CBA Barristers Big Band Ball set for April 26

The Chicago Bar Association’s Barristers Big Band is hosting their 21st Annual benefit on Friday, April 26, starting at 6:00 p.m., at the Union League Club. This year’s event celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the CBA and honors Maestro David Katz, Founding Music Director, and Conductor of the CBA Symphony. Proceeds from the event benefit the CBA musical ensembles including the CBA Symphony and the CBA Chorus which provide classical musical programs for members of the Bar and the broader Chicago community.

The benefit begins with a reception at 6:00 p.m. with the Big Barristers Band swinging throughout the night. Dancing will being at 7:00 p.m. There will be a silent auction featuring trips, musical performances, wine from the Band Leader’s own cellar, Goodman Theater and Grant Park Concert tickets, sailboat cruises, and much more. All the auction items can be browsed from this link. For persons interested in contributing, but not bidding, donation options are also available at the preceding link.

A group of professional dancers will be on hand to teach smooth dance moves to attendees. All guests, whether newly instructed or long-steeped in terpsichorean traditions, will have the opportunity to display their skills in a dance contest later in the evening.

“The Barristers Ball is the social event of the year for the legal community. We are thrilled to host this wonderful celebration of music for our community as well as commemorate the CBA’s 150th Anniversary and honor our beloved conductor, David Katz,” said John Vishneski, clarinetist, and Band Leader.

After 38 years of leading the CBA Symphony Orchestra and taking it to the heights of performances at Symphony Center and more, founding Music Director David Katz is retiring. He is turning over the reins to Jennifer Huang, who was selected after a year-long conductor search. This Ball is dedicated to celebrating and honoring David Katz’ enormous contributions.

The Barristers Big Band was founded in 2000 by members of The Chicago Bar Association who share a love of big band jazz and want to keep the music of the great big band era alive. Band members come from every walk of the Chicago legal community -- big firm partners, solo practitioners, government lawyers, law students, and (for much of its history) even a sitting federal judge. With a full set of saxes, including a bari, and a powerful brass section, a rhythm section that swings like mad, and numerous vocalists, the Big Barristers Band is ready to provide the best music of the swing era and beyond.

Tickets are $75 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information, click here. For any additional questions, contact Mark Cellini at mcellini@chicagobar.org.