Odds & Oboes

Members of the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory.

You bet.

And Midwest Young Artists Conservatory wins—(poker) hands down.

That’s the thinking behind Celebrate Highwood’s third annual Jazzed Up Dining & Classical Cocktails, set for February 23 from 6:30-10 p.m. at the conservatory’s facility at 878 Lyster Road.

New this year is the event’s Casino Night theme.

Attendees at the benefit for a pair of nonprofits—Midwest Young Artists Conservatory (MYAC) and Celebrate Highwood’s operating fund—will get the chances to test their luck at craps, blackjack, roulette, and Texas Hold’em, all while enjoying live jazz, classical, and big band musical performances by students throughout the evening.

A portion of the proceeds will be earmarked for MYAC need-based student scholarships.

“The music is incredible,” says City of Highwood Alderman Eric Falberg, who also serves as Celebrate Highwood president and an MYAC board member.

Cost per person in advance is $75, which includes a $5 chip for the first bet.

The ticket price also covers appetizers, dinner, and dessert buffets from the North Shore’s finest restaurants, as well as an open bar and silent auction.

“The food is incredible,” Falberg adds. “People get a taste of the North Shore at this event.”

MYAC serves a thousand students in 74 [Chicago area] communities. Celebrate Highwood, behind its ongoing effort to support arts, music, and culture, raised more than $11,000 for MYAC at its past events. Run by volunteers with the goal to raise money for local and national charities via events and festivals that cater to North Shore residents, Celebrate Highwood hopes to set a mark for funds raised at this year’s Jazzed Up Dining & Cocktails.

“We are honored to have been selected as a beneficiary of this event,” MYAC President Allan Dennis says.

Jazzed Up Dining & Classical Cocktails

will serve as Celebrate Highwood’s kickoff to its 2019 fundraising season—nearly three weeks after the Super Bowl.

“This year we wanted to kick it up notch with the addition of a casino night,” Falberg says. “This is a more intimate event for Celebrate Highwood supporters.”

Attendees also will have a chance to explore MYAC’s facility, located in the transformed former army stockade building at Fort Sheridan. Guests will get to learn about the history of the building as they tour the grounds.

“It’s a great cause,” Falberg insists. “For the same amount they’d spend going out to dinner, they’re going to get a lot more food, a lot more activity, and a lot more fun.”

The event is made possible by generous donations from local restaurants and various sponsorships, including Brian Jessen at Guaranteed Rate, Inc., Deerfield; Equinox; Balletto Vineyards; Beermiscuous; Razny Jewelers; Fields Alfa Romeo; and M Brad Slavin Farmers Insurance. Tickets are available online at https://www.celebratehighwood. org/jazzed-up-dining-classical-cocktails/.