Steve Starr Tribute “The Face of News”

Steve Starr Tribute  “The Face of News”
The Murphy Auditorium (50 E. Erie St.)
12-12-12

It was always Steve Starr’s dream that Wednesday night’s event would become a reality. When the famed photographer unexpectedly passed away last month, many of his admirers became uncertain if his vision would still find a way to be carried out. However, if you knew the unforgettable impact Steve had on many of our lives, it was no surprise that his dear friends picked up right where Steve left off and turned the evening into the event of the season. (*Special thanks to co-chairs Margaret J. O’Connor & Leonard Mogul, emcee Bill Zwecker & the entire committee, including Paul Iacono)

With the backdrop of the incomparably beautiful Murphy Auditorium, the room was filled with thoughts of gratitude, reflection, yet undeniable sadness, as we lost our friend far too soon. In the wake of Steve’s passing, it was heartwarming to see the number of big Chicago businesses donating their time, food and items, in hope of making the night just a bit more special & elaborate, as Steve would surely expect no less. The Tribute was also filled with various types of art, from music to dance to fashion, which warmed the room with the beauty & class Steve so embodied.

The walls of the room were filled with framed photos of Steve’s work, from Oscar winners to world-renowned journalists. The night also included a slideshow & special video of his most famous photos, as well as old video of Steve, joking around. We all knew how special Steve was, but to see his photography put together in one compilation, just proves the sheer magnitude of the craft he loved so much.

Not only did Steve’s friends come out to show their love & support, but his wonderful family was also in attendance. When I asked Steve’s sister, Adrienne Ingebrigtsen, what this event means to her and what it would mean to her brother, she replied, “It means to me that he just really took Chicago on a ride and I think the ride is going to continue and he would just be overwhelmed with all this.”

I then spoke with the event’s host Candace Jordan, one of Steve’s closest friends, about the evening, and she responded, “What I love the most about tonight is that there is a meteor shower outside tonight. There are a million shooting stars, but there’s only one Steve Starr in our galaxy, and he’s here in this room tonight with all of us.”

You’re right, Candace. I have no doubt in my mind Steve was working his way around the room with his camera, yelling “chin up!” “lean in!” & “smile!” And boy, he sure did put a smile on all our faces…