Indianapolis, Indiana — On Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Fountain Square neighborhood in Indianapolis pulsed with music, dance, and community spirit as the Chreece Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary. What began as a grassroots effort in 2015 by musician Sean “Oreo” Jones to raise money for the nonprofit Musical Family Tree has now grown into one of the Midwest’s most influential cultural events. The festival, known for its celebration of hip-hop in all its forms, brought together more than 70 artists across seven venues for an all-day celebration that drew thousands of fans to the heart of the city.
Chreece has always been about more than just live performances. Its name, a blend of “cheers” and “peace,” captures its essence: a space where the community comes together to celebrate artistry, collaboration, and creative resilience. For ten years, the festival has elevated Indianapolis’ reputation as a hub for hip-hop while fostering opportunities for both rising local stars and nationally recognized performers. The 2025 lineup reflected this balance, showcasing major headliners such as Smino, MAVI, and Audrey Nuna alongside homegrown acts like the hip-hop trio 81355, offering audiences a rare blend of national talent and regional pride.
Since its inception, Chreece has been closely tied to the growth of Indianapolis’ music scene. Many of the city’s most beloved artists, including Flacoisbored, Sirius Blvck, Drayco McCoy, and Mathaius Young, once graced its stages as relative newcomers before becoming household names among local fans. This ability to spotlight emerging talent and provide them with a professional platform has distinguished the festival as a launchpad for careers. Jones himself has emphasized that Chreece is not his personal project, but rather the city’s festival, meant to reflect the collective voice of its creative community.
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The festival has not been without challenges. A three-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to pause live events, but rather than fade, Chreece emerged stronger. During that time, the team introduced the DJ Indiana Jones Scholarship in honor of Ron Miner, a beloved local DJ and festival leader who passed away in 2020. The scholarship has continued to support aspiring musicians in Indianapolis, ensuring Miner’s legacy lives on while affirming Chreece’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. This gesture demonstrated that the festival’s impact extends far beyond its stages, into the long-term development of the region’s cultural ecosystem.
For attendees, Chreece is more than a concert—it is a full community experience. Fountain Square was transformed into a block-party style venue, with art installations, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and independent merchants selling fashion and crafts. Streets including Virginia Avenue, Woodlawn Avenue, St. Patrick Street, and Shelby Street were closed from early morning to accommodate the crowds, giving festivalgoers free reign to walk between stages, shop, and enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere. General admission tickets remained accessible, while VIP and family-pack options ensured the event could be enjoyed by a wide range of audiences.
The lineup reflected the festival’s growing prominence. Smino, the St. Louis rapper known for his innovative style, drew one of the day’s largest crowds, while Audrey Nuna brought her unique blend of rap and R&B to an audience eager for fresh sounds. MAVI, whose socially conscious lyrics have earned him critical acclaim, also commanded attention, while Indianapolis-based artists used the opportunity to connect with larger audiences. Performers like Joosi Got Bars, who has described her annual appearance at Chreece as her own personal “Super Bowl,” highlighted what the festival means for local artists striving for recognition. For many, the chance to take part is as much about validation as exposure.
Elected officials and civic leaders have also taken notice of Chreece’s cultural impact. Congressman Andre Carson praised the festival for its role in promoting Black artistry and for anchoring Indianapolis’ growing creative economy. His remarks underscored the way Chreece has become more than entertainment—it has become an institution with political, cultural, and social significance. For the city, the festival has become a flagship event that underscores Indianapolis’ place in the national conversation about hip-hop and urban creativity.
Looking back over ten years, Chreece has grown from a modest fundraiser into a cornerstone of Indiana’s music identity. Its endurance is a testament to the city’s hunger for cultural events that celebrate diversity, innovation, and community spirit. As it moves into its second decade, the festival appears poised to expand its reach even further, continuing to honor its roots while exploring new ways to serve both artists and audiences. Whether through scholarships, expanded programming, or deeper partnerships with civic institutions, Chreece has firmly established itself as a cultural anchor for Indianapolis.
For the thousands who filled Fountain Square this summer, the 10th anniversary festival was not only a celebration of hip-hop, but a reminder of the power of music to unite communities, elevate underrepresented voices, and build lasting traditions. Ten years on, Chreece is no longer just a festival—it is a legacy in the making.