News & Stories

Advocate for the Arts Awards Benefit 2022

October 1, 2022 | Noel Morris

Patrons raise their paddles in support of the Festival

A good time and a good cause.

About 98 percent of the time, the Grant Park Music Festival is about flip-flops and picnic baskets. But there is one event that draws a range of Festival die-hards for a tony gathering in the fall: the annual Advocate for the Arts Awards Benefit. Headlining with piano virtuoso Michelle Cann, the evening offers live music, fine dining and a paddle raise to help make the summertime magic a reality.

 Pianist Michelle Cann performing music of Florence Price during the 2022 FestivalThis year, the Benefit honors pianist and retired Chicago Public School teacher Norman Malone, whose story of courage and survival inspired Kartemquin Films' award-winning documentary For the Left Hand. The Festival's favorite emcee Ron Magers, longtime Chicago television personality, will head to the podium to introduce the 2022 Festival String and Vocal Fellows, who will perform music by Bernstein and 
Grammy-winning The 2022 Festival Vocal Fellows performing at the Dame Myra Hess Concertsjazz artist Billy Childs. The Festival's resident maestros Carlos Kalmar and Christopher Bell will be on hand to mingle.

The Festival is now accepting reservations for this very special evening at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park. If you're unable to attend, but would like to support free concerts in the park, please click here.

The Festival extends a heartfelt thanks to the board of directors, the many volunteers, and especially to event co-chairs Jill and Emma Mueller for their dedication and support.