Theater money-raiser Season of Concern celebrated 30 years of the Biscotto-Miller Fund with an awards ceremony and performances from local talent on Oct. 26 at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. This is a private grant given directly to artists in need.
Titled "Season of Celebration: An Evening of Song," the night moved along swimmingly, thanks to peppy hostess E. Faye Butler and her humor. She sang opening and closing songs, with antics throughout the night.
The Larry Sloan Awards were presented in memory of Chicago theater artist Larry Sloan, honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions and support to HIV/AIDS sufferers over the years. A Partnership Award was given to the Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol company, and the Advocate Award went to Mitchell J. Fain, who has raised more than $25,000 during the course of his long-running Santaland Diary show.
The talent kept coming with the Foiled Again trio, Meghan Murphy singing her cover of "True Colors" and Porchlight Theatre's Evan Tyrone Martin's captivating solo.
Transparent star Alexandra Billings was not able to attend due to scheduling, but won the Heritage Award. Windy City Times theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel told a story of the Arts Against AIDS' work while accepting the Legacy Award.
Season of Concern had members of the 2015 grants stand while Butler brought the night to a close.
Visit SeasonOfConcern.org .
Photos and text by Jerry Nunn