Join Us and Celebrate 35 Years of
Rhythm World
Gala! JUBALEE
Honorees
For their Exceptional Contributions to
Performance
Arts Education
Community Service
Jumaane Taylor
Nora Daley
Alderman Michelle Harris
Time & Location
Jul 16, 2025 | 5:30 PM
The Studebaker Theater, 410 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
About The Event
Join the Chicago Human Rhythm Project to HONOR three exceptional Chicagoans, CELEBRATE 35 years of American tap culture, and SUPPORT the repair and expansion of the Mayfair Arts Center.
Gala! JUBALEE 2025 has been redesigned to offer patrons a range of unique and memorable experiences at the beautifully renovated Studebaker Theater and Studio 300 - all in Chicago's historic Fine Arts Building.
The night kicks off with delectables and libations, followed by electrifying performances by tap dance virtuosos from around the globe, the JUBA! Award presentation, and a post performance dance and dessert reception with the artists.
Schedule of Events
Schedule coming soon.
Sponsors
Presenting
Award
Elaine & Arlen Rubin
Katie & Steve Wiencek
Concert
Dona & Lewis Williams
Education
Lane Alexander
Mike & Helen Arkes
Kwaku Osebreh
Scholarship
Margaret Balsey Cross
Carol Efron-Flier
Patti Eylar & Charlie Gardner
Cheri Gibson
Dee Grein
Donna LaPietra & Bill Kurtis
Ann & Tom Nash
Amy & Tony Volpe
Support the Mayfair Arts Center
This year's JUBALEE will support the repair and expansion of the Mayfair Arts Center (MAC), a legacy South Side institution reborn as a hub for arts education, creation, and community development. Bolstered by an $800,000 capital grant from the City of Chicago and an additional $450,000 raised to date, this year's Gala seeks to raise $500,000 to complete the $1.75mil Tap into the Future campaign.
The Story of JUBA
William Henry Lane was the first African American to earn the right to perform with white minstrel dancers in the 1830’s and 40s. Lane and an Irishman named John Diamond were promoted in a series of staged tap dance competitions of which Lane won all but one. He was given the appellation “Juba”- a Zulu word meaning King – by fellow dancers and went on to give command performances before the crowned heads of Europe where he was proclaimed the greatest dancer of all time by American and European critics alike.Juba (also spelled giuba) is a river/valley/city in Somalia/Ethiopia/Sudan. It is also a word in Swahili meaning “dove”. Juba was also a dance created by slaves featuring hand clapping and foot stomping, referred to as “patting the juba”.
The JUBA! Award
William Henry Lane faced crushing prejudice in a country still divided by slavery– and was still able to accomplish, to excel and to win. Lane’s life is a testament to the ability of people to overcome all obstacles, to excel despite adversity and to affect change through acts of personal courage and fortitude. This award acknowledges those who personify these characteristics and have made extraordinary contributions to the field as artists and patrons.
The Mayfair Arts Center is a collaborative space for sustainable development that offers diverse classes for the general public and business development services as well as subsidies to independent artists and small to mid-sized nonprofit companies.
CHRP closed the American Rhythm Center in the Fine Arts Building - and reopened in our very own new home - the MAYFAIR ARTS CENTER - or MAC - in Calumet Heights. This move will not only allow CHRP to expand our own services and programs, but also to honor the 63+ year legacy of Tommy and Peggy Sutton's Mayfair Academy - a true South Side institution. The MAC will serve more independent artists, more small to medium-sized dance companies and more children, teens, adults and elders - through classes, performances and business development services.