Chicago Human Rhythm Project Celebrates Strayhorn Tonight

As a part of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University's citywide festival celebrating the life and music of Billy Strayhorn, Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) presents an evening of music, song and dance marking his close association with Duke Ellington, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Harlem's famous tap collective the Copasetics tonight, November 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jazz Showcase.

Performers include associate director of CHRP's ensemble BAM! Marty Bronson; the Vijay Tellis Nayak Trio, including Sarah Marie on vocals, Eric Hochberg on bass and Mikaya McCraven on drums; and Chicago tap dancers Time Brickey, Jessica Chapuis, Starinah Dixon, Sioned Papparotto, Jumaane Taylor and special guest, Reggio "The Hoofer" McLaughlin.

The event spotlights not only Strayhorn's music, but also features re-creations of famous tap dances from that era, including the Chair Dance and the Coles and Atkins Soft Shoe.

"Billy Strayhorn was one of the original members of Harlem's famous tap dance collective-the Copasetics-so it's only natural that some of Chicago's finest hoofers should gather to celebrate his life, his music and his commitment to American tap dance," said CHRP Founder and Artistic Director Lane Alexander.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents this program as part of the The Billy Strayhorn Festival in association with the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University celebrating the Strayhorn Centennial.

For tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/chicago-human-rhythm-project-the-billy-strayhorn-festival-tickets-18694012294. For information, visit chicagotap.org.