American Blues Theater to Present Annual Fundraiser BLUE BASH, 2/27; ABC's Linda Yu to Host

American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity Ensemble, hosts "Blue Bash," their annual fundraiser, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 from 5:30 - 9 p.m., at the office of Seyfarth Shaw, Suite 2400, 131 S. Dearborn. The "Blue Bash," hosted by ABC 7's Linda Yu and co-chaired by Joan Esposito and Jill DeVaney, includes live and silent auctions, the presentation of two awards; the 2014 Blue Ink Playwriting Award and the Focus Award to the family of the late Arthur D. "Chip" Pringle, III, board member and long time supporter of American Blues Theater, as well as a sneak preview of their 29th Season. Proceeds from the "Blue Bash" benefit American Blues Theater's artistic programs and services, including the Education Outreach Initiative, The Lincoln Project. Individual tickets for the 2014 "Blue Bash" are $125 and may be purchased by calling 312.725.4228 or online at americanbluestheater.com.

The "Blue Bash" is American Blues Theater's largest fundraiser of the year. Attendees may enjoy an open bar with signature Blue Bash cocktail paired with hors d'oeuvres and desserts. In addition, guests receive sneak preview of the upcoming 29th Season, including performances from the return of Hank Williams: Lost Highway, the coproduction of Native Son with Court Theater and the 13th year of the smash hit It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago.

The evening includes the presentation of two awards: the annual Blue Ink Playwriting Award and American Blues Theater's Focus Award to the family of Arthur D. "Chip" Pringle, III.

The Blue Ink Award is given annually to a selected playwright chosen by submission to the American Blues Theater Ensemble. In 2013, American Blues received nearly 400 submissions from across the United States, England, and Canada. The selected playwright, who is announces at the event, receives a $$1,000 cash prize and a staged-reading with the Ensemble.

The Focus Award is given to an individual who brings integrity and national attention to the Chicago theater community. "American Blues Theater and the city of Chicago lost one of its strongest supporters with the untimely passing of Chip this past summer. American Blues grew as an organization because of his incredible leadership and passion. Not only was Chip a great board member and a previous chair of the "Blue Bash," but a wonderful person to know. We are proud to recognize him as the Focus honoree and to share with his family this honor." said Producing Artistic Director, Gwendolyn Whiteside.

American Blues Theater's multi-generational and interdisciplined ensemble & artistic affiliates comprise all aspects of theater, television and film. As of 2013, American Blues Theater has individually received more than 126 Joseph Jefferson Awards celebrating excellence in Chicago theater, two Pulitzer Prize nominations, two Academy Awards and nominations, three Golden Globe Awards and nominations, 13 Emmy Awards and nominations, six Writers' Guild Awards, 20 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. American Blues Theater is the second-oldest Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago. The 39-member Ensemble has nearly 500 combined years of collaboration on stage.

American Blues Theater's "Blue Bash" is Thursday, February 27 from 5:30 - 9 p.m., at the office of Seyfarth Shaw, Suite 2400, 131 South Dearborn. Tickets are $125 and may be purchased by calling 312.725.4228 or online at americanbluestheater.com.

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