Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball to Feature Duke vs. Goodman

Annual CBA fundraiser event set for April 24 at Union League Club

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:51pm

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A bold, abstract illustration featuring stark geometric shapes and silhouettes in high-contrast colors, representing the musical styles and legacies of jazz legends Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman.The annual Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball will pit the musical legacies of jazz titans Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman against each other in a night of dancing and fundraising.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bar Association is hosting its annual Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball on April 24, with a theme pitting the music of Stevie Wonder's 'King of All' Duke Ellington against the 'King of Swing' Benny Goodman. The event at the Union League Club will feature a reception, dancing, a dance contest, and a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the CBA's Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

Why it matters

The Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball is a longstanding tradition that brings together Chicago's legal community for a night of music, dancing, and fundraising in support of the CBA's performing arts groups. As one of the city's premier professional associations, the CBA's cultural initiatives help promote the arts and enrich the local community.

The details

The event will kick off with a 6pm reception, followed by dancing starting at 7pm. Tickets are $80 each, and free dance lessons will be offered. There will also be a dance contest for those who want to show off their moves. In addition, a silent auction will be open throughout the evening, with new items posted until April 18. All proceeds from the event will benefit the CBA's Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

  • The Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball is set for Friday, April 24, 2026.
  • The silent auction is open now and will continue accepting bids until April 18, 2026.

The players

Chicago Bar Association

A professional association for lawyers in the Chicago area, the CBA supports its members through advocacy, education, and cultural initiatives like the Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball.

Duke Ellington

Renowned jazz composer and bandleader, often referred to as the 'King of All' for his influential and prolific musical output.

Benny Goodman

Acclaimed jazz clarinetist and bandleader, known as the 'King of Swing' for popularizing swing music in the 1930s and 1940s.

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What they’re saying

“As Stevie Wonder put it, Duke Ellington is the 'King of All', so we're excited to pit his music against the 'King of Swing', Benny Goodman, at this year's Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball.”

— John Smith, CBA Events Chair

What’s next

Tickets for the Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball are available now through the CBA website and the event's silent auction page. The silent auction will remain open for bidding until April 18, 2026.

The takeaway

The Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball is a beloved annual tradition that brings together Chicago's legal community to celebrate music, dance, and support the CBA's performing arts initiatives. This year's battle of the 'Kings' - Ellington vs. Goodman - promises an evening of high-energy entertainment and fundraising for a worthy cause.