Celebrate Highwood's 'Jazzed Up Dining & Classical Cocktails' raises funds for young artists

In its ongoing effort to support arts, music and culture, Celebrate Highwood will hold the second annual Jazzed Up Dining & Classical Cocktails fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, to benefit Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, the Midwest's most comprehensive youth music school and ensemble program. The event will be held at MYAC, 878 Lyster Road, Highwood.

"Last year's inaugural event raised $10,000 for talented students admitted to the MYAC programs," said Eric Falberg, president of Celebrate Highwood and city of Highwood Alderman. "Celebrate Highwood is excited to partner with them again to continue to support arts, music and culture all while bringing people together for family friendly festivals and events throughout the year."

In addition to live jazz, classical and big band musical performances by MYAC students throughout the evening, guests will enjoy appetizers, dinner and dessert from fine North Shore restaurants, as well as an open bar and a silent auction. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour MYAC's facility, located in the transformed former army stockade building at Fort Sheridan, to learn about the history of the building and explore the old prison cells from 1890.

"The 25-year-old Midwest Young Artists Conservatory currently serves 1,000 students in 74 Chicagoland communities and is honored to have been selected as the recipient of the proceeds from this event," said Allan Dennis, founder and president of MYAC. "All the money raised at Jazzed Up Dining & Classical Cocktails will be given to talented students admitted to our programs if they cannot afford the tuition."

Tickets to Jazzed Up Dining & Classical Cocktails are $75 per person and can be purchased online at www.celebratehighwood.org.

This event is made possible by donations from local restaurants and sponsorship from Van Gogh Vodka and 22nd Century Media.

For information on all of Highwood's festivals, visit www.CelebrateHighwood.org, or call (847) 432-6000.