Friday night's fund-raiser for the Union League Civic and Arts Foundation's jazz programs, titled "Hot Tunes on a Cool Night," drew some 115 guests to the Union League Club of Chicago.
Pianist Reginald Robinson, who received a scholarship grant from the foundation in 2001, played two original compositions, while the nine-piece, all-female KCR Ensemble performed throughout the event, leading napkin-twirling guests in a conga line to "When the Saints Go Marching In" at the close of the evening.
The benefit served as a kickoff for the organization's Vision at 60 Initiative, which is "a yearlong effort with the goals of finding new ways to serve young, emerging artists" and celebrating the foundation's 60th anniversary, said William Richards, managing director of BNR Partners LLC and chair of the Vision at 60 Initiative.
Of launching the initiative in the current economic climate, Richards said, "There is an increased need for services to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and jobs. Since the foundation's goals are to develop and support art and civic responsibility for children and young adults in the city, the challenge will be to maintain our visibility and relevance during these times."
Throughout the year, the foundation will publicize its programs through events such as a February 18 jazz scholarship competition at Buddy Guy's Legends, a Hollywood-themed anniversary ball in April, and a visual-arts exhibition and reception in June.
