The Auditorium Theatre to Present CHICAGO RHYTHM FEST as Part of 'STOMPING GROUNDS' Today

The Auditorium Theatre presents Chicago Rhythm Fest, the culminating performance of Chicago Human Rhythm Project's two-month, citywide festival STOMPING GROUNDS today, June 4, 2016 at 7:30PM.

STOMPING GROUNDS is a showcase of events, mini-concerts, lecture-demonstrations, and master classes celebrating the diversity of the percussive arts, highlighting some of the city's premier dance groups.

Tickets to Chicago Rhythm Fest start at $28, and are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in-person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Parkway).

This year's Chicago Rhythm Fest program includes Chicago Human Rhythm Project's BAM!, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, and Trinity Irish Dance Company.

"We are thrilled to present five great dance companies as part of Chicago Rhythm Fest for the second year as part of our 'Made in Chicago' Dance Series," says Henry Fogel, the Auditorium Theatre's Interim Chief Executive Officer. "The impact each of these companies has made, not just to the dance community, but to all of Chicago, is truly remarkable."

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Chicago Rhythm Fest Programming:
(subject to change)

Chicago Rhythm Fest is the grand finale presentation of the STOMPING GROUNDS festival and features works from five of the participating companies, a showcase of percussive dance from around the world.

Chicago Human Rhythm Project's BAM!

Chicago Human Rhythm Project's resident company, BAM! will showcase Anthology of Rhythm, which takes audiences on a percussive journey through 50 years of the American jazz arc.

The anthology begins with two pieces from the golden age of big band swing, with Harold Cromer's 1944 showstopper, Opus One, followed by Cole and Atkins' 1937 signature work, Soft Shoe. Anthology of Rhythm culminates with a world premiere by Chicago Human Rhythm Project Co-Founder and Artistic Director Lane Alexander, danced to the music of one of Thelonious Monk's most famous compositions, In Walked Bud.

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater

A company committed to the presentation, preservation and promotion of the dance and musical traditions of Spain, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater performs Algazara, choreographed by José Barrios. The piece features dancers and musicians in a festive work that begins with the dramatic sounds of the cajon, a Peruvian percussive instrument, and incorporates the fast-paced Buleria Flamenco style with a 12-count rhythm.

Mexican Folkloric Dance Company

Founded in 1982 by José Luis and Matie Ovalle, Mexican Folkloric Dance Company, Chicago's oldest Mexican dance institution, delves into Mexican history and culture through the art of music and dance, creating an experience that is both entertaining and educational. Audiences can expect colorful, lavish costumes, ringing music, and festive dancing, which have characterized the company's performances for more than three decades. Program to be determined at a later date.

Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago

Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago performs authentic and progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African-American dance, music, and folklore. Artistic Director Amaniyea Payne will bring her piece, Amathini (Can Dance), a salute and tribute to the freedom fighters of today and yesterday, who have risked their lives and shed blood for a new world order of peace. Amathini is an amazing dance of power and movement, featuring young women conveying rhythms by clanging tin cans together over their heads and under their knees, moving so quickly, the cans at times appear invisible. The company will also present Sorsornet, a celebration dance of good luck and good fortune from the West African nation of Guinea, choreographed by Moustapha Bangoura.

Trinity Irish Dance Company

Considered one of the founders of progressive Irish dance, Trinity Irish Dance Company opened the gateways of curiosity and artistic expression in the United States, leading the way for commercial productions such as Riverdance and Lord of Dance. Founded in 1990 by Emmy Award-winning choreographer and Artistic Director Mark Howard, the company is known for dazzling audiences with hard-driving percussive power, lightning-fast agility, aerial grace, and awe-inspiring precision of its dancers. Program to be determined at a later date.

Chicago Rhythm Fest Ticket Information:

Saturday, June 4, 2016 | 7:30PM

Tickets start at $28, and are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in-person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Congress Parkway). Discounts available for groups of 10+, and a discounted two-show "Made in Chicago" Dance subscription, which includes Giordano Dance Chicago, is also available.

STOMPING GROUNDS

Leading up to Chicago Rhythm Fest is STOMPING GROUNDS, a percussive dance series dedicated to fostering social reconciliation through the universal language of rhythm. Taking place in six Chicago communities through May 21, the programs highlight African, Irish, Mexican, Spanish, and American rhythmic traditions in a cacophonous display of cultural solidarity.

STOMPING GROUNDS EVENTS:

Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | 5PM | Garfield Park Conservatory | 300 N Central Park Avenue

Special guest Tsukasa Taiko will entertain in three performances of Japanese percussion alongside CHRP's BAM!.

Monday, May 2, 2016 | 7:30PM | Northeastern Illinois University | 5500 N St. Louis Avenue

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater hosts with guest company, BAM!, and featured artists Trinity Dance Chicago.

Sunday, May 15, 2016 | 3PM | National Museum of Mexican Art | 1850 W 19th Street

Mexican Folkloric Dance Company hosts with guest company, Trinity Irish Dance Company, and featured artists Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater.

Saturday, May 21, 2016 | 7:30PM | DuSable Museum of African American History | 740 E 56th Place

Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago hosts with guest company Mexican Folkloric Dance Company and featured artists Chicago Human Rhythm Project's BAM!.

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Founded in 1990, Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) builds community and fosters social reconciliation by presenting American tap dance and contemporary percussive arts in world-class and innovative performance, education, and community outreach programs.

CHRP's year-round programming includes the oldest and most comprehensive festival of American tap dance, Rhythm World, arts education programs in elementary and high schools throughout Chicago, and Chicago's collaborative, shared dance/arts space, the American Rhythm Center in Chicago's historic Fine Arts Building. For information, visit ChicagoTap.org.

The Auditorium Theatre, located at 50 E. Congress Pkwy, is an Illinois, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community, and educational programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark. In September of 2014, the Auditorium Theatre was awarded the inaugural Fifth Star Award by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theatre tours, call 312.341.2310 or visit AuditoriumTheatre.org. For a complete listing of events at the Auditorium Theatre, click here.