17-Apr-17 – Four acoustic guitarists are in the running to live rent-free at a new apartment tower in River North but there can be only one. They will perform Thursday before celebrity judges and a winner will be chosen for the year-long gig, entertaining and instructing other residents 8-10 hours per week.

Management at the 34-story 298-unit Exhibit on Superior says they heard from musicians “all over the Midwest and beyond” but the four finalists are all based in Chicago.

“We were blown away by the level of talent displayed in the submissions we received,” said property manager Deanna Yates. “We would be lucky to secure any of the four finalists as our in-house musician. Their musical prowess and charisma will surely meet our goal of providing an unmatched amenity for residents with frequent, live entertainment.”

Finalists will perform in an amenity space on the fifth floor of the apartment building called Howie’s, named for the Howard Johnson Inn that was demolished so that Exhibit on Superior could be built. Judges include a former contestant of the television series The Voice and a soccer player for Chicago Fire.

Magellan Development Group, the building’s developer, has a musician-in-residence at its property in Nashville and will use the Chicago experience to help expand the idea into other markets.

And the winner is…Jeremy Gentry Gentry will live at Exhibit on Superior rent-free for one year in exchange for being the apartment building’s “musician-in-residence.” More than 75 guests watched four finalists – Lizette Capili, Molly Coleman, Gentry, and Phillip-Michael Scales – play one song each for celebrity judges. “This really is a dream come true,” said Gentry (left). “Without having the burden of a monthly rent expense, I can focus my energy on what I’m truly passionate about while living with my audience in an exceptionally cool space.” Photo by Barry Brecheisen