The Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel, Presents THE BIRTH OF THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK, Featuring Dinner, Live Music and Dancing

The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, is proud to announce dinner, dancing and all-star performances with The Birth of the Great American Songbook, Saturday, May 21, in the legendary Empire Room, on the lobby level of the Palmer House, 17 E. Monroe St. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour followed by a three-course gourmet dinner with choice of entrée and wine service leading to performances by Ron Hawking and Joan Curto backed by The City Lights Orchestra, conducted by Rich Daniels, at 8:30 p.m. Dancing will follow the performances until 11 p.m. Single tickets are $150 and VIP tickets, which include premium seating and an open bar throughout the night, are $175. Tickets to The Birth of The Great American Songbook may be purchased at http://www.palmerhousehiltonhotel.com/events/empireroomseries/.

For more than 80 years, the fabled Empire Room has been one of Chicago’s centers for entertainment, fine dining and very special events. During its history, iconic performers like Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Belafonte and Louis Armstrong have delighted audiences with songs that have become synonymous with the American popular music songbook. The Empire Room adds a new page to its history with a one night only event highlighting these entertainers and their music. Hits and some hidden gems from the Empire Room’s fabled past will delight audiences once again in an evening that not only provides an unforgettable night of song but includes a delicious dinner and dancing with a full orchestra.

“To attend a performance in our Empire Room is an experience that is unparalleled. You can feel the room come alive with the energy of past performers, the decades of music and the thousands of memories that were created here,” said Dean Lane, general manager, The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel. “We are excited to share The Birth of the Great American Songbook with its incredible roster of talent performing beautiful music for an appreciative audience.”

The Three Course Menu includes:

First Course, Salad
Butter Lettuce Heirloom Tomato, Peppered Goat Cheese, Poached Pear, Tunnel Maple Dressing

Second Course, Entrée (Choice of)

Cavatelli, Spring Peas Exotic Mushrooms, Pulled Chicken Breast, Egg, First Press Olive Oil

-or-

Bistro Steak, Shaved Asparagus, Spring Onion, Romesco Sauce, Croquette Potato

-or-

Grilled Alaskan Salmon, Yukon Puree, Ramps, Gremolata, Meyer Lemon Butter Sauce

-or-

Spring Pea Ravioli, Rooftop Sage, Olive Oil

Third Course, dessert
Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch, Chocolate Mousse, Sea Salt Caramel

Chef’s choice of seasonal pairings with all entrees.