Barrel of Monkeys' Fancy Schmancy: Flashback to 1997 - 20th Anniversary Benefit

Barrel of Monkeys celebrates its 20th anniversary by traveling back to the year it all began for its annual fundraising soiree: Fancy Schmancy: Flashback to 1997 on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at The Drucker Center, 1535 N. Dayton Ave. in Chicago. Don your favorite fashion track suit and Spice Girls platform shoes for an evening of ‘90s inspired fun including tunes and dancing with DJSadie Woods, live entertainment from Barrel of Monkeys’ company members, a Mario Kart Tournament, a ’90s photo booth, delectable hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. The event also features a silent action with dozens of great gift packages and a raffle for tickets to Hamilton in Chicago and Saturday Night Live in New York. Tickets are currently available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org/fancy with early bird discounts available through March 3, 2017.

Barrel of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education nonprofit now in its 20th season, conducts creative writing workshops with 3rd through 5th grade students in underserved Chicago Public Schools. The ensemble of actor-educators then turns their stories and words into professionally performed theatre, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues.

Since its founding in 1997, Barrel of Monkeys has worked in over 60 Chicago Public Schools, serving more than 50,000 students in underserved schools. In 2004, Barrel of Monkey also implemented a year-round after-school program at Loyola Park Fieldhouse, in partnership with the Chicago Park District. These programs provide a rare opportunity for creative expression and build literacy skills, self-esteem, and confidence in students’ ideas and abilities.

EVENT DETAILS

Event: Fancy Schmancy: Flashback to 1997

Date: Saturday, April 1, 2017 from 7 pm – 11 pm

Attire: Late ‘90s chic

Location: The Drucker Center, 1535 N. Dayton Ave. in Chicago.

Tickets: General admission $60 early bird, $70 regular, $80 at the door; VIP tickets $90 early bird, $100 regular, $110 at the door. VIP tickets include guaranteed assigned seating, exclusive access to the VIP lounge with private bar and live music and a VIP glow bracelet. A table of 8 VIP tickets with reserved seating is available for $720 early bird, $800 regular. Tickets are currently available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org/fancy. Early bird pricing is available through March 3, 2017.

FANCY SCHMANCY: Flashback to 1997 is sponsored in part by Allscripts Inc., Wintrust Financial, Ernst & Young and Punchkick Interactive.

Beverages generously donated by Crafthouse Cocktails and Revolution Brewery.

About Barrel of Monkeys

Since Barrel of Monkeys’ inception in 1997, its teaching artists have served more than 60 Chicago Public Schools. Over 15,000 elementary school students have participated in the Barrel of Monkeys programs, which aim to build students' writing skills, improve self-esteem, and instill confidence in their ideas and abilities.

PHOTO CREDIT: Michelle Alba.