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“We hope that this partnership between City Winery and Urban Gateways is one that results in continuing to inspire youth – and perhaps one day, we’ll see them on a City Winery stage!”

Our Art for All Gala is next Friday, March 8, at the fabulous new City Winery Chicago. To give you a taste of what to expect from this marvelous venue, we spoke with owner Michael Dorf: We’re so excited to host our annual Art for All Gala at City Winery. Why did you feel that your venue would be a good fit for this benefit?

Michael Dorf: Music is such a core part of who I am. My passion for music is one of the reasons I started the Knitting Factory in the 1980s. And when we opened City Winery New York four years ago and City Winery Chicago in August 2012, I knew music would be an important part of this space as well. So, the fit with an organization like Urban Gateways that brings high quality arts programs to communities is perfect with City Winery and we are proud to host the annual gala here. What can our guests look forward to (regarding City Winery and its amenities) as they get ready for the Gala?

City Winery Chicago is a beautifully designed, architecturally significant building. When you arrive inside the lobby, you feel like you are transported into wine country, and immediately you know you’re someplace special. The Urban Gateways gala will be hosted in our concert hall, which is an intimate space featuring a Meyer Sound system so everyone will sound amazing. Why are the arts and arts education important to you personally?

Arts and arts education funding is in a critical state and it’s important for all of us to find ways to contribute to keeping this education front and center. Urban Gateways offers a wonderful path for everyone to get involved. The City Winery family is happy to support Urban Gateways’ efforts.

What engages you about the work that Urban Gateways does with Chicago youth, and what has led you to partner with our organization for events like the Art for All Gala?

Partnering with the artist communities is something that Urban Gateways does well and something that we do here at City Winery. In New York, I also produce Michael Dorf Presents…which features artists that I have worked with over the decades who play at Carnegie Hall – this year it’s a Tribute to Prince — and the proceeds of that event benefit underprivileged youth around NYC. It’s our way of giving back to the community. We hope that this partnership between City Winery and Urban Gateways is one that results in continuing to inspire youth – and perhaps one day we’ll see them on a City Winery stage!

Also check out a blog entry from last summer about City Winery’s wine on tap system, and why wine on tap is the way to go. Awesome stuff.

…And more about the Gala, including some pretty splendid live auction prizes, right here!