Dream Awards Chicago 2026 to honor music, broadcasting and entertainment legends

Chicago will roll out the red carpet on Saturday, Nov. 14, for the Dream Awards Chicago 2026, an evening celebrating an impressive lineup of entertainers, broadcasters, musicians and community legends.

Presented by Harrison Entertainment, the awards will take place at the newly remodeled DuSable Black History Museum, 740 E. 56th Place. Art Norman of NBC 5 Chicago will serve as master of ceremonies for an evening that brings together some of the city's most recognizable names in music, television and entertainment.

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Among this year's honorees are singer Keith Washington, who will receive the Vanguard Award; longtime Chicago broadcaster Micah Materre, recipient of the Excellence in Broadcasting Award; and Leanne Faine, Lemmie Battles and Sam Chatman, who will each be honored as Living Legends. Willie Rogers will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The awards also shine a spotlight on Chicago's rich musical heritage. Dee Alexander and Lynne Jordan will be recognized for Excellence in Jazz, while Billy Branch and Mike Wheeler will receive Excellence in Blues honors. Stan Mosely is being honored for Excellence in R&B.

Additional honorees include Regina Rice, recipient of the Luminary Award; Brandy Moss Scott, who will receive the Jimmy Payton Visionary Award; and Sasha Dalton, recipient of the Trailblazer Award.

The evening will also feature a special tribute to legendary performers Otis Clay, Bernie Mac, Jackie Wilson and Ramsey Lewis, along with special guest performances by Bobby Wilson (son of Jackie Wilson), Samotta Aklin, Theo Huff and renowned pianist Copeland Davis, who will also perform.

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Beyond celebrating accomplished artists and entertainers, the evening also has a philanthropic component. Part of the proceeds from the Dream Awards will benefit The Chicago Academy for the Arts, a nationally recognized arts high school that prepares young artists for college and professional careers in the arts.

The evening begins with the red carpet and limited VIP reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 7 p.m. VIP tickets are $150 and general admission tickets are $100. Attire is listed as semi-formal to formal.

Tickets and more info here. 

For those driving, $8 parking will be available at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

With a lineup spanning jazz, blues, R&B, broadcasting and entertainment, the Dream Awards Chicago 2026 promises an evening that not only recognizes established legends but also helps support the next generation of artists.