Chefs Paul Kahan and Mario Batali will join forces at Chicago’s The Publican on March 15 for the Eighth Blackbird Benefit. The event, which raises funds in support of the musical arts of eighth blackbird, a traveling sextet of musicians, promises an evening of food, libations and live music.
The night will begin at Packer Schopf Gallery (942 W. Lake St.) featuring highlights of eighth blackbird’s 2009-10 touring program, featuring an exclusive arrangement from Wilco’s Glenn Kotche, along with Chef Batali on guitar.
After the performance, Kahan and Batali will whip up a five-course, music-themed meal at The Publican, with each chef preparing two courses, which will be followed by a dessert from the restaurant’s kitchen, all will be served with wine and beer pairings. The chefs will base their courses on the eighth blackbird compositions Catch, a few of These Broken Wings, Meanwhile, a bite of Spam and a serving of Still Life with Avalanche.
The concert will begin at 5:30 PM and will be followed by hors d’oeuvres and a Champagne reception at 7 PM at The Publican. Dinner begins at 7:30 PM. Guests will be able to participate in a silent auction of items donated by friends of eighth blackbird. The event will conclude at 10:30 PM, with The Publican’s cash bar open for another hour.
Tickets for the benefit are $250 per person and reservations are required. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.eighthblackbird.com/benefit/.
