The CHRP kicks off its annual celebration of percussive dance this Monday with a free performance in Pritzker Pavilion. Tap masters from around the globe will pound the floor along with CHRP director Lane Alexander’s celebrated group, BAM! Subsequent performances will be held at Loyola University, starting with the annual “Tap Slam and Cutting Contest” on Tuesday. Thursday is the student showcase featuring groups from around the world. The week culminates with “JUBA!”, a series of performances saluting Chicago tap greats. Friday night the feet of greats like Derik Grant and Emmy-winner Jason Samuels Smith fly in honor of Leon Collins. Saturday night, Billy Siegenfeld, another Emmy winner and director of the Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, pays tribute to Sammy Dyer along with a slew of visiting artists. Closing night honors Tommy Sutton with performances from CHRP associate directors Martin “Tre” Dumas and Jus’LisTeN. Recently awarded a much-deserved grant from the MacArthur Foundation, the CHRP brings the greatest talents in the tap world together in this series. Catch any one of ‘em. Catch all of ‘em. (Sharon Hoyer)
At Loyola University’s Kathleen Mullady Theater, 1125 West Loyola, (773)508-3847. July 28-August 3.
