Experience

October 31, 2019

Open House Chicago Video Posted ‘The Forum’

This year’s collaboration with Open House Chicago was especially meaningful for us as we worked with the historic Forum building in Bronzeville. Built in 1897, The Forum is home to the oldest assembly and social hall in Bronzeville and contains what may be the oldest hardwood dance floor in Chicago.

This imposing red brick building was an epicenter of the “Black Metropolis”, the “city-within-a-city” created by African Americans to provide the retail and social needs they were barred from accessing within broader Chicago.

The Forum hosted leading performers, prominent social events, and some of the era’s most important union meetings and political assemblies, while providing a wide range of hospitality and retail amenities.

After remaining vacant for nearly 30 years, The Forum was narrowly saved from city-ordered demolition in 2011 by a neighborhood resident who brought together a team to stabilize the complex and develop a plan for its revitalization

Music by Trevor Patrick Watkin

Performed by:
John Dorhauer, trumpet
Richard Zili, clarinet
Kelsee Vandervall, cello
Jason Ellis, bass

News

NEWS
  • Tickets Now on Sale for the Sound of Silent Film Festival in Chicago

    ACM’s popular Sound of Silent Film Festival celebrates its 18th year with an all-new program of modern silent films with scores we commissioned performed live. One night only!  Wednesday, April… Read More »Tickets Now on Sale for the Sound of Silent Film Festival in Chicago

    Volunteer to help us at the Thirsty Ears Festival September 7 and 8

    The Thirsty Ears Festival is Chicago’s only classical music street festival happening on September 7 and 8 and we need your help to bring it to life!  Volunteers work two… Read More »Volunteer to help us at the Thirsty Ears Festival September 7 and 8

    Tickets Now on Sale for the Sound of Silent Film Festival in Chicago

    Tickets Now on Sale for the Sound of Silent Film Festival on April 4th in Chicago

    Practice-o-thon begins January 17th!