Chicago Human Rhythm Project's Jubalee Gala Set for Tonight

The Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP), celebrating 25 years as the nation's premier presenter of American tap dance and contemporary percussive arts, honors Patti Eylar and Charlie Gardner and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation with its JUBA! Award at Jubalee, CHRP's annual gala benefit supporting performance, education and community programs that reach more than 20,000 people every year. This special evening, hosted by Bill Kurtis, takes place tonight, October 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

At this year's Jubalee, celebrating its 25th season, CHRP honors Patti Eylar and Charlie Gardner with the JUBA! Award for their longtime generous support of Chicago Human Rhythm Project and the entire dance community. In addition, CHRP honors The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation with its annual JUBA! Award for Extraordinary Commitment to Community and Culture for its long-term support of cultural organizations of all sizes through direct grants and smaller grants through the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and Prince Charitable Trusts. These honorees played pivotal roles in the establishment of CHRP's shared dance space, the American Rhythm Center, which will provide a platform for multiple organizations during CHRP's next 25 years. Eylar, Gardner and The MacArthur Foundation join the distinguished company of past JUBA! Award recipients, including Gregory Hines, Bill Irwin, Mayor and Mrs. Richard M. Daley, Ted and Susan Oppenheimer, Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception and a silent auction, followed by performances featuring CHRP's resident ensemble BAM!, the Greg Spero Trio Movement Revolution and CHRP's youth outreach programs from around the city. The evening concludes with dinner, a live auction and a dessert reception where guests can meet the performers.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is Honorary Chair of the Jubalee. Co-Chairs include Lane Alexander, Judith Blank, Michael Foster, Diana E. Harris and Cari and Barry Shein.

Tickets to CHRP's 25th anniversary Jubalee are $250 and $500.To purchase tickets or tables, or for information about sponsorships, call 312-542-2477, ext. 203, or visit chicagotap.org.