Photo Flash: CHICAGO SINGS THE BEST OF MOTOWN Raises Record Funds for Porchlight Music Theatre

Porchlight Music Theatre launched its 21st season with CHICAGO SINGS THE BEST OF MOTOWN, Monday, Aug. 17 at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St. The annual fundraiser shattered previous records with nearly 350 people in attendance and more than $30,000 raised for Porchlight Music Theatre''s educational and artistic programming. Scroll down for photos from the event!

The annual launch to the Porchlight Music Theatre season, Chicago Sings is a one-night-only fund raising celebration honoring artists and organizations that have made music that changed the world. Created by Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Associates Rob Lindley and Doug Peck, this year''s Chicago Sings saluted the best of Motown and acted as a kick off party to a season that culminates in the "supreme" theatrical achievement, Dreamgirls.

The 10th anniversary party started with Chicago DJ Marc "Moose" Moder mixing tracks preparing the audience for the Motown tribute. Lindley played host for the evening and delighted audiences with his performance of "Tracks of My Tears/Tears of a Clown." Peck was the conductor for the night leading both performers and his band, Robert Reddrick on percussion and Tony Mhoon on bass, through a night of unforgettable Motown music culminating in an all-star finale and the audience singing "Ain''t No Mountain High Enough."

Performers included Adrian Aguilar, E. Faye Butler, Felicia P. Fields, Rebecca Finnegan, Marya Grandy, Sharriese Hamilton, James Earl Jones II, Lynne Jordan, Donica Lynn, Christine Mild, Meghan Murphy, Alexis J. Rogers, Lorenzo Rush Jr., Joey Stone, Bethany Thomas, Christina Thomas-Englund, Katherine Thomas and Lina Wass.

The evening's main purpose was to support Porchlight and its endeavors and the audience was strong in both applause and contributions, as the silent auction and live paddle-raiser portion, hosted by Lindley and E. Faye Butler, broke all fund raising records from the ten previous Chicago Sings.

"The evening could not have been more perfect for a launch to our 21st season," said Artistic Director Michael Weber. "Doug and Rob led an amazing group of artists in a night of music that saluted the best of Motown and had the sold out crowd at the City Winery on their feet for most of the night. Porchlight is so grateful to all the talent that appeared on stage and the audience who attended this incredible event. I am not sure how we can top this next year!"

Photo Credit: JPM Photography