Kenzie Roman joins Windy City Weekend to talk Lollapalooza and other events around Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Five years ago today, our very own Val Warner tied the knot in Cancun, Mexico! She is currently back where it all happened, celebrating this milestone with her husband, Jobba.

Our Ryan Chiaverini was also there in 2021, serving as the officiant for the wedding. But Val and Jobba aren't the only couple Ryan officiated for. In fact, the bride from one of the weddings is in our State Street studio on Friday!

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Kenzie Roman fills in for Val this week on Windy City Weekend for a fun-filled Friday.

Chicago is buzzing as Lollapalooza takes over Grant Park, and Kenzie has been in on the action. She was there as the gates opened Thursday morning, and she is making her way back there tonight! Our hosts discuss whether there's an appropriate age group of Lolla and so much more!

It's a whole lot of laughter, Lolla and love this week on Windy! Now, love... it really makes people do interesting things. For parents, that usually means doing everything they can to protect their kids, and in today's social media age, many parents are taking that protection online. More and more moms and dads are sharing photos of their children while covering their faces with hearts, emojis, or blur filters to keep their identities private. Hear what our hosts have to say about it!

Sisterhood Conference

If you're a woman looking to learn more about entrepreneurship, mentorship or what it takes to be your own boss, then our next guest has a message for you!

Amber Farooqui joins our hosts to talk about her fifth annual Sisterhood Conference. Farooqui has created a space where woman can come and find a sense of community all while gaining the inspiration and tools needed to strive for something more.

Farooqui began her journey in entrepreneurship at just 16 years old and has grown and scaled many businesses since. She stops by to share her story and more on this year's conference.

The 2026 Sisterhood Conference will be held at Belvedere Banquets on Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8. Kenzie will serve as emcee for the event, and attendees can expect to hear from a lineup of inspiring women.

For tickets, visit The 2026 Sisterhood Conference.

BabatundeHipHopera

Hip-hop and opera aren't two genres you typically hear together, until now!

Babatunde HipHopera went viral after posting a video of himself singing opera to a hip-hop beat in his car. His love for both musical styles inspired him to turn his passion into something truly special.

He took the Windy stage for a special preview of what fans can expect from his HipHopera Tour.

You can also catch Babatunde HipHopera live on Monday, Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the City Winery Chicago. For ticket information, visit Babatunde HipHopera: The HipHopera Tour | City Winery Chicago.

Bud BillikenParade

With the 97th Bud Billiken Parade just around the corner, we're shining a spotlight on some of the talented dancers preparing for the big day. Empire Dance Institute is one of the many Chicago dance teams gearing up for the annual dance competition.

A team with incredible spirit is now performing for something bigger. The team will be honoring the memory of two teammates who lost their lives in a tragic car accident this year.

Watch Empire Dance Institute on the road at this year's Bud Billiken Parade, hosted by Cheryl Burton, Hosea Sanders, and Val Warner with Karan Jordan and Terrel Brown. Tune in Saturday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. on ABC7 Chicago!

For more on Babatunde's music and upcoming EP, visit: https://www.indiegogo.com/en/creators/babatundeakinboboye.