couples dancing
Blues Dancing at Cowboy Monkey, BluesCENTRAL Weekly Dance, Champaign, Illinois, August 2018. By Unknown Photographer.
photo of Mike Sherfield
photo of mike Sherfield

Mike Sherfield

Michael was born in nearby Brookport, Illinois in 1949. He grew up in the Danville area but also spent time hanging out in Champaign-Urbana during his youth. He is retired from the University of Illinois’ Artist and Photographic Services but continues to create artwork, some of which you can see displayed in this Blues Dance and Its African Roots Exhibit at the Spurlock. You may find him at local dances, whether it is salsa, tango, swing or blues.

Listen as Michael tells stories of his dance adventures growing up and the importance of music and dance in the different stages of his life as well as historic changes in race relations. He remembers learning to dance from his grandmother, attending house parties, and trying to learn the moves from other places to impress the girls and get a dance.

Mike Sherfield Oral Histories