The award-winning 4-part virtual performance series
Black artists came together across the spectrum of musical genres and spoken word to open the door to your cabaret experience. Learn about the history of Blacks in Chicago cabaret and view all three parts of the concert series.
The 2022 American Prize was granted to Black Voices in Cabaret for Virtual Performance for this series.
So fine, with wonderful performers in various styles, each personally communicative, musically excellent and gripping to listen to, whether performing or simply talking about their inspirations…a compendium of talent quite breathtaking in its breadth and commitment, and so worthy of praise and recognition. A privilege to experience. Bravo to all.
David Katz, founder and chief judge
The American Prize
Click on the + to open pane and view each video.
SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021
Moderated by Mark Ruffin
Panel begins at 3:00 PM Central Time.
Room opens at 2:30 to meet and greet the panelists and each other.
Chicago was the US capital of jazz and cabaret from about 1915 to 1930. The Stroll on State Street opens the doors to Black performers like Alberta Hunter and band leaders like Lil Hardin Armstrong. Harlem picks up the baton in the 1930s. And Barney Josephson opens Café Society in the 1940s expressly to create an environment where Black and white performers and audience could work and enjoy together.
Dan Johnson – Chicago’s History of Blacks in Cabaret
Natalie Douglas – Creator of tribute shows celebrating Black artists
Lynn Colbert-Jones – Songwriter
Hermene Hartman – Publisher of N’digo
3:00 PM Central Time.
Meet and greet the artists and each other after the 45-minute show.
Live-chat with emcees David Stephens and Arlene Armstrong and today’s cast from Chicago and beyond:
Paula Dione Ingram (Las Vegas), Madeline Morgan, Dr. Ollie Watts Davis, Ava Saunders, Holly McGuire, Patrick Davis, Sean Harris and Margaret Murphy-Webb.
Songs from the world of Langston Hughes, musical theatre, R&B, Latin America and more.
Part 1 of Healing Through Song
Part 1 post-show conversation
3:00 PM Central Time.
Room opens at 2:30 to meet and greet the artists and each other.
Live-chat after the show with emcees David Stephens and Arlene Armstrong and today’s cast from Chicago and beyond:
Carmeanna Eberly, Cynthia Clarey, Che Rhymefest Smith, Coco Sho-Nell, Bobbi Wilsyn, E. Faye Butler, Evelyn Danner, and Randolph Johnson.
Songs and spoken word from the world of rap, musical theatre, American Songbook, jazz, gospel and more.
Part 2 of Healing Through Song
Part 2 post-show Conversation:
3:00 PM Central Time.
Room opens at 2:30 to meet and greet the artists
Live-chat with emcees David Stephens and Arlene Armstrong and today’s cast from Chicago and beyond:
Natalie Douglas (New York City), Jeannie Tanner, Sophie Grimm and LaShera Moore Ellis, Cornelius Johnson, Seany-Doo, Ava Logan, Lynne Jordan, Gwendolyn Brown (Nashville)
Songs and spoken word from the world of rap, spirituals, musical theatre, new songs, pop, and more.
Part 3 of Healing through Song
Part 3 post-show conversation
MESSAGES from our new supporters!
- The first program [March 7 history panel] was fabulous. Bravo!
- I really enjoyed the discussion yesterday! Thanks for putting this series together.
- What an intriguing & fascinating conversation. So glad to be attending.
- This is such an illuminating presentation!
- This is brilliant! Thank you for this unusual opportunity!
- This event was planned just at the right time, where we can gather in an holistic atmosphere soaking up the sounds, soothing, and healing through music and song.
Support provided in part by WDCB Chicago radio’s home for jazz,
by the Illinois Arts Council ArtsTour program,
and by viewers like you.