top of page

Join Us and Celebrate 35 Years of

Rhythm World

Gala! JUBALEE

JAlice HR24-13.JPG

Honorees

For their Exceptional Contributions to ​

Performance

Arts Education

Community Service

JumaaneTaylor_KristieKahnscropped.jpg

Jumaane Taylor

Nora Daley_0_edited.jpg

Nora Daley

Alderman_edited.png

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

logo-shubert-foundation.png

Award

Elaine & Arlen Rubin

Katie & Steve Wiencek

Concert

PNGPIX-COM-US-Bank-Logo-PNG-Transparent.png

Dona & Lewis Williams

Education

Lane Alexander

Mike & Helen Arkes

Kwaku Osebreh

Scholarship

images (1).png

Margaret Balsey Cross

Carol Efron-Flier

Patti Eylar & Charlie Gardner

Cheri Gibson

Dee Grein

Donna LaPietra & Bill Kurtis

 Ann & Tom Nash

Amy & Tony Volpe

_DSC8834.jpg

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.

MacLogo.png

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.

bottom of page