NF Hope Concerts returns to benefit neurofibromatosis research and advocacy June 27
NF Hope Concerts hosts its first live Chicago area concert in over three years at 7 p.m. Monday, June 27 at North Central College's Madden Theatre, 171 E. Chicago Ave. in Naperville.
Since the inaugural Las Vegas event in 2011, NF Hope Concerts has raised more than $1.2 million for Neurofibromatosis (NF) research and advocacy and now presents in three cities-Las Vegas, New York City and Chicago.
"For more than 11 years, we have fought to raise awareness and funds for neurofibromatosis, a cause near and dear to our hearts" says NF Hope Concerts co-founder and producer Jeff Leibow. "And every day, our daughter reminds us why."
NF is a genetic disorder of the nervous system characterized by tumors that can grow on any nerve in the body without warning. Although NF is a common genetic disorder, most people are not aware that one in 2,500 people are born with it making it more common than cystic fibrosis, hereditary muscular dystrophy, Huntington's Disease and Tay Sachs combined.
While the world came to a halt during the pandemic, the Leibow's daughter, Emma, continued her battle with NF, a neurological disorder that has no cure. "Emma has a large tumor in her leg that carries with it a significant chance of becoming an incurable NF-specific cancer," Leibow explained. "COVID affected our ability to get Emma the care she needs to monitor that tumor along with the rest of her NF symptoms. This added to our drive to make a difference for her and the tens of thousands living with NF. As a result, we find inviting live audiences back to this concert incredibly exciting."
Chicago's 3rd Annual NF Hope Concert will feature performances by:
• Anastasia Lee (contralto), a 25-year-old Billboard-charting opera crossover singer recently diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF)
• The Four C Notes, the incredible Chicago-based Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute created by John Michael Coppola, best known for his appearance in Chicago's long-running production of the Broadway smash hit "Jersey Boys"
• Heidi Kettenring whose credits include Broadway in Chicago ("Wicked"), Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, Northlight, Paramount, Writers Theater, Court, Drury Lane, among others
• Under the Streetlamp co-founder Christopher Kale Jones with his wife
Jenna Coker-Jones
• Morgen Hare, lead singer of the award-wining cover band Final Say
• NF Hope Concerts co-founder Jeff Leibow
• … plus surprise guests.
Reserved tickets for the June 27 concert are $49. VIP tickets are $89 and include a meet & greet with the cast and prime seating. Tickets can be purchased at nfhopechi22.givesmart.com, at the North Central College Box Office, located at 171 E. Chicago Ave., or by calling the box office at (630) 637-SHOW. Box office hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Details for a streaming option will also be announced soon. A silent auction is also part of the evening. For more information visit nfhope.org.