Chicago Literary Hall of Fame at the Sanfilippo Estate

The Benefit Concert for Chicago Literary Hall of Fame at the Sanfilippo Estate, May 1, was a magnificent event.

Thanks to the President of the Chicago Authors Association/a>, Randy Richardson, CWA board member Donald G. Evans, and the benefit committee members, Colette Carlucii, Lise Dominque, JoAnn Fastoff, Dave Impey, Laura Dion-Jones, Valya Lupescu, Karla Magnan, George Rawlinson, Lisa Scacco, Celete Sciortino and Kathy Lee Wolter. Not to mention Roberta Richardson's brilliant art work on the commemorative program. How we could find a right expression toward the Sanfilippos for welcoming CWA to their glorious home.

Among those members of Chicago's literary community who attended were: Elizabeth Berg, Joe Meno, Rosellen Brown, Achy Obejas, Marc Smith, Cynthia Clampitt, Rachel Madorsky, Mary Wagner, and David Berner. Berg, Meno and Smith made an attention-grabbing presentation.

The Inaugural Class of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame include Nelson Algren (1909-1981), Saul Bellow (1915-2005), Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000), Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965)), Studs Terkel (1912-2008) and Richard Wright (1908-1960).

Hansberry famous expression was: "Never be afraid to sit awhile and think." Algren's often quoted comment was:
"Loving Chicago is like loving a woman with a broken nose." Wright is often remembered for saying: "The artist must bow to the monster of his own imagination."

The breathtaking performance by Jelani Eddington., an extraordinary young musician and prominent pipe organist, mesmerized listeners. He has been featured at numerous national and regional conventions and has toured extensively throughout the world. Eddington performed for the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame on the world's largest restored theatre pipe organ. The pipe organ is the musical centerpiece of the Sanfilippo Estate's 350 seat Music Theatre. There are relatively few musicians who specialize in the theatrical organs. Jelani Eddington received a standing ovation for his captured performance.

The Sanfilippo family through the Sanfilippo Foundation graciously opened their doors to the Chicago Writers Association by allowing a quite young organization to host this special night at their splendid Victorian Palace. The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame received recognition from the Sanfilippo family who attended the Benefit Concert.

The Sanfilippo "Place de la Musique" is known worldwide for its magnificent collections. Displayed in a breathtaking French Second Empire setting were beautifully restored antique music machines, phonographs, arcade and gambling machines, chandeliers, art glass, the world's largest restored theatre pipe organ, a spectacular European salon carousel, street and tower clocks, steam engines and other functional mechanical antiques..

The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame is young. Its future is dependent on the attention and concern of people who will step forward as volunteers. Chicago Writers Association welcomes all people interested in the literary arts and honoring local authors deserving recognition.
©Rachel Madorsky
http://www.RachelMadorsky.com