The incredible rat-a-tat-tat of Savion Glover’s tap shoes was a lure strong enough to draw about 250 people to the Green Dolphin Street on Sunday night.
The event was JUBALEE, a fundraiser for the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. After a long program, Glover, the star and creator of Broadway’s “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk,” performed a 10-minute improvisational routine and a duet with an unnamed friend.
A parade of performers took the stage before him, including Rhythm Project co-founder and
director Lane Alexander, who shared some tap dance routines, and there was even a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” sung by Glover’s mother, Yvette. Backing was provided by the Rich Fudoli Jazz Quartet.
Auctioneer Nancy Sellers of WTTW-Ch. 11 periodically beseeched the audience to bid higher for silent auction items, which included trips to Bali and St. Croix, male and female beauty packages, watercolor artwork and museum membership packages, among others.
Gala ticket prices were $75 (including a buffet dinner and a chance to watch the entertainment from the back of the room) and $125 (a sit-down dinner).
The gala was a culmination of the Project’s tap festival at the Athenaeum Theatre. Two performances by Glover closed the festival.
Organizers expected to raise close to $50,000 from the evening, which will help support the Rhythm Project. Event co-chairs were Rosemary Nadolsky and Robert Johnson.
– Coming up: The National Conference of Christians and Jews will present the 1998 National Humanitarian Award to Cardinal Francis George at a “Gold and Silver Celebration” on Aug. 18.
A reception will begin the evening at 6 p.m., followed by a gala dinner at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St.
Tickets range from $350 to $500 per person. Call 312-236-9272 for information.
– The Museum of Contemporary Art and Marshall Field’s 28 Shop are joining to present “An Evening of Fashion and Art,” an MCA benefit gala.
The gala is scheduled from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the museum, 220 E. Chicago Ave. The centerpiece of the evening is a fashion show under a tent in the museum’s sculpture garden featuring fall collections from Carolina Herrera (who will make an appearance), Sonia Rykiel, Calvin Klein and Halston.
Tickets are $350 per person. Call 312-397-3855 for information.
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