timeline to us again. What was supposed to be April became May…even though we followed all the guidelines. But there’s a story to it, it’s a repeating pattern. …I saw it as a series of broken promises. …Imagine even on a small scale, imagine going to a 500 seat venue with a show in four months, and everything is planned out, all your marketing, how you’re going to launch, everything is timed and then you find out you have to move everything — and multiply it by a festival. … This is not the first time, and I believe (the process) was used against us.

Q. Would Riot Fest not happen this year because of these delays?

A. No, it was never like that. In the end, two options were on the table. One would be a step and a repetition of the repetitive pattern where we know a process is not fair, which takes a toll on people and on us, because we absorb everything. …The other (option) was to go somewhere where people wanted you, saying, ‘Here’s a blank canvas, guys. It reminded me of my beginnings in the early days of Riot. … Just like when we took it to Humboldt Park (in 2012), just like we did to Congress Theater in 2005, RiotLand is built the same way. In many ways, it’s Riot Fest that’s surrounded by a city and I can’t wait for people to explore it.

Q. Did you look at other sites in the city before settling on Bridgeview?

A. We looked everywhere (who had the) capacity, traffic patterns, everything. And what would make the most sense and allow us to build something like RiotLand. It was just good. And it’s great when people see value in you; it’s a new feeling. Like, “Wow, are we really wanted? » Because we didn’t do anything wrong. We are good people.

Q. RiotLand’s build looks massive. Will it end up costing you more?

Q. I think in the end it’s pretty much the same. Or in the same stadium. It’s interesting, isn’t it?

Q. Even though you will be on the grounds, Seat Geek Stadium is a venue and not a park. What does the infrastructure offer that you didn’t have before for Riot Fest?

A. Number one, it has parking. Number two, there are hotels everywhere and it’s a few miles from Midway. And many transportation and shuttle options are being developed, details of which will be announced soon. (A Riot Fest representative also confirmed that Pace Transit is working on expanded service over the weekend, a normal process for special events.) …The other big improvement is that we’re back to five main stages…five life-size main stages, which is good because there’s a lot of depth to this year’s lineup.

Q. In your letter you state: “We are not abandoning the community here (in Douglass Park)…we are taking them on this journey as well. How do you plan to become a part of the North Lawndale community in the future?

A. I love Douglass Park, it is so connected to our history. … The only difference between what we did last year and this year is that there will be no festival inside the park. But we do job fairs and other community initiatives, and everything we promised before this (venue) decision was made, we deliver.

Q. What do you see as the future of Riot Fest?

A. I think and hope that we will attract new fans and those who have been with us. And I hope that next year and the year after that, we’ll talk about Riot Fest and RiotLand again like we do now. I think this idea has legs.