An Evening of Extraordinary Voices and Unforgettable Emotion

Some evenings transcend entertainment and become lasting memories. Our concert with the 4 Musical Tenors was one of those rare and truly special occasions.

As part of their North American tour, and on their journey between performances in Iowa and New York City—where they would soon appear at the world-famous Carnegie Hall for the second time in just two years—the distinguished quartet of Pavel Vítek, Marian Vojtko, Jan Kříž, and Michal Bragagnolo made a special stop to share their artistry with our community.

It was an incredible honor to welcome these exceptional performers, whose talent, professionalism, and stage presence have captivated audiences across Europe and beyond. Throughout the evening, they delivered a breathtaking program that seamlessly blended beloved musical theater favorites, timeless classics, and contemporary hits. Song after song, the audience responded with enthusiasm, admiration, and heartfelt emotion.

One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when the tenors performed Vltava by the legendary Czech composer Bedřich Smetana. The familiar melody touched something deep within the audience, evoking memories of home, heritage, and national pride. For many, it was an emotional highlight that transformed the concert into something far greater than a musical performance.

Beyond their remarkable voices, the four artists brought warmth, humor, and genuine connection to the stage, creating an atmosphere that felt both elegant and intimate. The standing ovations and overwhelming response from attendees reflected just how meaningful this evening was for everyone present.

We are deeply grateful to the 4 Musical Tenors for sharing their talent with us and for making our community a part of their extraordinary journey. It was a night of world-class music, cherished memories, and a celebration of culture that will remain in our hearts for years to come.

Celebrating the Installation of Slovakia’s New Honorary Consul in Chicago

We were honored to participate in a distinguished series of events marking the installation of the new Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic in Chicago, Mr. Joseph Seliga.

The official installation ceremony, held in downtown Chicago, was attended by His Excellency Andrej Droba, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United States, and Ms. Beatrice Szabóová, Consul General of the Slovak Republic in New York. Their presence underscored the significance of this important occasion and the strong ties between Slovakia and the Slovak-American community.

The weekend’s celebrations continued with the Veselica Gala and concluded with a Sunday Mass at the Slovak Mission, bringing together community leaders, distinguished guests, and supporters from across the region.

We were especially proud to host the opening dinner reception at our banquet facility, an event organized by the Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We extend our sincere appreciation to Cecilia Rokusek, President and CEO, for her leadership and dedication in fostering Czech and Slovak cultural heritage and international connections.

We congratulate Mr. Seliga on his appointment and wish him every success in his new role as Honorary Consul. We look forward to the continued strengthening of cultural, diplomatic, and community relationships between Slovakia and the United States.

It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful and memorable celebration.

On Sunday we hosted a delightful St. Nicolas event filled with festive joy for children and families. The day featured Santa shooting and a variety of fun kids activities that kept our youngest visitors smiling. Kids had the chance to whisper their Christmas wishes and receive sweet treat from Santa’s helper. A highlight of the afternoon was a charming fairy tale performance by members of the Theatre Bohemia, which brought magic to life and captivated the audience. Guests also enjoyed delicious food and refreshing drinks, adding to the warm and cheerful atmosphere.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this celebration truly special. We can’t wait to welcome you again next year for another festive magical event!

On Saturday October 4th we had the immense honor of hosting an unforgettable Rock Violin Concert, headlined by none other than Pavel Sporcl, one of the world’s most celebrated violinists. Performing on his iconic blue violin, Pavel delivered a breathtaking fusion of classical brilliance and rock energy that had the entire room captivated.

The Blue Violin Man and the most viral Czech classical artist Pavel Sporcl, in this project honored with a Gold Record (Universal Music), took the stage as a rock violinist. Ballad lovers were moved by a powerful rendition of “What Was I Made For?”, the Oscar-winning hit by Billie Eilish… reimagine in a stunning arrangement by Sporcl that touch the hearts of fans across all genres. Nobody sat still when they presented classic rock super hits as Kashmir & Stairway to heaven by Led Zeppelin, Another brick in the wall by Pink Floyd, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and many more. As a special highlight of the evening, Sporcl performed two beautiful ballads that touched the hearts of everyone in the audience - one from the legendary Karel Gott, and another from the beloved Vaso Patejdl. With his unmistakable sound and deep emotional expression, Pavel brought a fresh voice to these timeless songs, paying tribute to two icons of Czech and Slovak music. Sporcl also presented his own original hits, Boundless and Surprise, completing a one-of-a-kind repertoire.

Joining him on stage was Brian Charette, the Grammy-nominated Hammond organ virtuoso, whose masterful playing added deep, soulful layers to the performance; Otto Hejnic, drums & band leader - a true master of rhythm and the engine behind the sound; Sebastian Skalitzky Sorrosa - from lyrical melodies to electrifying runs, his guitar playing added both edge and elegance to the night and Ian Kodet, the bassist - anchoring the music with smooth, powerful lines that kept everything grounded.

With nearly 120 guests in attendance, the atmosphere was electric from the first note to the last - and by the end of the night, the crowd rose in a full standing ovation, a powerful tribute to the unforgettable performance.

Guests also enjoyed a complimentary dinner, making the evening a complete sensory experience.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special night. We’re already looking forward to the next one!

We were honored to welcome esteemed Czech actor Robert Jaskow, a prominent member of Prague’s renowned Švanda Theatre, for a special talk show event in Chicago. Mr. Jaskow known for his dynamic stage presence and versatile acting career spanning theatre, film, and television, generously shared his personal insight into his artistic journey, career milestones, and the vibrant cultural landscape of contemporary Czech theatre.

The evening offered more than just conversation - it was an engaging, heartfelt experience filled with humor, authenticity, and even taste of performance. Attendees were treated to a live demonstration of woodkopf, which added an entertaining and culturally enriching touch to the program.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Ivo Gebauer, who facilitated the event. Special thanks also go to Jana Jordak for her dedicated support in managing the “Meet and Greet” portion of the evening, as well as for her contributions to photography and guest relations. And of course, sincere appreciation goes to our hardworking staff, whose commitment and behind-the-scenes efforts brought this event to life.

Finally, to all our attendees: THANK YOU! Your presence and engagement reaffirm our belief that promoting cultural programs and artistic exchange is not only worthwhile - it is essential.

Bohemian Lawyers’s Installation dinner 2025

On May 15th, 2025, the Bohemian’s Lawyers Association held its installation dinner at our banquet hall. The meeting began with a speech by the President of the Association Mrs. Mary M. Cunningham. A Prize of Honor was awarded to Dr. Cecilia Rokusek, the President & CEO of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Among the guests were the Slovak Honorary Consul in Chicago Mrs. Rosemary Mack Wisnosky and her husband, Mr. Geoge Drozd as well as former presidents Mr. Seliga and his wife and Mr. Richard Valek. Throughout the event, a group of musicians performed live music.

Our 1st culture event post covid! What a pleasant surprise how many of you attended this concert of only two musicians… This special private and cozy event celebrating Velvet Revolution was mostly about to bring back the Czech spirit and sing along with Michal Horak, Czechs singer and song-writer, who is an amazing author and story teller. He was accompanied by Adam Cernik, the violinist. Among huge Czech community, couple of local Americans joined us too and the most honor we got was the attendance of Mr. and Mrs. Jakub Uteseny, Consul General of the Czech Republic in Chicago.