Name: 2026 Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball
Start: 2026-04-24T18:00:00-05:00
Location: Union League Club of Chicago

The CBA Barristers Big Band Benefit Ball will be held on April 24, 2026. It is a relaxed and civilized party for the legal community with good food, good music, good company... and DANCING!

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 the beautiful Lincoln Ballroom at the Union League Club in downtown Chicago. VERY elegant. At 6:00 pm, 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. 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 vacation stays in exotic locations, there is plenty to choose from. From 6:00-7:00 p.m., your $80 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 pm.
The theme this year is “Battle of the Bands: Benny Goodman versus Duke Ellington.” Goodman and Ellington created some of the most memorable jazz big band music from the Swing Era and beyond. There will be GOOD music. 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 $80 for CBA Members. Buy tickets in advance as they are $100 at the door! Dress is black tie optional. All proceeds go to funding the CBA musical ensembles.
Click here to access the silent auction and buy tickets: Https://app.betterunite.com/BBBBB2026
Join us on April 24 to forget the troubles of the world for a few hours, and enjoy some simple pleasures!