Redmoon's Annual Spectacle Lunatique Set for 3/15

One of Chicago's most anticipated galas, Redmoon's annual Spectacle Lunatique is a decadent night of inspired performance, culinary delights and exclusive previews of Redmoon's upcoming Great Chicago Fire Festival, summer programming and their first indoor Spring Spectacle in Pilsen, all in the industrial elegance of Redmoon's sprawling warehouse performance and event space, 2120 S. Jefferson Street in Pilsen, Saturday, March 15, 2014.

This year, Lunatique's theme of "Redmoon: At the Scale of the City" sets the tone for the evening's offerings as top Chicago chefs and mixologists present unique tastings and expertly crafted cocktails in a setting filled with elegant whimsy and delicious decadence. Matt Moog, founder and CEO of digital startup hub Built In Chicago, and his wife Lucy serve as Co-Chairs of the event. Over 1,000 of Chicago's civic, cultural and business leaders gather for Spectacle Lunatique each year, raising funds for Redmoon's free public work that happens throughout the city, primarily in areas that are culturally underserved.

Howard Tullman, past President and CEO of Flashpoint Academy, Chairman and CEO of Experiencia, Inc. and newly named CEO of Chicago tech hub 1871, will be honored with the 2014 Galvanizer Award. Each year, Redmoon presents this award to an individual who galvanizes communities for a more vibrant Chicago. Tullman receives the award this year for his work and steadfast dedication to creating future leaders in digital arts through Tribeca Flashpoint Academy, his inspiring work in education through the notable transformations of Kendall College and Experiencia, and his tenacity and leadership throughout Chicago's tech community.

The evening begins with an exclusive VIP tasting experience, 6:30 - 8 pm. Several of Chicago's top chefs, including head chefs of Embeya and Nightwood, will present tasting stations of culinary delights around Redmoon's main 16,500-square foot space. Many of the tasting stations will be accompanied by a craft cocktail from one of ten different leading mixologists, including Annamarie Sagoi of The Dawson. Amplifying the imaginative splendor, Aerial Dance Chicago and Redmoon aerial artists perform overhead and aid the chefs in presenting their creations from the sky to the mouth. Other chefs and mixologists featured include Steve Charrow from Brindille, Eric Mersch from Wirtz Beverage Group, Thomas Mooneyham from the Gage, Chris Neustadt from Cask & Courtesy and Paul Sauter from Mercadito/Double A.

Individual and group package ticket holders are invited into the space, 8 - 10 pm. Chef stations give way to passed tastings representing the culinary offerings of Flemmings, Frontier, La Sirena Clandestina, Pizano's Pizzeria, Shaw's Crab House, Sunda, Vera, Ill Forks, 90 Miles Cuban Café and The French Pastry School. Three specialty cocktails from star mixologists will be available along with an open bar.

At 10 pm, doors open for late night ticket holders to enjoy drinks, late night bites including desserts from West Town Bakery and Spin Spun cotton candy, music and dancing.

In addition to palate-pleasing hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, Redmoon will transform its event space into a wild and surreal dreamscape with spectacle devices, dozens of costumed performers and more.

The Luna Lodge, a special "hotel" area of the event offering the best views of the party, will be available for exclusive VIP seating, in addition to massages, straight-razor shaves, haircut and other grooming/spa stations to pamper and rejuvenate guests.

A Chinese Tea Room will provide an oasis of serenity and additional service.

Performers and innovative devices will appear throughout the event space, including the premiere of several unique Redmoon creations. Among them are the Cyclone Grill, an elevated, spinning "drum kit style" array of real working grills; The Kegway, a draft beer service Segway; a robotic whiskey service backpack; 12 bellboy characters with unique turn-of-the-century costumes who activate service performance; 30-foot-tall Hot Air Balloon truffle servers; a pair of massive oversized gongs; a Fire Flower Installation; a raucous Drum Cart performance moment featuring over 30 mobile percussionists, and more. Over 25 visual artists, 90 performers and five engineers and designers will participate.

Ticket Packages for the VIP Tasting Experience from 6:30 - 8 pm begin at $5,000. Individual and group tickets, which include entrance beginning at 8 pm, are $450 or available for a group of 8 at $3,500. Late night admission tickets are $100. Tickets are available by calling the Redmoon Box Office at 312-850-8440 x123 or online at www.redmoon.org. Spectacle Lunatique is for patrons 21 years and older.

The 2014 Spectacle Lunatique Planning Committee includes Lindsay Barnes, Katie Clark, Shawn Clark, Tara Cornell, David Lissner, Chris Neustadt, Maureen O'Brien, Kim Ohms, Ginna Ryan and Ralph Senst.

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