Choose Chicago
A Night at Mister Kelly’s: The Stars Come Alive
By Staff
September 18, 2021
A TRIBUTE OF THE GREATEST ENTERTAINERS OF THE 20TH CENTURY features Chicago’s own, Anne Burnell, Jeff Hedberg, LaShera Moore, Devon Sandridge, The Queen of Chicago Cabaret, Denise Tomasello, with Mark Burnell as music director, Katie Ernst (bass & vocal) and Phil Gratteau (drums), produced and hosted by Daryl Nitz. Special guest appearance by comedian & WKRP in Cincinnati star Tim Reid
The legendary Mister Kelly’s, called a “supernova in America’s nightlife firmament” illuminated Chicago’s iconic Rush Street and the entire country from 1953-1975, launching superstars like Barbra Streisand, Herbie Hancock, Bette Midler, Bob Newhart, and Richard Pryor. Smashing color and gender barriers, Kelly’s presented vocalists and comedians to packed houses and critical acclaim from jazz legends: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Anita O’Day, Mel Torme, Billy Eckstine; pop stars: Fats Domino and Lou Rawls; blues artists: Muddy Waters and B.B. King, transforming the American Culture.
Audience members will get a sneak peek at the upcoming documentary film, Mister Kelly’s Chicago, premiering on Sept. 17 at the Siskel Film Center in Chicago and streaming nationally on October 12. This special, one night only, celebration is a must-see evening of Chicago’s best in jazz and music. Experience a new generation of stars bringing Mister Kelly’s alive for a captivating evening entertainment.
