A tap dancer about to step. His arms are outstretched.

Dee Alexander and Jumaane Taylor

ABOUT MIX AT SIX
Mix at Six, the series the Chicago Tribune says “ups the cultural ante considerably,” is known for offering some of the theater’s most provocative and innovative work, with a price point and format that make it one of the most accessible and engaging performance series yet.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on weeknights, Mix at Six features high-energy, engaging programs that run 60-75 minutes. With $20 tickets, drink specials, and opportunities for audiences to meet featured performers and each other, Mix at Six offers an informal and welcoming setting to try something new.

ABOUT FAMILY SERIES
Family Series performances offer high-quality, engaging programming designed to cultivate the next generation of arts lovers. These hour-long performances are designed for children ages 4 and older and fun for the entire family, with educational materials and opportunities to interact with the artists appearing onstage. Accessibility is at the heart of the Family Series, with ASL interpretation, audio description, and sensory-friendly programming offered each season. And as always, audiences are encouraged to laugh, clap, and experience the theater in their own way — no shushing allowed!

Upcoming Events

Harris Theater Presents

Feb 7

Dee Alexander and Jumaane Taylor

Jumaane Taylor dancing on a wooden floor. He wears black floral pants and a yellow printed long sleeve.

Harris Theater Presents

Feb 8

Dee Alexander and Jumaane Taylor Family Matinee

Dee Alexander and Jumaane Taylor

About the Artists

Born on Chicago’s west side, Dee Alexander is one of Chicago’s most gifted and respected female vocalist/songwriters. Her talents span every music genre, from Gospel to R&B, from Blues to Neo-Soul. Yet her true heart and soul are experienced in their purest form through her performance of Jazz music. From a soft, sultry ballad to a scat-filled romp; Dee Alexander delivers each style with a passion for music that comes across in every note, and a grace that is truly her own. Growing up in a household that was steeped in recordings of Dinah Washington; Ms. Alexander names Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald among her major influences. As well as Chicago saxophonist Henry Huff, who encouraged her to take risks and cross boundaries thus setting her on the path to becoming one of the most accomplished voice improvisers in the world today.

Her Jazz Institute of Chicago commissioned tribute to Nina Simone and Dinah Washington entitled “Sirens of Song” introduced her to a larger audience and marked the beginning of worldwide recognition. The Millennium Park performance on the Pritzker Pavilion stage also began a period of frequent European touring. Ms. Alexander boasts long and fruitful associations with Chicago’s jazz elite; including Ramsey Lewis, Orbert Davis, Nicole Mitchell, Chicago Jazz Orchestra, and the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). She leads her own Dee Alexander Quartet and the Evolution Ensemble whose music ranges from original compositions to renditions of James Brown and Jimi Hendrix.

Ms. Alexander has received the Chicagoan of the Year in Jazz award and the 3Arts Award for
Music. Her CD "Wild is the Wind" was named the album of the summer in France, earned her top votes in Downbeat’s readers and Critics polls; received 5 stars in Downbeat and was chosen as one of its top ten recordings in the first decade of the new millennium. Her performance at the 2013 Newport Jazz Festival was selected by the NY Times as one of the best concerts with staying power. She has garnered accolades in African, Australian, European and North American press.

Dee’s current project, “Songs My Mother Loves” has received rave reviews and is intended not only to express thanks and pay tribute to Dee's mother for her inspiration and influence, but also to pay homage to the music that has become such a significant part of her life. Ms. Alexander is currently a Host on the WFMT Jazz Radio Network.

Jumaane Taylor, a Chicago native, has been tap dancing since the age of 7 beginning at the Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre. He has had the opportunity to train with Idella Reed Davis, Geraldine Williams, Runako Jahi, Bril Barrett, Martin Dumas III, Jimmy Payne Jr., and George Patterson III. Jumaane has been part of the ensemble in Imagine Tap! (2006 directed and choreographed by Derick Grant); Tap Into Peace (2009 directed and choreographed by Sarah Savelli and Ayodele Casel); and Rasta Thomas' Tap Stars that premiered in Hamburg, Germany. While also tapping with local live bands, Corey Wilkes’ Abstrakt Pulse, and Sidewalk Chalk until 2014. In 2015, Jumaane created Supreme Love. A tap dance production honoring John Coltrane’s 'A Love Supreme' and the art of tap, premiering at jazz music and dance festivals including Jacob's Pillow in 2017. In 2018 he established Heel and Toe Productions, presenting The Jazz Hoofing Quartet. A solo dance performance using improvisation, to continue the progressive exploration of live music with tap. 2020 delivered Ugly Flavors, covering Ornette Coleman selections, then part 1 from Igor Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring'. Choreographing a new layer of rhythmical dynamics from the two legendary composers, as the tap dancers celebrate their relationship to the earth. Jumaane’s 2022 presented “Cheap Hotels & Suites”, a collection of choreographed works premiered with tap ensemble Stone Soup Rhythms. Jumaane has received the Chicago Dancemakers Forum 2017 Lab Artist Award, 3Arts 2019 Award, and has presented his work with the Museum of Contemporary Art, Jazz Institute of Chicago, Columbia College-Dance Center and abroad. He teaches at Mayfair Arts Center, Ruth Page School of Dance, and the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Since 2021 Jumaane has also been the artistic director of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project.