2024-25 Chicago Sinfonietta Artist-in-Residence: Shermann "Dilla" Thomas

Chicago historian Dilla, as he is affectionately called, is a fascinating blend of modern historian, cultural worker, and public employee. Dilla has become a Chicago social media sensation by going viral on TikTok. His 60-second history videos on everything Chicago have been viewed over 20 million times, and he has amassed a following of 210K followers across all social media platforms. Dilla has been featured on all manner of Chicago media and has appeared nationally on both The Today Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show. Dilla is a proud life long resident of Chicago's South Side. He lives by the saying "everything dope about America comes from Chicago."

From Dilla: "I am privileged to be part of this PROPEL season of the Chicago Sinfonietta.  The Chicago Sinfonietta is known for its community and camaraderie.  It encourages musical growth and development, then the cultural impact also promotes diversity and inclusivity in classic music.   This theme resonates with me because they are driving the industry forward and changing the landscape of classical music."

Through the power of storytelling Dilla is helping to change the narrative locally and nationally about Chicago's value to the world. He has been named 2022 Chicago Tourism Ambassador of the Year by Choose Chicago, the city's tourism agency. He is a recipient of the prestigious Chicago Public Library Foundation's 21st Century Award, as well as a Studs Terkel Uplifting Voices recipient. Dilla was voted 2021 and 2022 Best Chicago Twitter and Best Chicago TikTok pages by Chicago Reader magazine. He has presented Chicago history lessons and lectures to institutions such as the University of Chicago, LaSalle University (PA), Northwestern University, Roosevelt University, and a number of partners with the Chicago Community Colleges network.

Dilla has given lessons to corporate groups such as: Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, Google, Stork, Shriver Center of Poverty Law, and Chicago Cares. Dilla most recently represented Chicago abroad in Amsterdam for Bloomberg's City Labs. He is a member of the Black Chicago History Initiate Steering Committee and a proud partner of the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Fire.

Dilla will speak at our March 16, 2025 Women's History Concert ("Love Letters") and attend the Fundraising Reception immediately following the concert (all are welcome!). He will also speak at our May 3, 2025 fundraising event, the Chicago Sinfonietta Soundscape at the stunning Epiphany Center for the Arts.