December 23, 2017
Chicago Hilton & Towers
Our Chicago Greek-American Band was thrilled to be invited back again to provide the live entertainment for the Hellenic League’s Debutante Cotillion and Crystal Ball in 2017. We can’t imagine a better way to kick off the Christmas holiday weekend!
Five hundred guests began their night enjoying cocktails and visiting together while listening to our pianist perform on the Hilton’s beautiful grand piano at the top of the staircase outside of the Normandie Lounge. From there, guests were chimed into the historic Grand Ballroom, incredibly transformed into a winter wonderland by Tom Manikas of Manikas Designs.
An Honor Guard of Post Debs and Escorts entered to begin the evening, followed by the 2017 Presentation of Debutantes by their fathers. Our Nutcracker theme lit up the night, with the debutantes and fathers dancing to Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers. Moms were presented with roses and serenaded by the gorgeous (and seasonally appropriate) Once Upon A December from the film Anastasia. This all culminated as the debutantes danced to a traditional Kalamatiano ‘Thalassaki’ featuring Chicago bouzouki artist and vocalist Costa Politis.
When it was time for the escort’s entrance into ballroom, the majestic Grand March from Aida set the perfect mood. Their featured choreographed American dance number with the debutantes, Uptown Funk/Bruno Mars, set the tone for a killer evening of dancing!
The show culminated with vocalist Nick Lambrinatos’ electric performance of ‘Metro Antistrofa’ (5,4,3,2,1) for the final Greek Dance number. We added a reprise at the end which included the Post Debs and Escorts – FANTASTIC!
A scrumptious four course dinner prepared by the Hilton’s impeccable chefs was enjoyed before the dance floor filled up again with American and Greek dancing to The Chris Sarlas Orchestra until midnight! Ok, maybe we played an encore or two 🙂
Thank you for inviting us back again this year for Chicago Hellenic League’s Debutante Cotillion – we hope to see you again soon!
No evening is complete without a selfie, so here’s Nick, Carol & Chris 🙂
