While organizers hope that substantial money will be raised at the event, the second annual Taste of the Arts is much more than simply a fundraiser for Theatre of Western Springs.

Artistic director Jack Phillips said the event is a celebration of the theater, which will be observing its 80th anniversary season.

“We are the oldest continuously operating theater in Cook and the collar counties. We’ve lasted 80 years, and that’s a huge accomplishment. So this is kicking off the celebration,” he said.

Taste of the Arts will be held from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave.

Taste of the Arts will, as the name suggests, introduce area residents to samplings of food, theater, music and art. Participating area restaurants include La Dolce Vita and A Taste of Vino of Western Springs; The Grapevine, Chequer’s Magic Wok, Now Serving Café/Catering and Bella Bacino’s of La Grange; Events by Tommy R of Hinsdale; and Ditka’s of Oak Brook. Art exhibitions throughout the theater will feature the work of area artists. Various performances will take place during the evening on both stages, as well as outside.

“There will be singers, dancers, short skits — lots of things that you can see to be entertained,” Phillips said.

Performers will include guitar duo Dan and Eddie Saurez; Polished, a classical dance duo; Jerry Volkus on keyboard; and Tony Volini on acoustic guitar. Scenes from recent Theatre of Western Springs productions, as well as one from an upcoming musical, will be performed.

Phillips hopes that visitors will roam the building to see the art exhibits and watch the various performances.

“The whole idea is to do an event where people can get through the whole building to see what a wonderful place we have here,” he said.

Taste of the Arts will also feature raffles and live and silent auctions. Raffle tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25.

Tickets for Taste of the Arts are $50 each and can be purchased by calling (708) 246-4043 or online at www.theatrewesternsprings.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.