Black History Month highlights musical contributions

Zora Young performs at the Blues Cabaret, Feb. 28, UIC Forum. Photo: Christelle Rama

Blues, jazz, gospel and hip hop are in the spotlight for Black History Month with the theme “Chicago Contributions to Music.”

Events are open to the public with free admission, except for UIC Theatre performances of “Clybourne Park,” the UIC Jazz Fest and the 24th annual Blues Cabaret.

UIC students who attend and swipe their i-cards at three or more events will be entered to win a $100 gift card to the UIC Bookstore.

Events scheduled include:

Feb. 4
Opening reception and celebration with a talk by David Stovall, associate professor of educational policy studies and African-American studies, items from the Chicago Blues Museum and trivia contest. 4 – 6 p.m. Illinois Room, Student Center East

Feb. 6
“Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Hip Hop: A Continuum of African-American Culture in the Diaspora.” Music as a representation of African-American culture and how the Great Migration transformed blues and jazz in Chicago. 4 p.m. 1-470 Daley Library

Feb. 7
“Hoop It Up.” Basketball game between UIC faculty/staff, students and alumni. 6 – 9 p.m. Student Recreation Facility

Scratch Track

Feb. 12
“History of Racism in Popular Music.” Performance and discussion with acoustic hip hop band Scratch Track. 1 – 2:30 p.m. Illinois Room, Student Center East

Feb. 13
“Hope in My Heart: The May Ayim Story.” Film screening and discussion. Kimberly Alecia Singletary, Northwestern University doctoral student. 12:15 p.m. 1501 University Hall

Feb. 19
UIC Jazz Festival. Trumpeter Randy Brecker with UIC Jazz Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Illinois Room, Student Center East. Tickets $7 for students and seniors, $10 general public. Available at door, online or 312-996-6068

Feb. 21
“Clybourne Park.” Opening night of Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning show by Bruce Norris. 7:30 p.m. UIC Theatre, 1044 W. Harrison St. Tickets: $11 UIC students, $12 other students, $14 UIC faculty/staff, $16 general public. 312-996-2939

Feb. 26 and 27
Identity Backpack Workshop. Guided conversations about personal identity.  Noon – 2 p.m. White Oak Room, Student Center East

Jacob Schulz

Feb. 27
Black History Makers Award Ceremony. Honoring the contributions of UIC alumni, faculty, staff and students. 3 – 5 p.m. East Terrace, Student Center East

Feb. 28
24th annual Blues Cabaret featuring Zora Young and blues performer and UIC student Jacob Schulz. 7 p.m. UIC Forum. $25 includes soul food buffet. $10 UIC student tickets only available at door; one per student i-card.

Tickets sold 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Student Center East first floor service center and Student Center West first floor information center Cash, MasterCard and Visa.

For more information on Black History Month programs, call 312-413-5070.