Struggling talent will get a welcome break in advancing their careers mainly through scholarships to the performing arts schools of their choice, thanks to the helping hand extended by Lily Liu, owner for the past 30 years of Lily’s Talent Agency in the West Loop.
After two years in the works, Liu presents the first “Evening of F.A.M.E.” – the non-profit Foundation of Artist Mentored in Entertainment –- Thursday, March 8 at Rockit Bar & Grill, from 6 to 9 p.m.
“Over the years Lily’s been in business, she’s seen so many talented artists who don’t have the funds to hone their skills with acting classes, or the money for career tools such as comp cards and head shots,” says Lily’s spokesperson Sarah Sapien.
“She came up with the idea for F.A.M.E. in 2011 but waited until her 501(c)3 was in place and now this year her idea is completed and she’s ready to launch the first annual event.”
Liu says the Evening’s goal is to host at least 250 attendees and raise $40,000 to support F.A.M.E., Metropolis School of the Performing Arts, and provide scholarship money for the winners of a talent search contest.
Talent competition an Evening highlight
Guests will be treated to performances by The Limelight Singers young adult show choir and 13-year singer Steffan Angus, both students at the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts and by the four winners of F.A.M.E.’s Talent Search.
They were selected first on the basis of the talent displayed in their video submissions and subsequent auditions that winnowed down 12 semi-finalists to the lucky four.
All of the finalists, two female vocalists, a female classical dancer and a four-piece band who will perform receive scholarships, and the grand prize winner will receive double the scholarship prize money.
The winner will be selected by judges familiar with contemporary music and talent: Radio personality Julianontheradio from “The B96 Morning Show;” Brotha Fred from “Brotha’ Fred’s Neighborhood Mornings” on KissFM; Next Level Music recording artist Taylor Mallory and Arabel Alva Rosales, Latino Fashion Week co-principal/founder.
As a bonus, Bill Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins will be a special guest.
Tickets are $100 and include appetizers and alcohol and soft drinks. The Evening also features a silent auction for prizes like theatre tickets, theatre and dinner packages, acting and dancing classes and more, and raffle prizes for $5 raffle tickets.
Go to fame-chicago.org and use the promo code for a 50% ticket discount. Email questions to jimmyflorek@hotmail.com.
Lily’s is a full-service talent agency representing actors, voiceovers, models, dancers and child talent. The agency, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in August, is a franchised by AFTRA/SAG, AEA, AFM and WGA and also has the status of a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).
