The Song of the Lush: CLHOF’s Annual Cocktail Party Fundraiser

The theme of this year's cocktail fundraiser is a play on Willa Cather's great 1915 novel, The Song of the Lark, a title which is taken from Jules Breton's 1884 painting. In the novel, Thea Kronberg, a voice artist prodigy, has moved to Chicago to further her training as an opera singer; once there, she finds inspiration in the Art Institute's modern painting collection, specifically the Breton painting. This is a costume-optional party; those wishing to dress to theme might pick any Art Institute painting (especially with writerly or Chicago ties) and emulate the characters within. There will be food and, of course, cocktails. Mixologist Ryan Prindle will create a special drink menu and explain how they're made. Michael Burke and Robert Charles will lead a brief program highlighting aspects of the Cather novel, including short remarks by scholars John Flannigan and Jesse Raber. Rita Dragonette will give a toast. The Poems While You Wait team will be there to fulfill your requests. The registration fee of $125 covers all food, drink and entertainment for the evening, and benefits the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. Registration is now open.