(Above) Rahm Emanuel, running for mayor of Chicago, speaks to a fundraiser crowd at House of Blues Monday evening. (Click on image to view larger version.)

January 10, 2011 – A sold-out crowd greeted former White House Chief of Staff – and Chicago mayoral hopeful – Rahm Emanuel Monday night at Marina City’s House of Blues.

Emanuel spoke briefly before introducing singer Jennifer Hudson, who headlined the fundraiser.

Ticket prices started at $30. Tarrah Cooper, the campaign’s deputy press secretary, declined to quantify ticket sales but House of Blues says its capacity is 1,300. Cooper did say that some of the proceeds would be donated to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

Former White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers organized the fundraiser.

“As I look around the room, what do I see? I see Chicago,” Rogers told the crowd. “I see young. I see a little bit old. I see professionals. I see people that maybe don’t have a job. I see all of Chicago and this is really what the city is about. Having everyone here, everyone together, everyone pulling together to keep this city moving.”

Although he was invited, Emanuel will not be attending a forum on January 19 for mayoral candidates being organized by several downtown organizations including River North Residents Association. Said Cooper, “Due to a scheduling conflict, Rahm will not be able to attend the forum.”

(Left) Grammy Award winner Jennifer Hudson performs Monday night at Marina City’s House of Blues, headlining a fundraiser for Chicago mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel. Hudson met Emanuel at a White House event last year. (Click on image to view larger version.)

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(Above) Jennifer Hudson (Left) Rahm Emanuel (Below) Desiree Rogers