From Las Vegas to Chicago: The Dream Awards honor cultural trailblazers

The Dream Awards debuted in Chicago at the Kehrein Center for the Arts on Saturday, May 18. Presented by Harrison Productions and founded/produced by Mable Buckner, the event drew over 400 on a steamy night to the West Side for an evening that featured a red carpet hosted by Regina Rice, VIP reception, dazzling live entertainment, celebrities and an inspiring awards presentation.

The Dream Awards are well known in Las Vegas where it has been hosted for the last five years, but it was a new addition to our city. Themed “A Salute to Chicago,” the show honored “legends who have achieved their dreams in music, film, dance, media and journalism.” 

Following the reception, the awards ceremony began in the auditorium which was buzzing with excitement. ABC-7’s Cheryl Burton served as emcee in a stunning gown and a gold crown. Her colleagues from the station were seated in the front row and included Diana Palomar (VP Community Affairs, ABC-7 Chicago) and John Idler (President/GM Disney ABC Television Group), all in attendance to cheer on their colleague, Hosea Sanders, who received the Excellence in Broadcast Award. (See video here)

Besides Sanders, honorees included: Dr. Gene (Duke of Earl) Chandler (Living Legend Award); actor Joe Sikora (who couldn’t attend but appeared in a video to receive his Outstanding Actor Award); Candace Jordan (introduced by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas for the Excellence in Media Award, see video here created by Kurtis Productions); George Daniels (music mogul, Living Legend Award); singer Joan Collaso (Excellence in Music/Jazz); Tracey V. Bell (Trailblazer Award); Al Kennedy (Appreciation Award); singer Deitra Farr (Excellence in Music-Blues); singer Julia Huff (Excellence in Music- R&B); Tony Cazeau (who served as music director for the evening, received an Inspiration Award); Dr. Julian Wright (Rising Star) and Jerry Butler (who couldn’t attend, Icon Award) and others.

There were lively musical performances by Theo Huff, Billy Brown, Demetria Taylor, Melvia “Chick” Rodgers, Samotta Acklin, Gerald McClendon, Love Train and many more. Music tributes were paid to Curtis Mayfield, Koko Taylor and others.

Event creator/founder Mable Buckner shared, “I am truly honored to have hosted the inaugural Dream Awards in Chicago, celebrating the monumental contributions of fifteen local icons in music, TV/film, radio, and news media. Each honoree has uniquely shaped Chicago’s cultural landscape, and it was a privilege to recognize their enduring legacies in front of our community. This event not only celebrated their achievements but also reinforced the vibrant spirit and rich history of our city. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to honor these living legends and look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.”

A portion of the event’s proceeds benefited Building Brighter Futures for the Arts, a comprehensive human services organization that offers six programs in the areas of community, education, employment, family services, health equity and youth services.

Congrats to all honorees, talent, committee members and staff who made this night possible. We can’t wait to see you next year, Mable!