Divine Rhythm News>
Divine Rhythm News

January 26, 2008

R.I.P. Tap Master LaVaughn Robinson & Andy Palacio  
------------------------------------------------------------ 
Tap Master LaVaughn Robinson 
February 9,1927 - January 22, 2008 
 
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of a 
Master of Tap Dance, LaVaughn Robinson. Details regarding 
services are below. 
* The public viewing and funeral services will be held on 
Tuesday, 
January 29, 2008. 
* The viewing will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. 
* The funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM. 
* The services will take place at The Church of the 
Redeemer - Baptist 
Church, 24th & Dickinson Streets, Philadelphia, PA. 
 
……………….. 
 
LaVaughn Robinson's dance career began on a linoleum floor 
in the shed kitchen of the family's South Philadelphia row 
home. From the age of seven, he continued to learn steps 
from most of the region's talented tap dancers. Teddy Hale 
and Bill Bailey are mentors that LaVaughn readily 
acknowledges. At age 66, LaVaughn Robinson is a master of 
styles, gleaned from a long line of tap dancers before him. 
 
"You could walk down South Street in those days," LaVaughn 
recalls, "and meet up with the best dancers in the city. As 
a youngster I put my steps to good use performing for 
change on the streets of downtown and South Philadelphia." 
Either he danced acapella (without instrumental 
accompaniment) or he'd find a washboard and tin tub 
accompanist to lay down some good rhythms. Whenever Bill 
Bailey was in town performing at the Latin Casino (a 
nightclub that once graced the corner of Walnut Street 
between Thirteenth and Broad Streets), he would bring 
LaVaughn and the other kid tap dancers inside and let them 
watch his show. "Sometimes, he came outside and watched our 
show," LaVaughn now remembers. "We used to sit in his 
dressing room, while he talked to us about being 'good'. 
His father was a reverend, you know, and Bill thought tap 
dancing was very spiritual. He believed you had to 
be'right' to dance. He was a big influence on my dancing, " 
says Robinson. 
 
From "buskin'" (entertaining by singing or dancing on the 
streets for money), LaVaughn earned from $35 to $40 a day. 
South Street was a thriving business and entertainment 
district in the 1930's and '40's and people enjoyed the 
novelty of watching young men exhibit new steps. LaVaughn 
and the friends he danced with knew their market. Center 
City and South Street was their "turf." "We used to call it 
'going to work'," LaVaughn notes. "During New Year's, the 
Army/Navy game and holidays Philadelphia tap dancers were 
invited up to rooftops for parties. I had my regular route, 
says LaVaughn, " which included spots like Palumbo's and 
the Two Bit Club. 
 
LaVaughn was featured in his first professional performance 
in 1945. Over the years, he has shared the stage with Cab 
Calloway, Tommy Dorsey, Maynard Ferguson, Ella Fitzgerald, 
Billie Holiday and Charlie Parker. LaVaughn actively 
pursued his dance career through 1972. By then, nightclub 
venues which were a mainstay of most tap dancers'employment 
opportunities had become nearly extinct and highly 
electrified music became more popular. 
 
Contemporary dance and folk audiences were the first to 
acknowledge LaVaughn's artistry in the late 1970's. As a 
dancer, he projects exuberance and an uncanny ability to 
convince every audience member that they have had an 
intimate conversation with this walking cultural icon. As 
general appreciation and interest in tap have revived over 
the past twenty years, LaVaughn has kept up a busy schedule 
teaching and performing in the United States and abroad. 
LaVaughn and dance partner Germaine Ingram appeared in the 
PBS tap special, "Gregory Hines'Tap Dance in America." The 
talent and legacy LaVaughn shares have been recognized with 
awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the 
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Pew Fellowships in 
the Arts program. 
 
[Comment: The above biographical notes and photo were taken 
from the program for a LaVaughn Robinson tribute evening at 
Philadelphia's Painted Bride Art Center on May 1, 1993.] 
 
(Thanks to Sarah Reich for posting this information) 
……………….. 
Professor Robinson's longtime dance partner, Germaine 
Ingram, offered the following: 
"I take comfort in the fact that LaVaughn had a long and 
full life, doing what he loved until past age 75 (when he 
retired). He shared his artistic gifts with thousands 
through riveting performance and inspired teaching. I 
rejoice in the fact that a 'street dancer' leaves us with 
indelible images of eloquence." 
 
Some online resources: 
 
http://www.danceadvance.org/03archives/lrobinson/ 
An Interview between LaVaughn Robinson and Germain Ingram. 
 
http://www.nea.gov/honors/heritage/fellows/fellow.php?id=1989_10 
An in depth biography posted as part of LaVaughn's 1989 NEA 
National Heritage Fellowship award (a Lifetime Honor). 
 
http://www.folkloreproject.org/folkarts/artists/robinson_l/index.cfm 
A biography posted as part of the Philadelphia Folklore 
Project. 
 
http://www.tapdance.org/tap/people/philbios.htm#LAVAUGHN 
A biography from the International Tap Association's 
website. 
 
http://www.traditionintap.org/Former/TIT8_PLR_Nov2005/index.html#WOR 
Audio Interview between LaVaughn Robinson and WOR Radio 
Host Joey Reynolds. 
 
http://www.atdf.org/awards/robinson.html 
A brief biography posted as part of LaVaughn's receipt of 
the 2004 Hoofer Award. 
LIMITED QUANTITY 
Purchase your copy of "LaVaughn Robinson Dancing History" 
(VHS) 
$35.00 
Net Proceeds will be donated to the Family 
Email Request to 
info@taplegacy.org 
================================= 
Andy Palacio Dead at 47 
Hello  
 
I am extremely sad to report the untimely death of Andy 
Palacio in Belize on Sunday. He was 47. Andy was a 
one-of-a-kind artist, a passionate advocate for the 
Garifuna culture in Central America, a powerful model 
worldwide for using music as a force for positive social 
change, as well as a friend of mine and Banning Eyre’s. See 
Banning’s tribute as well as an extended interview and 
performance photographs on Afropop.org. You may have heard 
our full-hour profile of Andy on air or on demand. It is 
now available again: Streaming in high resolution and low 
resolution. You may have heard Andy’s sublime masterpiece 
“Wátina,” which won a spot on our Top Ten honors for 2007. 
“Watina” also appeared on dozens of Top Ten lists 
throughout the world music community. So when all is said 
and done, Andy did achieve his dream of reviving Garifuna 
culture and giving it the worldwide respect it deserves. 
And because of his vision and hard work, many young 
Garifuna artists today are following in his footsteps.  
 
One personal memory that puts a smile on my face is seeing 
Andy on stage, leading the 70 something Garifuna singer 
Paul Nabor who without fail charmed the audience. From the 
side of the stage, Andy would smile as he watched Paul 
bring down the house. A special word of thanks to Ivan 
Duran of Stonetree Records who worked tirelessly as Andy’s 
producer and co-creator of “Wátina,” And thanks to Jacob 
Edgar and his team at Cumbancha for their commitment to 
making “Watina” a success. It is so heartbreaking to lose 
such a great artist in the prime of his life. Much respect. 
Thank you, Andy. You will be in our hearts forever.  
 
On air this week is our program “Afropop goes to Kenya, 
Tanzania, and Zanzibar.” This is the first of our two part 
series on East Africa.  
 
Stay tuned next week for the fascinating Hip Deep program 
about the rise of the gospel music industry in Kenya. The 
gospel choirs, by the way, have been organized to encourage 
Kenyans to overcome the horrible interethnic violence that 
followed the recent hotly contested presidential elections 
there.  
 
Streaming on demand is our report on the musical life of 
Addis Ababa Ethiopia.  
 
Free stuff this week: Scoop up a pair of tickets to see 
Hugh Masekela or the International Hip-Hop Showcase, or win 
a Fallou Dieng CD! 
 
Peace 
 
Sean Barlow and the Afropop.org Team 
================================= 
 
*DRP ARTISTS* 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
------------------------------------------------------------ 
 
 
WOMEN IN TAP CONFERENCE: FEB 8-10, 2008 in Los Angeles! 
 
Contact: Gayle Hooks, Jazz Tap Ensemble 
 
310 – 475-4412 jtensemble@aol.com 
 
For Immediate Release 
 
WOMEN IN TAP 
 
CONVERGE AT UCLA'S KAUFMAN HALL 
 
(January 18, 2008) On February 8-10, Lynn Dally, Artistic 
Director, Jazz Tap Ensemble will make history again! Dally, 
an adjunct professor at UCLA's Department of World Arts and 
Cultures first made history as the co-founder of Jazz Tap 
Ensemble, the first dance company to bring rhythm tap dance 
to the concert stage with live jazz music. Now, Dally is 
gathering four generations of women who are making a 
difference in the world of tap dance. Women In Tap the 
first ever national conference will bring together 21 tap 
artists – dancers, choreographers, scholars, and writers, 
and will address the contributions of these women in tap to 
the renaissance of tap dance over the past 30 years. A 
conference highlight is WOMEN IN TAP the THE LEGENDS, a 
full evening performance featuring Dally, Brenda Bufalino, 
Dianne "Lady Di" Walker, Miriam Nelson, Acia Gray, Linda 
Sohl-Ellison, Heather Cornell, Michelle Dorrance, Josette 
Wiggan, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Chloe Arnold, Deborah 
Mitchell, Terry Brock, and Barbara Duffy. Don't miss this 
opportunity to see four generations of Women In Tap on 
stage, at the same time, in the same place! WOMEN IN TAP 
will take place on the UCLA Campus, Glorya Kaufman Hall, 
February 8-10, 2008. For information on how to enroll in 
the conference, go to 
www.jazztapensemble.org/womenintap.html or contact Gayle 
Hooks at 310-475-4412. To purchase tickets to the Saturday 
Evening WOMEN IN TAP Concert, go to 
http://www.ticketmaster.com , and type Women In Tap in the 
search box or call the UCLA Central Ticket Office at 
310-825-2101.  
 
The conference opens Friday, February 8 at noon with 
keynote by Sali Ann Kreigsman (NEA, Jacob's Pillow, Dance 
Heritage Society), followed by presentations on women in 
the  
 
cultural history of tap, issues of gender, race, and more 
faced by women in tap. The evening will  
 
showcase the excellent contrast of the very youngest "Next 
Generation" tappers in an informal concert followed by a 
screening of the award winning documentary "Been Rich All 
My Life", which tells the story of the Silver Belles, women 
whose careers in tap were lived in the chorus lines of the 
famed Apollo Theater. 
 
Saturday will provide panel discussions on topics including 
the choreographic contribution of women to the renaissance 
of tap from the 70's forward, and an oral history workshop 
featuring scholar Constance Valis Hill interviewing "Lady 
Di" Dianne Walker about her life on Broadway in Black and 
Blue. WOMEN IN TAP the LEGENDS highlight the day and will 
feature the Jazz Tap Ensemble quartet, Music Director Jerry 
Kalaf. 
 
Sunday will begin with the screening of the documentary on 
Dr. Jeni Le Gon, who began her film career tap dancing with 
Bill Bojangles Robinson in the 1936 all black feature, 
"Hooray for Love". Final panels and dialogues will 
summarize the current state of the art and point to new 
directions for the future. 
 
Master classes taught by the legends are scheduled 
throughout the weekend in Kaufman Hall. A "Choreographers 
Gallery", hosted by NY Tap City's Tony Waag, will share 
short clips of choreographic inventions by participating 
artists.  
 
Bios and Photos available upon request 
 
* * * 
 
Gayle Hooks 
Managing Director 
Jazz Tap Ensemble 
1416 Westwood Blvd. #207 
Los Angeles, CA 90024 
(310)475-4412 (t)  
jtensemble@aol.com 
www.jazztapensemble.org 
================================= 
6-Week Absolute Beginner  
Jazz Workshop with Sue Samuels  
Designed for adults interested in a new and fun way to 
exercise while you learn the basics of jazz dance! No 
prior dance experience necessary! 
 
January 27 - March 2 
6 Sessions 
2-3:30pm 
$180 per person 
 
 
To register, call (212) 405-9500  
January 28 & 29 Classes Cancelled 
Please note the Monday, January 28th, Basics of Jazz  
and Tuesday, January 29th, Absolute Beginner Jazz  
classes have been cancelled. 
 
Starting in February 
Sue’s Weekly Class Schedule: 
Jazz Basics 
Monday 8 – 9:30pm (new time) 
Advanced Beginner Jazz 
Tuesday & Thursday 10 – 11:30am 
Tuesday 6 – 7:30pm (new day) 
Intermediate Jazz 
Saturday 4 – 5:30pm  
 
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER  
The Joan Weill Center for Dance 
405 West 55th Street (at 9th Avenue) 
New York, NY 10019 
(212) 405-9500  
www.alvinailey.org  
 
www.myspace.com/aaadt www.youtube.com/aileyorganization 
To learn more about Ailey's new season  
call AileyConnect: (212) 514-0010 
JUDITH JAMISON ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 
Masazumi Chaya ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR  
Sharon Gersten Luckman Executive Director 
Yvette L. Campbell Director of The Ailey Extension 
================================= 
 
Mr Wiggles is on the JUSTE DEBOUTE tour: 
www.juste-debout.com 
contact@juste-debout.com  
 
DATES: 
Saturday, January 26th:  
-Country: GERMANY  
-City: Dusseldorf  
-Place: Tanzhaus-NRW, Erkrather Straße 40233 Düsseldorf  
Contact in Düsseldorf, Germany: takao@t-online.de  
 
Sunday, January 27th:  
-Country: FINLAND -City: Helsinki  
-Place: Kulttuuritalo, Sturenkatu 4, 00510 Helsinki, 
Finland  
-Contact in Helsinki, Finland: 
jouni.janatuinen@trailwind.fi  
 
Friday, February 1st:  
-Country: SWEDEN -City: Stockholm  
-Place: Solnahallen - Ankdamsgatan 46  
- Stockholm, Sweden  
-Phone: +46 8 514 200 50  
-Contact in Stockholm, Sweden: martin@streetstar.se  
 
Satudrday, February 2nd:  
-Country: SWEDEN  
-City: Stockholm  
-Place: Solnahallen - Ankdamsgatan 46 - Stockholm, Sweden  
-Phone: +46 8 514 200 50 Contact in Stockholm, Sweden: 
martin@streetstar.se  
 
Sunday, February 3rd:  
-Country: CZECH REPUBLIC  
-City: Prague -Place: Sports halle Slavia, Vladivostocka 
1460/10, 100 05 Prague 10  
-Contact in Prague, Czech Republic: xzvam01@vse.cz  
 
Saturday, February 9th:  
-Country: FRANCE -City: Lille  
-Place: Palais Saint Sauveur – 78 Avenue du Président 
Kennedy – 59000 – Lille  
-Contact in Lille, France: lil-romu@hotmail.fr  
 
-POSSIBLE DATES IN SWITZERLAND (working out details) 
more info coming soon.... 
-contact for Switzerland: be_magical@hotmail.com 
 
Saturday, February 16th:  
-Country: FRANCE -City: Saint Brieuc  
-Place: Salle Steredenn - 1 rue Pierre de Coubertin - 22000 
Saint-Brieuc -Contact in Saint Brieuc, France: 
Pascal@juste-debout.com  
 
Satudray, March 1st:  
-Country: FRANCE -City: PARIS  
-Place: City Hall Contact in Paris, France:  
-contact@juste-debout.com  
 
Sunday, March 2nd:  
-Country: FRANCE  
-City: PARIS -Place: BERCY - 8 boulevard de Bercy - 75012 
PARIS  
-Contact in Paris, France:  
-contact@juste-debout.com  
……………….. 
 
Contact Mr. Wiggles for PRIVATES, PRODUCTS, HOSTING AFTER 
PARTIES, GRAFFITI BOOK SIGNINGS, ECT... 
(or contact management direct at divinerhythmnyc@aol.com) 
 
DVD'S, FUNK CD'S, AND GRAFFITI BOOKS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT 
THE CLASSES! 
ABOUT THE EVENT: 
Juste Debout, the worldwild key event in Hip Hop dance, is 
coming all around the world. After Italy, Switzerland and 
Japan in the begining of January, the tour continues : 
 
Do not hesitate to contact the person of the country where 
you want to go, to have more information and know more 
about workshops giving by the judges!! 
 
The judges are internationals and key dancers in Hip Hop :  
Mr Wiggles, New york and Cali (Rocksteady crew, electric 
boogaloos) www.mrwiggles.biz , 
www.divinrhythmproductions.com, category Popping  
Mr Stretch, New York, category Hip Hop New Style 
Miss Risa, Japan, category Locking  
Mr Rabah, France, category House dance 
 
You can watch the trailer of the last event, the webtv of 
the tour on www.juste-debout.com and talk on the forum! 
 
The last event, with all the international contest winners 
, will be in PARIS, FRANCE:  
Price: 18,50€  
Venue: Bercy : 8 bd de Bercy, 75012 PARIS, FRANCE. Subway: 
Bercy - Line 6 or 14.  
Hours: Start at 2pm 
 
To buy your tickets online, for Paris, France, March 2nd:  
http://www.francebillet.com/place-spectacle/manifestation/Autre-spectacle-de-danse-JUSTE-DEBOUT-JUDEB.htm?_x=x&_lang=en 
 
Information:  
www.juste-debout.com or www.myspace.com/justedebout or 
Phone: +33 (0)1 42 06 51 50. 
================================= 
 
The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang at the 2008 Pan African 
Film Festival in Los Angeles! 
Featuring Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards & Martin “Tre” Dumas!  
 
The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang, will be screening at the 
2008 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. Screening 
dates are Sunday Feb. 10 at 6:15pm and Tuesday Feb. 12 at 
3:15pm. All screenings take place at the AMC Magic Johnson 
Crenshaw 15 located at 4020 Marlton Avenue in Los Angeles, 
CA.  
In case you missed it… The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang was 
reviewed in Variety!  
Check it out: 
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117935752.html?c=31  
================================= 
 
*EAST COAST* 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
------------------------------------------------------------ 
 
A message from Brian “Footwork” Green: 
NY! FEBURARY 7, 2008!! HOUSE DANCE CHRISTIANS ( 
conference)! PRE-VALENTINE's DAY PARTY! DANCE ALL NIGHT!! 
 
PARTY PEOPLE, 
 
HOUSE DANCE CHRISTIANS ( a.k.a. COnference), BRIAN GREEN 
here just give people CHRIST who has changed my life, and 
brought my faith of my years before back to new heights 
(who says,' I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIGHT!! 
Whoever believeth in me shall not perish, but have eternal 
life!!). 
 
MUCH RESPECT TO FRANKIE! WINNER OF THE HDC BBOY CONTEST FOR 
2008!! 
 
MESSAGE: LOVE ALL OF YOU and stay truly loving, tolerant of 
others that are still sinning against others while you are 
trying not to, and have realize the errors of your ways. 
Because when you were in sin against others, there were 
people who were tolerant of you. If you have to take a 
person 1 on 1 and tell them their errors of their ways, and 
listen to them as well. Have forgiveness, and try not to 
repeat what you hear. Passing what you hear, only passes 
sin to another's ear, and then makes a person assume about 
another person. Which does not give the person talked about 
any time to grow and change in the mind of the person that 
listened to the rumor said. Watch more of a person's walk, 
not their talk!! HAVE PATIENCE!! Let's start to change. 
 
EVENT: HOUSE DANCE CHRISTIANS ( a.k.a. CONFERENCE) 
DATE: FEBURARY 7, 2008! PRE-VALENTINE's DAY PARTY 
PLACE: CLUB REMIX 
ADDRESS: 27 Park Place between Broadway and Church 
DJS: Qu and P-Funk ( HOUSE and HOUSE CLASSICS) 
DOC ( Hip-hop, Breaks, Funk, and Classics). 
THEME: DANCE ALL NIGHT!!!!! 
TIME: 10pm-4am 
PRICE: $10 with flyer/$12 without flyer/$5 each for married 
couples  
 
GET READY FOR MARCH!! HOUSE DANCE CONTEST!! THIS WILL BE 
SOME SERIOUSLY REAL EDUTAINING EVENT!! BE READY and SAVE 
MONEY! THERE WILL BE MANY THINGS ON SALE!! 
 
www.myspace.com/housedanceconference (popular event for all 
dance styles) www.housedanceconference (home website of 
the event for basic info!! Site changing soon!) 
www.23prime.com/worldsoul for bookings 
www.eliteforcecrew.com. for bookings 
www.kr3ts.com. for booking 
www.23prime.com. ( CPD PLUS) for bookings 
www.style2ouf.com ( french dance website for the world of 
urban dance) www.justedebout.com ( french dance website 
for the world of urban dance) www.mrwiggleshiphop.net ( 
U.S. website for history of Funk,Hip-hop, and urban related 
dance styles) 
www.housedancer.com (U.S. website focusing on House 
culture) www.freetylesession.com (U.S. website/event 
focusing on Hip-hop and Funk styles culture) 
www.bboysummit ( U.S. website/event focusing on Hip-hop and 
Funk styles culture) www.KR3ts (U.S. 
website/event/children foundation for kids in the Barrio!!) 
www.dance-unity.com ( Funkstyles in Germany website). 
www.breaklife.com (bboy website of Ken swift and 7 gems, 
and more.). www.cypherstyles.com 
www.themovementfoundation.com ( House/Hip-hop dance and 
information website!!) 
 
MONEY FOR THE THEATRE SHOW IN JULY WAS DONATED TO KR3ts ( 
KR3ts.com), and MUMATCHI; which is a new child foundation 
being created by a dancer named Natalie from France that 
lives here. This is to help teach kids in Nigeria, Africa 
about dance, education, and give them inspiration. She will 
be selling her T-SHIRTS at the coat check of the next House 
Dance Conferences. 
 
ALL SUPPORT!! BECAUSE THE MONEY GOES TO A GREAT CAUSE!! 
THANKS FOR ALL THAT SUPPORT; MENTALLY, PHYSICALLY, and 
SPIRITUALLY!! 
 
 
GOD BLESS ALL, SUPPORT EACH OTHER NO MATTER WHAT YOUR 
BELIEFS AS LONG AS ITS POSITIVE AND UPLIFTS PEOPLE, and 
KEEP DANCING,  
 
 
Brian "Footwork" Green 
================================= 
 
Jaye Allison dances at the World Famous Cotton Club!  
 
Very exciting news everyone! 
Jaye Allison has the pleasure of performing at the World 
Famous Cotton Club in Harlem (NYC) Saturday, March 29th as 
a 2nd Generation Silver Belle along with the original 
Silver Belles during their Annual Benefit Event! Please 
put the date on your calendar. Tickets are only $75 and the 
seating is limited. The Silver Belles are the original 
Showgirls of the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater from 
harlem's golden age. Marion Coles, Elaine Ellis, Cleo Hayes 
and Fay Ray are passing the torch of their legacy on to: 
Jaye Allison, Mercedes Ellington, Germaine Ingram, Jacqui 
Malone, Delphine T. Mantz, Deborah Mitchell and Karen 
Callaway Williams. We are placed with the responsibility of 
continuing their work to support the efforts of the youth 
and especially young women who need mentoring in 
development of their futures through our dance and 
entertaining efforts.  
 
You will receive all the information on this date with 
womens history, very soon. Please come and enjoy what the 
film 'Been Rich All My Life' is talking about!! 
 
Peace, 
Jaye Allison  
Founding Director, New LEJA Dances & Philly Tap Challenge 
"ON FIRE!" 
 
================================= 
 
*MID-WEST* 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
------------------------------------------------------------ 
 
CHRP Presents: 
Winter Tap JAMboree! 
February 15-17, 2008 
@ the Beverly Arts Center 
 
CHRP's annual Winter Tap JAMboree! once again sets up shop 
in Beverly for one spectacular weekend of tap! This year 
features: 
*Master classes taught by tap masters from Barcelona, LA 
and Chicago 
*8th annual Tap OFF! choreography competition 
*Leo Harris Rhythm World Scholarship Audition 
*4th annual Winter Tap JAMboree! Concert 
CHRP artistic associate Tre Dumas is directing the event 
and has assembled an amazing team of tap masters to teach 
the 3-day workshop. Instructors include Tre, Lane 
Alexander, Guillem Alonso (see article below), Lisa 
LaTouche, Gregg Russell and Jumaane Taylor. 
 
All registration forms can be downloaded from our website. 
For tickets to the February 17 performance, call the 
Beverly Arts Center box office at 773-445-3838. 
……………….. 
Don’t miss an opportunity to study tap with CHRP this 
winter! Check out the several classes offered around town! 
 
The Tap Studio 
CHRP and Lane Alexander continue to run the Tap Studio at 
2933 N. Southport, every Monday and Tuesday night. Click 
here for all the details. 
 
Tappy Feet for Kids 
CHRP has partnered with Emerald City Theatre to create 
"Tappy Feet," a tap class for 5-8 year olds. 
 
Visit ECT's website for class description and to sign up: 
http://www.emeraldcitytheatre.com/classched.shtml 
……………….. 
 
2008 Artist In Residence Guillem Alonso 
CHRP is thrilled to announce our 2008 Artist In Residence, 
Catalan native Guillem Alonso. Not only is Mr. Alonso a 
renowned solo Spanish tap artist, but he is also the 
founder of Barcelona Rhythm Tap, Tap Ole, and a member of 
Camut Band, a tap and percussion company. 
 
As a youth, Guillem received various grants from the 
Catalan goverment to study tap in New York under the 
tutelage of tap masters Brenda Bufalino, Barbara Duffy and 
Savion Glover, just to name a few. Since returning to 
Spain, he has dedicated himself to the promotion of tap in 
his home country and abroad. 
 
Guillem will be present at nearly all of our 2008 events 
beginning with the Feb. 15-17 Winter Tap JAMboree! He'll 
be a featured faculty member of our annual Rhythm World 
festival, and his group Tap Ole will bring an international 
spin to our otherwise Chicago-based Windy City Rhythms 
concerts in May. 
……………….. 
CHRP and China 
CHRP concluded it's most successful season ever by bringing 
50 U.S. tap artists and seven jazz musicians to stage the 
largest-ever presentation of American tap in China. 
 
The performances, which closed the 5th Anniversary Beijing 
International Dance Festival, were a tremendous success.  
The festival organizers have invited CHRP to build a new 
production in China with a cast of 40 professional dancers 
to tour 10 Chinese cities during a four-to-six-month 
period. 
 
Please help us in congratulating all of the amazing people 
that performed in and managed this historic event. Their 
exceptional work is a huge step in creating an five-year 
cultural exchange between Chicago and China. 
================================= 
 
M.A.D.D. Rhythms nominated for Best Dance Group in Chicago 
at the Chicago Music Awards! 
 
DON'T MISS the Star-Studded Chicago Music Awards, Next 
Sunday, Park West. 
The coveted 27th Annual Chicago Music Awards, which is now 
the talk of the City, is 75% sold out! Music lovers, fans, 
friends and families can now call 312/427-0266, 
312/559-1212 or go to www.ticketmaster.com to guarantee 
tickets for this most outstanding musical concert and red 
carpet celebration. HURRY AND GET TIX NOW! See full 
information in press release and flyers below. 
 
STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP FOR 27TH CHICAGO MUSIC AWARDS 
JANUARY 27 AT PARK WEST 
Marshall Thompson of the Chi-Lites, Bluesman Phil Guy, 
Country-Western singer Dayna Malow and some of Latin’s Best 
perform 
Kanye West, Common, Wilco top list of nominees 
 
CHICAGO (January, 2008) – R&B entertainer Marshall Thompson 
of the Chi-Lites. Phil Guy & The Blues Machine, 
Country-Western singer Dayna Malow, Spoken Word superstar 
Malik Yusef and House music disciple Screamin’ Rachel will 
be among the live entertainment when Martin’s International 
Culture presents the star-studded 27 th annual Chicago 
Music Awards, dedicated to “Health Awareness” Sunday, 
January 27, 2008 at Park West, 322 W. Armitage in Chicago.  
For information call 312/427-0266, visit the website at 
www.chicagomusicawards.org or e-mail 
chitownmusicbest@aol.com 
 
Other artists who will be performing are R&B/Soul veterans 
The Notations, R&B & Doo Wop veterans The Steelers, Gospel 
singers Lafayette Gatling and the Christland Singers and 
Marguerite Gatling and the Inspirational Charms, Best New 
Entertainer nominee Ekklesia, child musical prodigy Jamiah 
“On Fire” Rogers, Reggae entertainers Danki Man and Indika, 
and Reggaeton/Latin performers Guayacol y Ale Nova, D-Wise 
y Lobo and P.R. ism, among others. In addition, the 2007 
Chi-Town Idol winners- R&B vocalists Falanna, Kim B and Hip 
Hoppers Doza also will perform. 
 
“This is the only awards program of its kind in Chicago to 
pay tribute to Chicago born and bred artists and 
entertainers,” said CMA founder & producer Ephraim Martin.  
“Reggae and Reggaeton, Jazz & Blues, Rap & Hip Hop, 
Classical, Country & Western and even Polka, we have music 
for nearly every possible taste.” Internationally known 
Chicago-bred entertainer Kanye West tops the list of 
nominees with 5 nominations out of a possible 42. He is 
joined at the top by Common, Twista, Lupe Fiasco and “new 
kids on the block,” Rich Kiddz. Other top nominees include 
County/Western singer Dayna Malow, Rock group Wilco,  
Gospel entertainer Lemmie Battles and R&B entertainer 
Teresa Griffin along with Chicago legends R. Kelley, Koko 
Taylor, Chi-Lites, Jennifer Hudson, Buddy Guy and Ramsey 
Lewis. 
 
Winners will be announced at a gala showcase Sunday, 
January 27, 2008. VIP reception is at 6 pm followed by 
the Awards ceremony at 7 pm. Hosts include NBC/5 Chicago’s 
Saran Dunmore and Bluesman Frank Pellegrino. 
Confirmed Awards presenters include Hon. Dorothy Brown, 
Clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court, Ms. Toni Haynes- 
Ideal Health, Mr & Mrs Lafayette and Marguerite Gatling, 
NBC’s Debra O. Brown, Dr. Robert L. Scott and ABC TV Bill 
Campbell . Other presenting celebrities and sponsors will 
be announced later. 
 
Advance tickets are $35 general admission and $55 VIP 
tickets. For tickets visit Ticketmaster at 
www.ticketmaster.com or call 312/559-1212, Martin’s 
International Culture at 312/427-0266 or e-mail 
chitownmusicbest@aol.com. 
 
In addition to the live entertainment, a highlight of the 
evening will be the presentation of Lifetime Achievement 
Awards to jazz pianist Dave Green, attorney & booking agent 
J.B. Ross, radio personality and TV host LaDonna Tittle, 
Gospel music impresarios Lafayette & Marguerite Gatling, 
radio & TV personality Richard Steele and Soul & R&B 
entertainers The Steelers. In addition, Awards of Honor 
will be presented to Fanny Brown, Screamin’ Rachael Cain 
and Willie Wilson. The Producer’s Award of Excellence will 
go to blues veteran and brother of Buddy Guy, Phil Guy. 
 
Fans have until January 10, 2008 to vote for their favorite 
entertainers on-line at www.chicagomusicawards.org. Voting 
can also be done by e-mail at chitownmusicbest@aol.com or 
by mail-in ballots. 
 
The Chicago Music Awards is sponsored by NBC/5 Chicago, 
Kingston Mines, Gatling Community Development, Inc, Robert 
L. Scott and Associates, Ideal Health, Remax Realtor Leroy 
Viamille, Herbert Witter-Insurance Broker Inc., Tanya’s 
Bath & Body, Share Your Soles, Wild Hare Club, Fort 
Dearborn Insurance Company, African Spectrum, Uncle Joe’s 
Restaurant/”Reggaelink”(Power 92 FM), Reggie’s Rock 
Club/Record Breakers, The Chicago Gazette and Ideal Health 
among others. It is dedicated to “Health Awareness” and 
will bring into focus the lack of health care and medical 
attention in the entertainment industry 
 
LIST OF NOMINEES FOLLOWS OR VISIT 
WWW.CHICAGOMUSICAWARDS.ORG : 
 
PRESS CONTACT: Barbara Kensey, 773-288-8776 
Kensey & Kensey Communications 
kenseycomm@sbcglobal.net 
 
Chicago Music Awards, 312-427-0266 
chitownmusicbest@aol.com 
Website: www.chicagomusicawards.org 
 
Chicago Music Awards- An Affiliate of Martin's 
International Culture, Inc. 
1325 South Wabash Avenue, #307 
Chicago, IL 60605 
================================= 
 
M.A.D.D. Rhythms JaBowen Dixon in Dance Spirit Magazine! 
 
Chicago Tap Dancer, JaBowen Dixon is featured in the latest 
issue of Dance Spirit Magazine on stands now! Check it 
out!  
 
www.dancespirit.com 
================================= 
 
*WEST COAST* 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
------------------------------------------------------------ 
 
DON’T MISS: Deal Breakers at the NoHo Actors’ Studio!  
 
Deal Breakers is a comedic and honest depiction of life, 
love, and relationships from the male perspective. This 
stage play tells the story of how deals get made and why 
they get broken. If you want to be entertained and have 
your thoughts provoked, come see DEAL BREAKERS at the NoHo 
Actors' Studio, 5215 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood, 
CA.  
 
Show dates: February 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 at 7 PM.  
 
Purchase tickets at www.TheaterMania.com.  
 
For more information: www.myspace.com/dealbreakersplay. 
================================= 
www.divinerhythmproductions.com 
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