Opening Night for the Chicago Irish Film Festival presents the Midwest Premier of Verdigris, the debut feature by Director Patricia Kelly, who will be in attendance.

The film stars Geraldine McAlinden and Maya O'Shea as a census worker and abandoned inner-city teen who form a unique and unexpected bond. This poignant film invites you to share in the power of the ties that bind us.

Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Theatre on the Lake, 2401 N. Fullerton @ Lake Shore Drive

Aloft Chicago Mag Mile Hotel

Following the show, enjoy one (1) night at the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile Hotel (243 E. Ontario)
Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024
Location: 243 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
Includes: Deluxe King Bedroom and Breakfast for 2 in the Lobby Lounge (note: does not include parking)

Enjoy one (1) night of superior accommodations at The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel Chicago (521 N Rush St) and dinner at Pizzeria Portofino with a $100 gift card!

The Gwen is a launchpad for all of Chicago's most iconic sights and experiences, plus an abundance of hidden gems and lesser-known spots for those who like to explore like a local. A stay at The Gwen makes spontaneous possible, with the best of the city just steps away. Your stay is subject to availability and may not be valid during certain blackout dates.

Pizzeria Portofino, a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.

Enjoy dinner before the game or drinks after the game with a $100 gift certificate to Bub City!

Take advantage of this one (1) night stay at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk with a $100 gift card to RPM Steak and a Vera Bradley Grand Weekender Travel Bag!

Situated in an ideal location in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Sheraton is close to many attractions including Navy Pier and Millennium Park. If shopping is on the agenda, guests can shop along the Magnificent Mile, discover emerging artists in local gallery districts, or experience some of the best live theater in the country.

If food is what you're after, foodies everywhere know it doesn't get any better than Chicago. The hotel offers six distinct restaurants and lounges, including Shula's Steakhouse, a handsomely appointed steak house with a reputation for perfection; ChiBar, adjacent to the
lobby overlooking the Chicago River; a tasty "build your own burger" spot, the Chicago Burger Company is located on the Riverwalk level of the hotel and has spectacular views of the Chicago River. Other dining establishments available at the Sheraton include the Riverside Cafe and Link @ Sheraton Cafe."

Your stay is valid until February 1, 2025, and is subject to availability. May not be valid during certain blackout dates, including NYE.

RPM Steak is an updated take on the classic steakhouse and features nearly two dozen different cuts of beef sourced from the finest butchers across the globe. Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood.

Two (2) tickets to the Broadway in Chicago show, Message in a Bottle, on February 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM and $300 gift certificate to The Dearborn.

Message in a Bottle is based on the songs of Sting!

Two (2) tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago that includes a tour of Chicago highlights with Nora Gainer '88 and a $100 credit at The Gage restaurant.

About The Gage

The Iconic Michigan Avenue Gastropub has become a favorite of locals and visitors worldwide. The restaurant serves refined, rustic fare complemented by an innovative libations program in a lively, convivial setting. Recently celebrating over ten years in business, The Gage continues to be both a respected classic and an innovative leader on Chicago's dining scene.

About the Art Institute of Chicago

Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago, home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe-and one of Tripadvisor's "Best of the Best" US attractions of 2023.

Two (2) tickets to an upcoming Music of the Baroque concert at the Harris Theatre and a five course dinner with wine pairings and cocktail start for two at Acanto Restaurant.

About Acanto

Across from Millennium Park and situated along Chicago's Cultural Mile, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar is a treasured destination for those who appreciate authentic and approachable Italian food in a conversation-friendly atmosphere. The menu spans both North and South Italy and includes handcrafted pastas, stone oven pizzas, daily salad and entrée specials.

About Music of the Baroque

Long recognized as one of the region's top classical groups, Music of the Baroque's professional chorus and orchestra is one of the leading ensembles in the country devoted to the performance of eighteenth-century works. The ensemble has drawn particular praise throughout its history for its performances of the major choral and orchestral works of J. S. Bach and Handel, Mozart, and Haydn.

Two (2) tickets to the Lyric Opera of Chicago to a show of your choice! Choose from Cinderella, Champion or Aida!

Cinderella
Gioachino Rossini
Show Dates: January 21 - February 10, 2024
Rossini's enchanting fairytale heroine returns to the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage in classic style. Cinderella (La Cenerentola) tells the story of the downtrodden daughter of a selfish father, Don Magnifico. When Prince Ramiro (disguised as his own valet, Dandini) meets her, they fall instantly in love, leading - after a few complications - to a heartwarming happy ending. Rossini's score provides endless sparkle, with Cenerentola's and Ramiro's arias abounding in fabulous vocal virtuosity. There's also hilarity, thanks to the antics of Magnifico and Dandini. Two rising stars, Vasilisa Berzhanskaya and Jack Swanson, will be joined by the incomparable Alessandro Corbelli to lead Lyric's cast in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's world-famous production led by the exciting Taiwanese conductor Yi-Chen Lin.

Champion
An opera by Terence Blanchard. Libretto by Michael Cristofer
Show Dates: January 27 - February 11, 2024
Lyric Opera of Chicago welcomes Champion, the first opera written by composer Terence Blanchard. Based on a true story and featuring a libretto by Michael Cristofer; the drama unfolds in what composer Terence Blanchard calls "an opera in jazz." Welterweight boxer Emile Griffith is tortured by the complex realities of his life: decades-long guilt from defeating a challenger in the ring, who died from Griffith's blows; and desperately conflicted feelings regarding his own sexuality. James Robinson's production arrives in Chicago with a remarkable cast. Joining Lyric favorites Reginald Smith, Jr., Whitney Morrison, and Paul Groves is Justin Austin, a brilliant new star who triumphed in Fire Shut Up in My Bones, with Music Director Enrique Mazzola leading the Lyric Opera Orchestra. Content advisory: Champion is about the life of Emile Griffith. In the telling of this complex story, Champion contains mature themes including physical violence, profanity, sexually explicit language,and homophobic slurs.

Aida
Giuseppe Verdi
Show Dates: March 9 - April 7, 2024
Opera at its grandest! While Aida delights audiences with its visual splendor, it also captivates them with a score ranging from exquisitely intimate arias to deeply dramatic duets and trios, and the most thrilling choruses Verdi ever composed. At Lyric Opera of Chicago, each of the five principal artists boasts not only a sumptuously beautiful voice, but also the charismatic presence to bring these characters and the opera's story of a riveting love triangle vividly to life. Conducting Francesca Zambello's striking production will be Music Director Enrique Mazzola, acknowledged internationally as an exceptionally authoritative Verdian.

Two (2) tickets to the Lyric Opera of Chicago to a show of your choice! Choose from Cinderella, Champion or Aida!

Cinderella
Gioachino Rossini
Show Dates: January 21 - February 10, 2024
Rossini's enchanting fairytale heroine returns to the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage in classic style. Cinderella (La Cenerentola) tells the story of the downtrodden daughter of a selfish father, Don Magnifico. When Prince Ramiro (disguised as his own valet, Dandini) meets her, they fall instantly in love, leading - after a few complications - to a heartwarming happy ending. Rossini's score provides endless sparkle, with Cenerentola's and Ramiro's arias abounding in fabulous vocal virtuosity. There's also hilarity, thanks to the antics of Magnifico and Dandini. Two rising stars, Vasilisa Berzhanskaya and Jack Swanson, will be joined by the incomparable Alessandro Corbelli to lead Lyric's cast in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's world-famous production led by the exciting Taiwanese conductor Yi-Chen Lin.

Champion
An opera by Terence Blanchard. Libretto by Michael Cristofer
Show Dates: January 27 - February 11, 2024
Lyric Opera of Chicago welcomes Champion, the first opera written by composer Terence Blanchard. Based on a true story and featuring a libretto by Michael Cristofer; the drama unfolds in what composer Terence Blanchard calls "an opera in jazz." Welterweight boxer Emile Griffith is tortured by the complex realities of his life: decades-long guilt from defeating a challenger in the ring, who died from Griffith's blows; and desperately conflicted feelings regarding his own sexuality. James Robinson's production arrives in Chicago with a remarkable cast. Joining Lyric favorites Reginald Smith, Jr., Whitney Morrison, and Paul Groves is Justin Austin, a brilliant new star who triumphed in Fire Shut Up in My Bones, with Music Director Enrique Mazzola leading the Lyric Opera Orchestra. Content advisory: Champion is about the life of Emile Griffith. In the telling of this complex story, Champion contains mature themes including physical violence, profanity, sexually explicit language, and homophobic slurs.

Aida
Giuseppe Verdi
Show Dates: March 9 - April 7, 2024
Opera at its grandest! While Aida delights audiences with its visual splendor, it also captivates them with a score ranging from exquisitely intimate arias to deeply dramatic duets and trios, and the most thrilling choruses Verdi ever composed. At Lyric Opera of Chicago, each of the five principal artists boasts not only a sumptuously beautiful voice, but also the charismatic presence to bring these characters and the opera's story of a riveting love triangle vividly to life. Conducting Francesca Zambello's striking production will be Music Director Enrique Mazzola, acknowledged internationally as an exceptionally authoritative Verdian.

Two (2) tickets to the Lyric Opera of Chicago to a show of your choice! Choose from Cinderella, Champion or Aida!

Cinderella
Gioachino Rossini
Show Dates: January 21 - February 10, 2024
Rossini's enchanting fairytale heroine returns to the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage in classic style. Cinderella (La Cenerentola) tells the story of the downtrodden daughter of a selfish father, Don Magnifico. When Prince Ramiro (disguised as his own valet, Dandini) meets her, they fall instantly in love, leading - after a few complications - to a heartwarming happy ending. Rossini's score provides endless sparkle, with Cenerentola's and Ramiro's arias abounding in fabulous vocal virtuosity. There's also hilarity, thanks to the antics of Magnifico and Dandini. Two rising stars, Vasilisa Berzhanskaya and Jack Swanson, will be joined by the incomparable Alessandro Corbelli to lead Lyric's cast in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's world-famous production led by the exciting Taiwanese conductor Yi-Chen Lin.

Champion
An opera by Terence Blanchard. Libretto by Michael Cristofer
Show Dates: January 27 - February 11, 2024
Lyric Opera of Chicago welcomes Champion, the first opera written by composer Terence Blanchard. Based on a true story and featuring a libretto by Michael Cristofer; the drama unfolds in what composer Terence Blanchard calls "an opera in jazz." Welterweight boxer Emile Griffith is tortured by the complex realities of his life: decades-long guilt from defeating a challenger in the ring, who died from Griffith's blows; and desperately conflicted feelings regarding his own sexuality. James Robinson's production arrives in Chicago with a remarkable cast. Joining Lyric favorites Reginald Smith, Jr., Whitney Morrison, and Paul Groves is Justin Austin, a brilliant new star who triumphed in Fire Shut Up in My Bones, with Music Director Enrique Mazzola leading the Lyric Opera Orchestra. Content advisory: Champion is about the life of Emile Griffith. In the telling of this complex story, Champion contains mature themes including physical violence, profanity, sexually explicit language, and homophobic slurs.

Aida
Giuseppe Verdi
Show Dates: March 9 - April 7, 2024
Opera at its grandest! While Aida delights audiences with its visual splendor, it also captivates them with a score ranging from exquisitely intimate arias to deeply dramatic duets and trios, and the most thrilling choruses Verdi ever composed. At Lyric Opera of Chicago, each of the five principal artists boasts not only a sumptuously beautiful voice, but also the charismatic presence to bring these characters and the opera's story of a riveting love triangle vividly to life. Conducting Francesca Zambello's striking production will be Music Director Enrique Mazzola, acknowledged internationally as an exceptionally authoritative Verdian.

Two (2) tickets to the Lyric Opera of Chicago to a show of your choice! Choose from Cinderella, Champion or Aida!

Cinderella
Gioachino Rossini
Show Dates: January 21 - February 10, 2024
Rossini's enchanting fairytale heroine returns to the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage in classic style. Cinderella (La Cenerentola) tells the story of the downtrodden daughter of a selfish father, Don Magnifico. When Prince Ramiro (disguised as his own valet, Dandini) meets her, they fall instantly in love, leading - after a few complications - to a heartwarming happy ending. Rossini's score provides endless sparkle, with Cenerentola's and Ramiro's arias abounding in fabulous vocal virtuosity. There's also hilarity, thanks to the antics of Magnifico and Dandini. Two rising stars, Vasilisa Berzhanskaya and Jack Swanson, will be joined by the incomparable Alessandro Corbelli to lead Lyric's cast in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's world-famous production led by the exciting Taiwanese conductor Yi-Chen Lin.

Champion
An opera by Terence Blanchard. Libretto by Michael Cristofer
Show Dates: January 27 - February 11, 2024
Lyric Opera of Chicago welcomes Champion, the first opera written by composer Terence Blanchard. Based on a true story and featuring a libretto by Michael Cristofer; the drama unfolds in what composer Terence Blanchard calls "an opera in jazz." Welterweight boxer Emile Griffith is tortured by the complex realities of his life: decades-long guilt from defeating a challenger in the ring, who died from Griffith's blows; and desperately conflicted feelings regarding his own sexuality. James Robinson's production arrives in Chicago with a remarkable cast. Joining Lyric favorites Reginald Smith, Jr., Whitney Morrison, and Paul Groves is Justin Austin, a brilliant new star who triumphed in Fire Shut Up in My Bones, with Music Director Enrique Mazzola leading the Lyric Opera Orchestra. Content advisory: Champion is about the life of Emile Griffith. In the telling of this complex story, Champion contains mature themes including physical violence, profanity, sexually explicit language, and homophobic slurs.

Aida
Giuseppe Verdi
Show Dates: March 9 - April 7, 2024
Opera at its grandest! While Aida delights audiences with its visual splendor, it also captivates them with a score ranging from exquisitely intimate arias to deeply dramatic duets and trios, and the most thrilling choruses Verdi ever composed. At Lyric Opera of Chicago, each of the five principal artists boasts not only a sumptuously beautiful voice, but also the charismatic presence to bring these characters and the opera's story of a riveting love triangle vividly to life. Conducting Francesca Zambello's striking production will be Music Director Enrique Mazzola, acknowledged internationally as an exceptionally authoritative Verdian.

Two (2) tickets to the Lyric Opera of Chicago to a show of your choice! Choose from Cinderella, Champion or Aida!

Cinderella
Gioachino Rossini
Show Dates: January 21 - February 10, 2024
Rossini's enchanting fairytale heroine returns to the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage in classic style. Cinderella (La Cenerentola) tells the story of the downtrodden daughter of a selfish father, Don Magnifico. When Prince Ramiro (disguised as his own valet, Dandini) meets her, they fall instantly in love, leading - after a few complications - to a heartwarming happy ending. Rossini's score provides endless sparkle, with Cenerentola's and Ramiro's arias abounding in fabulous vocal virtuosity. There's also hilarity, thanks to the antics of Magnifico and Dandini. Two rising stars, Vasilisa Berzhanskaya and Jack Swanson, will be joined by the incomparable Alessandro Corbelli to lead Lyric's cast in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle's world-famous production led by the exciting Taiwanese conductor Yi-Chen Lin.

Champion
An opera by Terence Blanchard. Libretto by Michael Cristofer
Show Dates: January 27 - February 11, 2024
Lyric Opera of Chicago welcomes Champion, the first opera written by composer Terence Blanchard. Based on a true story and featuring a libretto by Michael Cristofer; the drama unfolds in what composer Terence Blanchard calls "an opera in jazz." Welterweight boxer Emile Griffith is tortured by the complex realities of his life: decades-long guilt from defeating a challenger in the ring, who died from Griffith's blows; and desperately conflicted feelings regarding his own sexuality. James Robinson's production arrives in Chicago with a remarkable cast. Joining Lyric favorites Reginald Smith, Jr., Whitney Morrison, and Paul Groves is Justin Austin, a brilliant new star who triumphed in Fire Shut Up in My Bones, with Music Director Enrique Mazzola leading the Lyric Opera Orchestra. Content advisory: Champion is about the life of Emile Griffith. In the telling of this complex story, Champion contains mature themes including physical violence, profanity, sexually explicit language, and homophobic slurs.

Aida
Giuseppe Verdi
Show Dates: March 9 - April 7, 2024
Opera at its grandest! While Aida delights audiences with its visual splendor, it also captivates them with a score ranging from exquisitely intimate arias to deeply dramatic duets and trios, and the most thrilling choruses Verdi ever composed. At Lyric Opera of Chicago, each of the five principal artists boasts not only a sumptuously beautiful voice, but also the charismatic presence to bring these characters and the opera's story of a riveting love triangle vividly to life. Conducting Francesca Zambello's striking production will be Music Director Enrique Mazzola, acknowledged internationally as an exceptionally authoritative Verdian.

Make a night downtown in our beautiful city with a $100 gift certificate to Theatre on the Lake and a $100 gift certificate to Park Grill!

Become a member! One (1) Citizen Level Membership for the City Club of Chicago and a $15 Starbucks gift card!

About the City Club of Chicago

The City Club of Chicago Advances Open Discussion Of Public Policy And Strengthens The Region By Convening Civic-Minded Individuals In The Public, Private And Nonprofit Sectors.

Make an impact on Chicago by participating in the discussion of the most pressing matters facing our city and state. The organization attracts those interested in civic responsibility, public issues, open political debate and networking opportunities. Founded in 1903, it is the longest-running civic forum in Chicago.

""The City Club of Chicago, a who's who of business people and political leaders and a required stop for most anyone who wants to win office around here..."" -- New York Times

""[The] City Club is an amazing forum which harkens back to an era of public discourse. There is a dynamic in your gathering which the mightiest blogs cannot touch."" -- Hon. Richard J. Durbin"

About Farm Bar Lakeview

Co-owners Nora Gainer and Ferdia Doherty, with their partners TJ Callahan and Molly McCombe, opened their first restaurant in 2011 to pay homage to traditional Midwestern fare. Using ingredients only grown in Illinois and its surrounding states, their restaurants pride themselves on presenting guests with a quality taste of the Midwest. Farm Bar Lakeview presents its guests with a simple seasonal menu that highlights dishes made from scratch and crops grown on TJ and Molly's Wisconsin farm. The menu offers everything from small appetizers to boisterous burgers, all with a quintessential Midwestern flair. The beverage menu also follows suit with Midwestern craft offerings that include draft beers, fresh ciders and signature cocktails.

About Farm Bar Ravenswood

Co-owners Nora Gainer and Ferdia Doherty, with their partners TJ Callahan and Molly McCombe, opened their first restaurant in 2011 to pay homage to traditional Midwestern fare. Using ingredients only grown in Illinois and its surrounding states, their restaurants pride themselves on presenting guests with a quality taste of the Midwest. Farm Bar Ravenswood presents its guests with a simple seasonal menu that highlights dishes made from scratch and crops grown on TJ and Molly's Wisconsin farm. The menu offers everything from small appetizers to boisterous burgers, all with a quintessential Midwestern flair. The beverage menu also follows suit with Midwestern craft offerings that include draft beers, fresh ciders and signature cocktails.

Gift card for $100 good at Ramen-San, a neighborhood noodle joint that slings hot broth, ice cold beer and the best '90's hip-hop in town. With locations in River North, Lincoln Park, Fulton Market and Streeterville, they are open for lunch, dinner, late-night dining seven days a week. Also incuded are two (2) bottles of wine, a La Crema Chardonnay and a Stone Fly Cabernet Sauvignon!

Gift card for $100 good at RPM Italian, an exceptional restaurant located in River North. RPM Italian offers a variety of pasta, steaks & seafood. Also included are two (2) bottles of wine - a La Crema Chardonnay and a Stone Fly Pinot Noir!

Gift card for $100 at Il Porcellino is a must! Located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, it is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Their seasonal menu focuses on housemade pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors and local farmers. Also included are two (2) bottles of wine, a La Crema Chardonnay and a Stone Fly Cabernet Sauvignon!