About the Barristers Big Band Ball
If you have been, you already know. But for those who have never been, here’s what the evening looks like. First, the location is in beautiful President’s Hall at the Union League Club in downtown Chicago. VERY elegant. At 6:00 p.m., the doors open, and the CBA’s Scales of Justice, its small jazz group, is onstage making music. Either before or when you enter, you register for the silent auction that has all kinds of goodies. There are fun physical things to look at on tables around the room, but the silent auction actually runs on your phone. You can register now (so you can bid) or just review the auction items without registering. Go to:
https://app.betterunite.com/BBBBB2025. From live audience tickets for the
Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me show to sailing excursions on Lake Michigan to wine from the band leader’s personal cellar to a week-long retreat in Michigan on 25 acres to performances by CBA musical groups to a vacation stay in the Eco Sky Dome in the Grand Canyon, there is plenty to choose from.
From 6:00-7:00 p.m., your $75 ticket buys you access to the open bar, and it is a great time to enjoy the company of other guests and check out the silent auction. At 7:00 p.m. two things happen: (1) The full 25-piece Barristers Big Band takes the stage, and (2) the food comes out. Yum! Shortly into the first set, professional dancers do a demo to show us how it is done. Then, they teach a group dance lesson for everyone. Never danced before? You will learn what you need to get up and move to the music. Later in the evening there is a dance contest with giant trophies for the 1st Place winners and recordings of the BBB for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. The music keeps on playing until about 10 p.m.
The theme this year is “Simple Pleasures.” With all that is happening in the world, at the Ball you can enjoy good food, good music, good company... and dance! Come and have a great time! Tickets are $75 (above). Student tickets are $50. Dress is black tie optional. Dancing shoes are required. All proceeds go to funding the CBA musical ensembles.
Buy your ticket now. Check out the silent auction now. Come to the Ball on April 25 and enjoy some
Simple Pleasures. - John Vishneski, Barristers Big Band
About the Barristers Big Band
The Barristers Big Band ("BBB") was founded in Chicago 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. Its members come from every walk of the Chicago legal community - big firm partners, solo practitioners, government lawyers, law students and even a sitting federal judge (whose courtroom serves as the band's rehearsal space).
The BBB is a repertory band. Over the years, it has studied and performed the music of many of the great big bands, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey and Stan Kenton. The BBB has also collaborated with long-time Basie trumpeter and composer Bob Ojeda to commission several original pieces, including the swinging Legal Eagle, the haunting Gotham Lullaby and the newly minted Obama Suite.
Led by clarinetist Band Leader John Vishneski, the BBB has a special affinity for charts that incorporate or feature the clarinet, giving the band its unique sound. With a full set of saxes, including a bari, and a powerful brass section sporting a tuba, a rhythm section that swings like mad, three solo vocalists and a female vocal trio, the BBB can play any style from Dixieland to traditional swing to Bebop.
Many concerts are recorded and are frequently featured on WCDB 90.9 FM's Saturday night show called Midwest Ballroom. The Barristers Big Band is always looking for its next adventure.