Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom | A Step Ahead's Spring Fundraiser at Hattiloo Theatre

Join A Step Ahead Foundation for an afternoon celebrating 15 years of service - with EmpowerMINT mimosas, brunch bites, and good company.

In Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, a play created by August Wilson, music becomes the backdrop for an exploration of race, identity, ambition, and control in America’s early recording industry.

Step into 1927 Chicago as Ma Rainey, the legendary “Mother of the Blues,” enters the recording studio determined to protect her voice, her music, and her power. Tensions rise as ambition clashes with experience, especially between Ma Rainey and her bold, rising trumpet player, Levee, who dreams of changing the sound of the future.

We are proud to dedicate this special event in memory of Gene Katz, a lifelong advocate for the arts and a beloved supporter of A Step Ahead Foundation. Gene’s passion, generosity, and belief in the transformative power of community continue to inspire us, and we’re honored to celebrate his legacy through this gathering.

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Tickets include access to the pre-show reception, seating for the performance, and the opportunity to support A Step Ahead’s mission. Proceeds from this event directly fund educational programming and birth control services that help women take control of their reproductive health and confidently pursue their goals.