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WINDY CITY TIMES
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"Fight Song" charity cabaret concert benefits local groups
Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
by Vern Hester 2016-02-02
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This article shared 2761 times since Tue Feb 2, 2016
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On Jan. 24, the inaugural "Fight Song" charity cabaret concert took place at Uptown Underground in front of a rowdy audience.
The eventthe brainchild of philanthropic businessman Jacob Leathermannot only combined two of his careers ( live entertainment and professional styling ) but also showcased a who's who of theatrical and musical talent. The event, which Leatherman conceived after challenging a devastating personal setback, was a benefit for the Special Olympics, About Face Theater and LGBTQ Fight Against Homelessness. Apart from the fundraising aspects, the show was a celebration of struggle, friendshipand high-end female footwear.
The concert portion of the evening got an unexpected start when Jelani Remy appeared via Skype from New York. Currently appearing in the revival of The Lion King on Broadway, Remy found himself snowed in, but this did not prevent him from opening the show as planned.
What came next was an outpouring of song that included Darrian Ford ( singing his self-penned "A Bag of Rocks" ), Randy Chism ( "True Colors" ), Julie Buck ( "Over the Rainbow" ) and Donica Lynn ( "Who You Are" ). The concert was loaded with surprise duets as Chism joined Jess Godwin for "Let It Be," Branden James performed with Godwin on "The Prayer," and Lynn and Ford shared "Lovely Day." A big surprise for the evening came when Rashada Dawan appeared, Ruby Keeler-style, to fill the spot of Remy near the close of the night.
With all the talk of struggle and challenge, the night combined a great deal of levity and humor. There was a raffle ( which led to a particularly joyous addition of the show ) as well as co-hosts Leatherman and Cathy Nathan's ongoing high heeled competition. To set the mood for the evening before the concert, audience members were encouraged to try on any number of custom-made high heeled pumps and have their pictures taken. |
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This article shared 2761 times since Tue Feb 2, 2016
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