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The “Once in a Lifetime” gala event hosted by the Chicago Humanities Festival is now a memory, though the festival lasts through Nov. 16, 2008. Nevertheless, the gala did the almost impossible, hosting a one-of-a-kind performance by legends, Barbara Cook, Frederica von Stade and Dianne Reeves, which received considerable coverage in the Chicago area. Howard Reich, a critic for the Chicago Tribune, said the “gala got its groove back” this year by booking the three singers. He said while cabaret icon, Cook, was 80 years old “her light soprano still addresses the ear gently. Yet her interpretations carry the wisdom of the ages” (ChicagoTribune.com, Oct. 6, 2008). Before the event, Reich posted some advice from Cook about singing, highlighting the importance of feeling the pain of the characters in song, of not being afraid to face the crowd, to find yourself in the music and finally to let yourself go and relax. Some good advice from someone who’s spent their lifetime singing (ChicagoTribune.com, Sept. 28, 2008).

 Read all of Cook’s advice in the full article here.

Apart from articles and listings in the Chicago Tribune, “Once in a Lifetime” also received listings in ChicagoBusiness.com, Crain’s Chicago Business (and picks for the week), IdealBite.com, About.com:Chicago, Chicago Weekend Tips, ChicagoPride.com, Daily Herald, Chicago Sun-Times, Pioneer Press, Pioneerlocal.com, SunTimes.com, and Time Out Chicago.

On Friday, October 3rd, fans enjoyed three beloved performers: Frederica Von Stade, Barbara Cook and Dianne Reeves. They sang together at the Chicago Humanities Festival’s Benefit Evening held at Chicago’s Symphony Center. Their appearance on stage was the grand climax of the “Once in a Lifetime” benefit evening. Proceeds went to the Chicago Humanities Festival, a group that promotes the study and enjoyment of the humanities by hosting various yearly events and programs.

The event was promoted in Live and Play in Chicago, an entertainment blog at LiveandPlayinChicago.com. It was also listed in the October 2008 edition of Chicago Magazine (page 146).

Click here for more information on the Gala and the performers.

Chicago has something for everyone as columnist Bill Zwecker describes in his July 30, 2008 column for the Chicago Sun-Times “Headed Here” (page 30). He mentions Chicago being a possible spot for Cheech and Chong’s reunion tour, “Hey! What’s that Smell?” and whether or not you’re interested in finding out, he offers a “far more staid but very impressive” alternative: the Chicago Humanities Festival’s “Once in a Lifetime” benefit concert at the Symphony Center October 3, featuring singers Barbara Cook, Frederica von Stade and Diane Reeves. Why not check out both?