NF Hope® Concerts hosts its first live Chicago concert in over three years at 7 p.m. Monday, June 27 at North Central College’s Madden Theatre, 171 E. Chicago Ave. in Naperville. Since the inaugural Las Vegas event in 2011, NF Hope® Concerts has raised more than $1.2 million for Neurofibromatosis (NF) research and advocacy and now presents in three cities–Las Vegas, New York City and Chicago.
“For more than 11 years, we have fought to raise awareness and funds for Neurofibromatosis, a cause near and dear to our hearts” says NF Hope® Concerts co-founder and producer Jeff Leibow. “And every day, our daughter reminds us why.”
While the world came to a halt during the pandemic, the Leibow's daughter, Emma, continued her battle with NF, a neurological disorder that has no cure. “Emma has a large tumor in her leg that carries with it a significant chance of becoming an incurable NF-specific cancer,” Leibow explained. “COVID affected our ability to get Emma the care she needs to monitor that tumor along with the rest of her NF symptoms. This added to our drive to make a difference for her and the tens of thousands living with NF. As a result, we find inviting live audiences back to this concert incredibly exciting.”
Chicago’s 3rd Annual NF Hope Concert will feature performances by:
- Anastasia Lee (contralto), a 25-year-old Billboard-charting
opera crossover singer recently diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF) - The Four C Notes, the incredible Chicago-based Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute created by John Michael Coppola, best known for his appearance in Chicago’s long-running production of the Broadway smash hit "Jersey Boys"
- Heidi Kettenring whose credits include Broadway in Chicago (“Wicked”), Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, Northlight, Paramount, Writers Theater, Court, Drury Lane, among others
- Under the Streetlamp co-founder Christopher Kale Jones with his wife Jenna Coker-Jones
- Morgen Hare, lead singer of the award-wining cover band Final Say
- NF Hope® Concerts co-founder Jeff Leibow
- …plus surprise guests.
Reserved tickets for the June 27 concert are $49. VIP tickets are $89 and include a meet & greet with the cast and prime seating. Tickets can be purchased at nfhopechi22.givesmart.com, at the North Central College Box Office, located at 171 E. Chicago Ave., or by calling the box office at 630.637.SHOW. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Details for a streaming option will also be announced soon. For more information visit nfhope.org.
A silent auction is also part of the evening. Auction items include tickets to Broadway In Chicago’s upcoming presentation of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” tickets to the Minnesota State Fair and one of its main shows (Zac Brown Band, Diana Ross or Jim Gaffigan) plus award-winning restaurant outings, sporting events and golf, spa, theater and museum packages. Registration for the auction is now available online at nfhopechi22.givesmart.com. On-line bidding begins June 17 at noon. The day of the concert, the lobby will be open beginning at 5:30 p.m. to view auction items in person.
NF is a genetic disorder of the nervous system characterized by tumors that can grow on any nerve in the body without warning. Although NF is a common genetic disorder, most people are not aware that one in 2,500 people are born with it making it more common than cystic fibrosis, hereditary muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s Disease and Tay Sachs combined.
The NF Network (formerly NF, Inc.) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and was founded in 1988 by a group of people who were in some way affected by neurofibromatosis. NF Network is now the leading national organization advocating for federal funding for NF research and building and supporting NF communities. The NF Network’s goal is to eradicate the health issues, pain, isolation and uncertainty that the diagnosis of NF inflicts. The NF Network provides opportunities for local NF organizations to share experiences. The network is a dynamic and growing open space for shared resources, development of new tools, and creation of innovative programs. It brings together groups from around the country to speak as one voice on national issues. More information about the NF Network is available at nfnetwork.org or by calling the office at 630.627.1115.
NF Hope® Concerts brings together incredible local talent and national headliners for an evening of entertainment to support a wonderful cause. Co-founder Jeff Leibow landed in Las Vegas in 2008 as one of the stars in the Tony Award-Winning musical, “Jersey Boys.” Before that, he worked in professional theaters all over the country garnishing award nominations for many of his performances. Immediately after his arrival in Vegas, he made giving back to the community a priority, involving himself with every charity event and benefit concert he could fit into his schedule. In 2009, his daughter became his top priority as did raising awareness for NF, the disorder she is afflicted with. He and his wife Melody founded the annual NF Hope Concerts in 2011 and, in 2014, after more than seven years and 2,700 performances in “Jersey Boys,” Leibow stepped down to dedicate more of his time to the cause that means so much to him and his family. For additional information, visit nfhope.org or follow at Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @nfhopeconcert.