On May 20, Season of Concern, in partnership with She Inspires Productions, held a sprawling concert benefit with Second City Divas at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave.
The event served as a reunion for many vocalists, theater performers, and cabaret artists who had participated in previous Season of Concern benefits. More than 30 performers covered a wide range of music, including standards from the Gershwins, James Taylor, Stephen Sondheim, Sting and the Disney songbook, among others. The event also featured a raffle, a surprise auction, and a post show reception.
Season of Concern primarily assists theater performers in times of financial hardship.
Among the performers May 20 were Liz Pazik, Iris Lieberman, Cheryl Avery, Cory Goodrich, Isabelle Andrews and Lydia Burke.
Numerous surprises popped up throughout the evening. Incoming Season of Concern President Malkia Stampley toasted outgoing President Luther Goins with a heartfelt rendition of George and Ira Gershwin’s “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” Composer Michael Mahler popped up to accompany members of the cast on his song, “The Chicago Kind (Season of Concern)” which he wrote especially for the occasion. There was also a heartfelt remembrance and tribute to Chicago vocalist and actress Hollis Resnik culminating in a group performance of one of Resnik’s favorite songs, Sting’s “Fields of Gold.”
Board member Mark David Kaplin had a high old-time announcing raffle winners, but when he got to the auction, he went into overdrive. The prize was a custom dinner for eight cooked at home by Steve McDonagh of the Hearty Boys. The bidding got so fierce between the two rivals that McDonagh elected to offer the prize to both contestants.
