Music and food are often soul mates, and for the eighth year in a row, Paul Kahan (The Publican, Avec, Blackbird) will be joined by his orange Converse-wearing colleague, “Molto” Mario Batali, for a special night of both great food and killer music. ‚ On Monday, March 15, The Publican will be the site of the Eighth Blackbird Benefit.

The chefs will prepare a five-course, music-themed meal. Each chef will prepare two courses which will be followed by a dessert from the Publican kitchen, all served with wine and beer pairings.

Prior to dinner, Chef Batali will join Glenn Kotche from the band Wilco at a concert at the Packer Schopf Gallery.

The concert begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by hor d’oeuvres and a Champagne reception at 7 p.m. at The Publican. Dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. and will cost $250 per person and proceeds will be donated in support of the musical arts of the eight blackbird, a traveling sextet of musicians known for its contemporary sound.

Reservations are required and can be made here.