A CAT FEST! Returns To Chicago This August At The Hairpin Arts Center

Catzilla 7, A Cat Fest! continues in its seventh year, now being produced by Labyrinth Arts and Performance Collective (LPAC) at the Hairpin Arts Center on August 23-24, 2019. A Cat Art Show features cat-themed work from over 15 local artists. Catzilla 7, A Cat Fest! continues its tradition of celebrating all things feline with

the Cat Cabaret, which features cat-themed comedy skits, spoken word, musical and multimedia performance. Featured performers include juggler Brad French, Gypsy Dancer Viktoria, comedy skits by actor Paul Brennan, The Labyrinth Dancers, and musical guest Violet.

This year, Catzilla 7, A Cat Fest! presents an expanded art show with a new gallery and silent auction for cat-themed art. Among the art featured is work by cartoonist & filmmaker Heather McAdams, known for her comics originally published in the Chicago Reader; film projections featuring cats in the medium of experimental photography by Gary Justis; and whimsical cat drawings by LA-based multidisciplinary artist Stephen Holman.

For the first time in 7 years, Catzilla 7, A Cast Fest! will be produced by Labyrinth Arts Performance Collective (LPAC), a 501 c3 not-for-profit formed in March 2019 that focuses on developing emerging literary and performing arts initiatives. "Catzilla was born from the desire to publicly create a place for people to openly share our collective love of cats," said Labyrinth founder Diane Hamm who created the original Catzilla event at the Prop Theater in 2012. "Labyrinth continues this tradition in the spirit of community building at Hairpin Arts, a venue dedicated to the mission of activist and community-oriented projects," said Hamm. "Last year Catzilla raised over $1000, split between Catcade and Harmony House, to help homeless cats," she said.

Once again, a substantial portion of revenues from Catzilla will benefit Harmony House, an Avondale-based adoption center for cats, and Catcade, a non-profit cat café, rescue and lounge in Lakeview. The Cat Kitsch Give-A-Way-surprise cat- kitschy trinkets-from jewelry to figurines and cat toys, will be presented to the audience.

LISTING INFORMATION Catzilla 7, A Cat Fest! Friday, August 23 Saturday, August 24 The Cat Art Show starts at 7 pm The Cat Cabaret starts at 8 pm All tickets are $20 Tickets are available online at brownpapertickets.com https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4265562 or at the door. Tickets can also be requested via email at labyrinthartsperformance@gmail.com or by phone at 773-574-6315.

More details on Catzilla 7, A Cat Fest! can be viewed on Facebook.

About Labyrinth Arts & Performance Collective Labyrinth Arts and Performance Collective (LPAC) is a 501 c3 not-for-profit formed in March 2019. An arts collective focusing on developing literary and performing arts, LPAC's key purpose is to focus on community building, growth through artistic risk, and

deep psychological themes. Veteran founders include producer Diane Hamm, former managing director at Prop Theater, singer Sharon Waltham, performance artist Andy Somma, and producer Kelly Anchors. Catzilla 7, A Cat Fest! is the third event produced by LPAC. Previous shows include Bi-Polar Beauty (April 2019), co-produced with Sweetback Productions, and The Labyrinth Hour Cabaret (June 2019). Upcoming events include Gods and Monsters, a literary salon series focused on the history of divinity and darkness in the ancient and modern imagination, and Dogs, Heroes for Love, a benefit for veterans and rescue dogs. Both events will be produced in fall 2019.

Tickets are available online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4265562 or at the door. Tickets can also be requested via email at labyrinthartsperformance@gmail.com or by phone at 773-574-6315.

To post a comment, you must register and login.