Over 400 people enjoyed the Illinois Bar Foundation’s Lawyers Rock Legends fundraising event on Feb. 3 at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago. The event raised over $55,000 to support the programs of the IBF. In the fall of 2010, the IBF held a contest on its Facebook page to determine which bands would be selected to perform. People were asked to become a fan of the page, and then view the submitted auditions and vote for their favorite bands. A total of 21 bands from around the state submitted auditions. In December, a panel of unbiased professional musicians viewed the final submissions, and taking into account all of the votes cast, chose the winning bands. The winning bands, which had to include at least one lawyer, were:

• Barristers Big Band
• Catfish & the Big Boss Blues Band
• The Orphans
• OMT-One More Time
• 5-thirty
• Joe Biscelgia plus Three
• Loren Golden Jazz Ensemble

“It was great to see so many young lawyers there,” Illinois State Bar Association President Mark Hassakis said. “It was a great mix of people who aren’t typically at bar events. Music cuts through all barriers.” The first-time event was such a success that plans are underway for a repeat performance in February, 2012. For further information, please call the IBF at 312.726.6072, or visit their website at www.illinoisbarfoundation.org. "Technically, the sound and lighting were superb, the crowd was enthusiastic and the overall charitable atmosphere with the musicians and their supporters combined to make this a memorable event," said Naperville attorney Richard Kuhn, who performed with his band OMT - One More Time. "We wanted to support the Bar Foundation, but it's also great for a band's resume to play at Buddy Guy's, which is truly a legendary place in Chicago." View two photo galleries of this event: Lawyers Rock Legends and Lawyers Rock Legends - The Bands