Plans are underway for a music festival honoring the five Dallas police officers who were killed July 7, 2016. 

Zak Chaouki was inspired to create the Dallas Strong Music Festival after watching the news unfold last year.

“I sat on my couch in Wisconsin, in absolute disbelief that I was witnessing such senseless violence becoming a devastating reality,” Chaouki said at the Tribute 7/7 Remembrance event, according to Billboard. “These officers, not a part of any controversy or conflict, were simply protecting one of the nation’s many beautiful cities.”

Zak Chaouki, creator of the Dallas Strong Music Festival, giving a speech during the tribute ceremony remembering the five police officers lost on 7/7/16. Click the image to watch the video.

The 19-year-old is president of Pacific Event Group, an LLC he formed for the Dallas event and future large scale charity music event planning. Dallas Strong Music Festival is set for May 25-27, 2018, at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park.

“Our mission is to spread love and kindness in the face of adversity while bringing Dallas and the nation together as one.” 

Zak Chaouki

Chaouki plans to donate two thirds of the proceeds to various charities. The major beneficiary of the event is Angels of America’s Fallen, a nonprofit that assists the children of fallen military and first responders.

The line-up for the concert will be announced closer to the event date, but should include a mix of genres such as pop, hip-hop, and country.

All ages are welcome. Chaouki hopes to make this an annual event to advocate for peace and love through music.

“Our mission is to spread love and kindness in the face of adversity while bringing Dallas and the nation together as one,” Chaouki told Billboard.

Pre-sale tickets will be available on Kickstarter. For more information about the event, visit dallasstrongfest.com. 

[Images via YouTube video]

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