Musical Tribute to Paris in Black at DuSable Museum

Black Voices in Cabaret and Chicago Paris Cabaret Connexion performers celebrate Black History Month with a concert and exhibit tour.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:31am

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The DuSable Museum and Education Center in Chicago is hosting a special event on February 1, 2026 to celebrate the 'Paris in Black: Internationalism and the Black Renaissance' exhibit. The event will feature a guided tour of the exhibit at 4:30 pm, followed by a live concert performance by Black Voices in Cabaret and visiting performers from the Chicago Paris Cabaret Connexion at 6 pm. The concert will take place in the Lower Skylight Gallery, set amidst exhibit montages and a Parisian café ambience.

Why it matters

The DuSable Museum is the nation's oldest independent Black history museum and a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, making this event a significant celebration of Black culture and artistry. The collaboration between Black Voices in Cabaret and the Chicago Paris Cabaret Connexion also highlights the international connections and influences within the Black artistic community.

The details

The concert will feature a lineup of talented African-American performers in cabaret, including Valerie Chestnut, Kenneth Fobs, Beverly Tyree, Sean Harris, Patricia Mosley, R. Darryl Thomas, Lynne Jordan, Robin Watson, Sonia Oyola, Ava Logan, Randolph Johnson, I'm M$ B'Havin, and Patricia Tyson. They will be joined by performers from the Chicago Paris Cabaret Connexion, such as Claudia Hommel, Jeanie Carroll, and The Swingin' Sisters (Tirzah Joy, Barbara Smith, and Carolyn Broquet). The music director for the event is Howie Pfeifer, with Paul McAdams on guitar and Kathryn Hahn on flute.

  • The private exhibit tour will take place at 4:30 pm on February 1, 2026.
  • The live concert performance will follow at 6 pm on February 1, 2026.

The players

DuSable Museum and Education Center

The nation's oldest independent Black history museum and a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, founded in 1961.

Black Voices in Cabaret

A cabaret group founded in 2020 to spotlight the talent of African-American performers in cabaret, and recipient of the prestigious American Prize.

Chicago Paris Cabaret Connexion

An international cabaret exchange program that plans its 8th exchange to come to Chicago in November 2026.

Working In Concert

The parent organization for both Black Voices in Cabaret and the Chicago Paris Cabaret Connexion.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Chicago Paris Cabaret Connexion plans its 8th international exchange coming to Chicago in November 2026.

The takeaway

This event at the DuSable Museum celebrates the rich history and vibrant present of Black artistry, both locally and internationally, through a unique collaboration between acclaimed cabaret performers.