Jussie Smollett Added to Performance Lineup for Langston Hughes Celebration 1/1

City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St, presents a star-studded celebration for legendary American author, activist and thinker Langston Hughes' 115th birthday on Wednesday, February 1 at 8:00 p.m. which is also the first day of Black History Month. Performances include readings of poetry by Hughes plus music that he wrote, inspired and/or enjoyed.

The event features Jussie Smollett of FOX's "Empire" who will portray Langston Hughes in the forthcoming Thurgood Marshall film, Marshall. Previously announced participants include Golden Globe Award-winning actress and playwright ReGina Taylor; critically-acclaimed spoken word artist J. Ivy; the "Empress of Soul" Terisa Griffin; Chicago chanteuse and City Winery Chicago favorite Lynne Jordan; and local poet, activist, educator and musician Malcolm London.

Tickets are $28-$42 and available at citywinery.com/chicago. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Donda's House, a not-for-profit founded by Che "Rhymefest" Smith and Donnie Smith to support young, aspiring artists in Chicago.

The Langston Hughes celebration joins a diverse mix of the most respected names in pop, rock, jazz, blues, world music, theater, dance, spoken word and comedy presented at City Winery Chicago, including previously announced headliners and supporting acts: Kris Kristofferson(Jan. 18); Hot Club of Cowtown with Devil in a Woodpile (Jan. 19); Kevin Griffin with Ryan Powers (Jan. 20) Kevin Griffin with David Paige (Jan. 21); Amy Black Band (Jan. 22; 12pm); Josh Ritter (Jan. 22-23); Steve Earle with Al Scorch (Jan. 24); Steve Earle with Kelsey Waldon (Jan. 25); Alejandro Escovedo (Jan. 26-28); Louie Anderson (Jan. 29, 5 & 7:30pm); Film Screening: Colin Hay - Waiting For My Real Life (Jan. 30); Luke Wade with Matt McAndrew (Jan. 31); Langston Hughes Celebration (Feb. 1); Jon B (Feb. 3; 7 & 10pm);Leftover Salmon (Feb. 5, 1pm); Laura Jane Grace (Feb. 5); Anthony David with DJ Duane Powell (Feb. 6); Stephen Lynch (Feb. 7-8);Holly Bowling (Feb. 9); 10,000 Maniacs (Feb. 10, 7 & 10pm; Feb. 11, 5 & 8pm); Geoff Tate with Voices of Extreme (Feb. 12); Doyle Bramhall ll with Future Stuff (Feb. 15); Kruger Brothers with Michael J. Miles (Feb. 16); Head for the Hills (Feb. 17); The Verve Pipe (Feb. 18); Chicago Philharmonic Brunch (Feb. 19); Paris Combo (Feb. 19); Chicago Flamenco Festival Kick Off (Feb. 21); Ana Popovic (Feb. 22); Assad Brothers (Feb. 23); Vanessa Carlton with Tristan (Feb. 24); Sam Fazio (Feb. 26; 12 pm); Jack Ingram with Elise Davis (Feb. 26); Jeannie Tanner (Feb. 27, 7:30pm); Kathy Mattea featuring Bill Cooley (Feb. 28); The Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik (Mar. 1) Laith Al-Saadi (Mar. 2); Tom Paxton featuring The DonJuans (Mar. 4); Deacon Blues (Mar. 3); One Woman Sex & the City (Mar. 5; 2 pm) Sierra Hull (Mar. 5); Marcia Ball (Mar. 7); Subdudes (Mar. 8-9); Cherish the Ladies (Mar. 10; 7pm); Los Lonely Boys with Sugar Dirt and Sand (Mar. 12-13); Howie Day (Mar. 16-17); Elizabeth Cook (Mar. 18); Chicago Philharmonic Brunch (Mar. 19; 12pm); The High Kings (Mar. 19); Idan Raichel (Mar. 20-21); Kris Kristofferson (Mar. 22); Al Stewart featuring The Empty Pockets (Mar. 23, 7pm); Joey Alexander Trio (Mar. 24, 7 & 9:30pm); Rodney Crowell (Mar. 25); Candlebox (Mar. 31); Jim Messina (Mar. 26); Wanda Jackson (Apr. 1); Kris Kristofferson (Apr. 2); Rufus Wainwright (Apr. 6); Rufus Wainwright (Apr. 7, 7:30 & 10pm); Dave Mason (Apr. 10-11); Shane Koyczan (Apr. 12); Morgan James with Andy Allo (Apr. 19); Paul Thorn Band (May 7); and Emin & Friends (May 30).

Opened in 2012, City Winery Chicago is a fully operational winery, restaurant with outdoor patio, concert hall and private event space located in the heart of the West Loop at 1200 W. Randolph, in the historic urban Fulton Market district. Once a refrigerated food distribution warehouse, the 1911 building has been transformed into a contemporary 33,000 square foot haven for those passionate about wine, music and culinary arts. The décor evokes the romance of being in wine country, from the exposed stainless steel fermenting tanks and French oak barrels, to the aroma of fermenting grapes. Chicago's only fully operation winery has produced dozens of in-house wines sourced from vineyards in California, Oregon, Washington, Argentina and Chile, including a Wine Enthusiast 90-point 2012 Bien Nacido Vineyard Reserve pinot noir.

With more than 400 unique producers from around the world City Winery is recognized with 2014 and 2015 Best of Awards of Excellence "for having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world" by Wine Spectator. The globally inspired, locally sourced, wine-focused food menu is conceived for pairing and sharing. The concert hall accommodates up to 300 guests, all seated at tables with complete beverage and dining service, ensuring a comfortable "listening room" experience enhanced by a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound system. Riedel is the official and exclusive provider of glassware, showing City Winery's commitment to enjoying quality wine in a quality vessel. American Airlines is the Official Airline and Virgin Hotels Chicago is the Official Hotel of City Winery. For more information, please visit www.citywinery.com.

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