A Night of Spirits and Stories: Toasting “The Song of the Lush”

By Anushka Dabhade 

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a literary community in possession of a good thirst, must be in want of a perfectly balanced cocktail. On Saturday evening, February 28, the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame proved this maxim true once again with their latest fundraiser, "The Song of the Lush." Hosted at the historic and ornate Colvin House, the event was a masterful showcase of Chicago’s vibrant cocktail culture.

The evening began in the sun-drenched (and later candlelit) parlors of Colvin House, where guests were greeted with "Frenchmen Street" cocktails, a sophisticated riff on the French 75, and a champagne toast led by Rita Dragonette and Don Evans. The atmosphere was intentionally "classy," with many attendees embracing the 19th-century theme in their attire, adding a touch of Gilded Age elegance to the North Side. Since Willa Cather's novel got its title from a famous painting, some guests dressed to emulate other Art Institute pieces--intern Kayleigh McNamara, for example, copied Édouard Manet's "Woman Reading" (1882). Molly Sturdevant dressed as Albert Andre's "Woman Reading Before a Window" (1903); Kelsey Westenberg went as Camille Corot's "Interrupted Reading" (1870); and Don and Salli Berg Seeley copied the look of the couple at the diner counter in Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" (1942). 

The program, led by the witty duo of Michael Burke and Robert Charles, balanced humor with enchanted literary history. Between the scholarly insights of Jesse Raber, who explored Cather's relationship with Chicago, and a moving reading of the poem "The Song of the Lark" by Beatriz Badikian-Gartler, the night felt like a true celebration of diverse storytellers. Reflecting on the evening, Beatriz noted, "I love how this event cherishes literature and works of people. Thank you so much for giving me and my words a stage."

A major highlight was the "Professor of Cocktails," Ryan Prindle. From his meticulously balanced Verdita Margaritas to the final, brooding Black Manhattan served in the basement speakeasy, Ryan’s craft was on full display. He shared his philosophy that a perfect drink takes practice and repetition, a sentiment clearly appreciated by the "booklovers and boozers" in attendance. Liz Prindle, Ryan's wife, shared in the excitement: "I love this event. It does a great job in getting personalities, diversities and cultures together!"  

As I moved from the gilded upstairs parlors down to the cozy, candlelit speakeasy, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride in this city's literary community. I spent most of the night with a Black Manhattan in hand, trying to capture the magic of the evening. It was such a joy to see everyone so dressed up and engaged; it truly felt like stepping back in time.

As an Associate Board member, I felt the weight of the responsibility to capture this night, as Mike Burke jokingly warned the crowd, everyone had to be careful what they said to me the more they drank! Fellow Associate Board Member Jasminum McMullen summed up the feeling perfectly: "There's something for everyone who loves literature here. I'm excited to come here next year. I love being a part of this organization because it shows me a part of Chicago I might not be able to."

The evening was filled with memorable moments, notably the "Poems While You Wait" crew - Kathleen Rooney, Ola Faleti, Nidhi Singh, and Mel Satmar, who were on hand to type up custom poems on vintage typewriters, providing guests with a unique, tangible souvenir of the night. The atmosphere transitioned beautifully as the party moved to the speakeasy for dessert and the final drink, adding a wonderful layer of intimacy and mystery to the proceedings. Looking ahead, Mike Burke teased next year’s theme, "Heated Rivalry," promising a look into a "surprising" poetry slam rivalry between Don Evans and Randy Albers." 

The night concluded at 10 p.m. with a final thank you to the donors, volunteers, and the mighty crew at Colvin House who made this sixth annual cocktail party possible. Money raised from this party helps support the organization's robust programming throughout the year. If this year was any indication, the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame continues to be the heart of the city's bookish nightlife

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Anushka Dabhade is pursuing her MA in Writing and Publishing at DePaul University, where she also works as a Peer Writing Tutor at the DePaul Writing Center. She has published two novels, contributed more than 400 articles, and has had numerous poems featured in both national and international platforms. She has also interned with Another Chicago Magazine and served as an Associate Editor at Big Shoulders Books, acquiring and developing poetry for a global anthology. She has a Bookstagram as well (@nonifictions). Currently, she serves on the Associate Board of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, supporting events, editorial initiatives, and community engagement.