New Teen Center Opens in Highland Park

Nova-HP, a newly opened teen center in downtown Highland Park, held its first concert Friday night, hosting local Spanish rock band JKZ.

The nonprofit organization, funded primarily by District 113 School Board member as well as some donations, plans to hold a concert series weekly on Friday nights.

JKZ hails from Highwood and recently won Battle of the Bands. The three Hernandezes in the band know each other through relation. Lead guitarist Ricardo Delgado joined the band several months ago after seeing them perform in Waukegan.

"We want to make this a place where they can come and perform and showcase their talents," said Nova-HP Director Zack Kovack.

Kovack stated the center has booked performances through August, mostly by word-of-mouth, after approaching a couple area high schools to let them know of the new venue and it's professional stage and sound system.

Nova-HP offers a variety of attractions besides live music for area high school kids, including an arts series, movie nights, sports, trips to attractions in the area and community service opportunities.

"I don't ever want anyone to think that we don't have something to offer them," Kovack said about the center. "We want this place to be as diverse as possible."