American Blues Theatre's Blue Bash Set for 2/28

American Blues Theater (ABT), Chicago's second oldest Equity Ensemble, hosts their annual fundraiser the 2013 "Blue Bash" Thursday, Feb. 28 from 5:30 - 9 p.m., at the office of Seyfarth Shaw, 131 South Dearborn. The "Blue Bash" chaired by Chip Pringle, will include live and silent auctions, the presentation of two awards; the Blue Ink Playwriting Award and ABT's Focus Award to Brian & Jan Hieggelke, publishers of Newcity, and a sneak preview of their 28^th Season. Proceeds from the "Blue Bash" benefit ABT's programs and services, including the inaugural Education Outreach Initiative, The Lincoln Project. Individual tickets for the 2013 "Blue Bash" are $125 and may be purchased by calling 312.725.4228 or via email at bluebash@americanbluestheater.com.

The "Blue Bash" is American Blues Theater's largest fundraiser of the year. Attendees may enjoy an open bar (with signature martinis) paired with hors d'oeuvres and desserts. In addition, guests receive sneak preview of ABT's upcoming 28^th Season, starring award-winning actor and ABT ensemble member Matthew Brumlow. The evening includes the presentation of two awards: the annual Blue Ink Playwriting Award, the recipient to be announced at the "Blue Bash" and ABT's Focus Award to Brian & Jan Hieggelke, publishers of Newcity. "For more than a quarter of a century, The Hieggelkes and Newcity have committed themselves to reporting on and promoting the best of Chicago. We commend them for being the only locally owned and operated weekly publication and this award symbolizes our gratitude for all they have done and continue to do for Chicago's vibrant arts scene.," says Producing Artistic Director, Gwendolyn Whiteside.

The Blue Ink Award is given annually to a selected playwright chosen by the ABT Ensemble from submissions received by ABT. In 2012, ABT received more than 180 submissions from across the United States and Canada. The selected playwright receives a $500 cash prize and a staged-reading with the ABT Ensemble. The ABT Focus Award is given to an individual who brings integrity and national attention to the Chicago theater community.

Tickets for "Blue Bash" Thursday, February 28 from 5:30 - 9 p.m., at the office of Seyfarth Shaw, 131 South Dearborn are $125 and may be purchased atwww.americanbluestheater.com , via email at info@americanbluestheater.com or by calling 312.725.4228.

ABT's multi-generational and inter-disciplined Ensemble & Artistic Affiliates comprise all aspects of theater, television, and film. We are producers, writers, directors, actors, designers, educators, and technicians. As of 2012, we've individually received over 120 Joseph Jefferson Awards celebrating excellence in Chicago theater, 2 Pulitzer Prize nominations, 2 Academy Awards and nominations, 3 Golden Globe Awards and nominations, 12 Emmy Awards and nominations, 6 Writers' Guild Awards, 19 Black Theatre Alliance Awards and nominations, 21 After Dark Awards, and multiple Regional theater awards from New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Florida. ABT is the second-oldest Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago. Our 36-member Ensemble has over 418 combined years of collaboration on stage.

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American Blues Theater programs and activities are made possible, in part, through the support of Actors Equity Foundation, Arts & Business Council of Chicago, Cheiron Trading, Citi Private Bank, ComEd, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Eurex, Seyfarth Shaw LLC, Shepard Schwartz, & Harris LLP, and numerous individuals.

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