On March 7, 1974, the Monastero family sponsored a small contest at their popular Chicago restaurant for voice students from Northwestern University. More than four decades later, the Bel Canto vocal competition has blossomed into a multi-night extravaganza involving dozens of singers and featuring more than $40,000 in prizes.

This year’s competition will include semi-finals on March 11 and April 8, finals on April 29 and the Bravo Awards presentations on May 21, all at Monastero’s in Chicago. (773-588-2515)