The first six writers to be inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame will be announced Saturday, May 1, during a special benefit presentation and concert at the magnificent Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills, Illinois.
This special evening of words and music, hosted by the Chicago Writers Association, will feature appearances by acclaimed local authors Elizabeth Berg, Joe Meno, Sara Paretsky, Rosellen Brown and Achy Obejas. Marc Kelly Smith, creator and founder of the poetry slam movement, will emcee.
The night will also feature a concert at the Estate’s Music Theater by Jelani Eddington performing on the world’s largest restored theater pipe organ. The original theater organ, a 1927 Wurlitzer from the Omaha Theater, has been expanded and now controls 8,000 pipes, percussions and sound effects.
The Sanfilippo Estate, nicknamed Place de la Musique, is a 44,000-square-foot private residence filled with magnificent collections of beautifully restored antique music machines, chandeliers, art glass, the world’s largest restored theater pipe organ, the most spectacular European salon carousel in existence, street and clock towers, steam engines and other functional mechanical antiques. The Estate, owned by Jasper Sanfilippo, former CEO of the parent company of Fisher Nut, hosts charities holding fundraisers through the Sanfilippo Foundation. View a picture gallery of the Sanfilippo Estate or watch the WTTW Chicago Tonight video featuring the Sanfilippo Estate.
Doors will open at 6 p.m., at which time guests will be able to tour the Residence and its collections. The announcement ceremony will begin at 7:15, followed by the concert at 8 p.m. No food or drink is permitted inside the Estate. Attire is business casual.
Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are available online now: $55 for CWA members; $65 for non-members. NO TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR. Proceeds will benefit the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, a project of the nonprofit Chicago Writers Association. Plans are to hold an Academy Awards-style induction ceremony in Chicago later this year.
Directions to the Private Estate will be included with your ticket purchase. The Estate is about 45 minutes from Downtown Chicago.
***For those who decide to attend, let me know if you’re interested in meeting for dinner/drinks before or after the event.***