Just got word that Jim Caruso’s Cast Party — a popular New York City event that features both tried-and-true and up-and-coming talent — is coming to Chicago. On April 10, Caruso, along with iconic jazz performer Billy Stritch, will showcase local soon-to-be-announced talent at the Mayne Stage — a swanky, new-ish Rogers Park music venue that showed a lot of promise when I saw Ann Hampton Callaway open the joint in July.

I’m really looking forward to this one, kittens.

From press materials:

The wildly popular open mic and Manhattan mainstay Jim Caruso’s Cast Party debuts in Chicago. Host Jim Caruso and music genius Billy Stritch take their show on the road to celebrate the extraordinary local talent in the Windy City. A mix of music, impromptu performance and cocktail party revelry, Chicago showbiz superstars, stunning jazz talents and cabaret glitterati will hit the stage alongside up-and-comers to serve up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle. It’ll be the ultimate spot to mix and mingle with talented show folk and their fans. The buoyant, sharp and charming Caruso guides the entire affair like a bubbly cruise director, musical director Billy Stritch holds court at the ivories and the audience is invited to participate in the festivities! It’s the party that would happen if somehow David Letterman and Ed Sullivan threw a hip house party around the piano!!

WHEN: Sunday, April 10, 2011
TIME: Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mayne Stage, 1328 West Morse Avenue, 773.381.4554
TICKETS: $20; to purchase call the box office @ 773.381.4554 or visit maynestage.com