Concerts & Events

The 3rd Annual Black History Future Folk Symposium returns April 17–18, 2026 here in Chicago! Your 2-day ticket to this event will take place at both Old Town School of Folk Music and at Arts + Public Life Green Line Performing Arts Center.

More info about sessions and presenter bios here.

SCHEDULE:

Friday, April 17, 2026 · 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Old Town School Lincoln Square Campus – Myron R. Szold Concert Hall
4545 N Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625

6:00–7:15 PM · Keynote Address by Heather Beal

7:30–8:30 PM · Dunham from Haiti to New Orleans Opening Performance: Featuring Tamboula & the Windy City Ramblers with choreography by Stacy “Jukeboxx” Letrice & Daniel Desir

Saturday, April 18, 2026 · 12:00 - 7:00 PM
Green Line Performing Arts Center
329 E Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL 60637

12:00–1:00 PM · Keynote Conversation: Dunham as Archivist with Hope Houston & Ruby Streate

Breakout Sessions

1:15–2:30 PM

2:45–4:00 PM

4:15–5:15 PM · Dunham as Marronage Panel with Ayinde Jean-Baptiste, Ysaÿe Alma, Jennifer Ligaya, & Ayesha Jaco

5:30–6:00 PM · Dunham Technique Demonstration with Heather Beal, Amansu Eason, & Ysaÿe Alma

6:00–7:00 PM · Closing Reception

This year's symposium centers the legacy of the visionary dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, and cultural activist Katherine Dunham. With deep ties to Chicago, Dunham's groundbreaking fieldwork across the Caribbean, South America, and Africa helped shape the development of the Dunham Technique and expanded the possibilities of American modern dance.

Through presentations, panel discussions, participatory workshops, and performances, the symposium invites people of all ages to explore the intersections of Black history, liberated futures, and folk practices. Together, scholars, artists, and community members will engage in conversations and embodied practices that deepen our understanding of Afro-diasporic dance, music, and cultural knowledge.

More info about sessions and presenter bios here.