Grammy award winning solo artist Patti LaBelle, commonly and fondly referred to as the “Godmother of Soul,” will take the stage for a spectacular performance when the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts holds its annual Gala on Wednesday, February 3, 2016.
Chaired by Dorothy Kohl and Lori Gendelman, the elegant affair will begin with a reception in the Shapiro Founders’ Room at the Kravis Center, followed by Patti LaBelle’s performance in Dreyfoos Hall, and a dinner dance in the Gimelstob Ballroom, located in the Cohen Pavilion. Monika Preston and Kathryn Vecellio are serving as Honorary Chairs.
“I am thrilled to be chairing the Kravis Center’s annual Gala with my daughter Lori,” said Mrs. Kohl. “The Kravis Center is the premier performing arts center in our region, and our supporters recognize the importance of raising funds to promote the arts as an experience for everyone in Palm Beach County. The Gala is a complete evening on the town – with a performance, dinner and dancing – and has earned the enviable reputation as being one of the most fun events of the social season with a large group of young supporters.”
Patti LaBelle’s effortless ability to belt out rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets has fueled her popularity for more than 50 years. The Philadelphia-born star entered the pop charts in 1962 as lead singer of The Bluebelles and went on to receive worldwide acclaim with the trio, Labelle. An award-winning solo artist since the ‘70s, the soulful singer’s classics include On My Own, New Attitude, Lady Marmalade and If You Asked Me To.
“We are especially excited to see Patti LaBelle perform in advance of the dinner-dance portion of the evening,” said Mrs. Gendelman. “Ms. LaBelle’s music is iconic and appealing to arts supporters of all ages, making her a perfect fit for our Gala guests. Because many of the Gala guests return every year, it is consistently a sold-out success, so I encourage everyone to get their tickets early!”
Gala sponsors include Dr. Nettie Birnbach, The Breakers Palm Beach, Alex and Renate Dreyfoos, Sanford and Isanne Fisher, Alec and Miriam Flamm, Lori and Bruce Gendelman, Diane and Bruce Halle, Harless & Associates, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Henni and John Kessler, Dorothy and Sidney Kohl, Ingrid and David Kosowsky, Sondra and David S. Mack, Jocelyn and Robin Martin, Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund, Jane M. Mitchell, Neiman Marcus, Monika and John Preston, SBA Communications Corporation, Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein, Carolyn and Richard Sloane, Susan and Dom Telesco, Kathryn and Leo Vecellio and Lois Silverman Yashar and Dr. James Yashar. Tiffany & Co. is providing special support with media support being provided by Palm Beach Illustrated.
Tickets for this year’s Gala are $750 for the Gala Patron, and $375 for the Young Gala Patron (45 and younger). Dress is cocktail attire.
For almost 25 years, the nonprofit Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has helped students of all ages fuel their imaginations and expand their lives through comprehensive arts education programs. Last season, nearly 60,000 children from Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties attended numerous performances through the Kravis Center S*T*A*R (Students and Teachers Arts Resource) Series. More than 3,000 adults attended ArtSmart continuing education classes and lectures – with topics ranging from Marilyn Monroe to Cuban folklore music.
Centrally located in West Palm Beach, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is one of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast with a renowned national and international reputation. Established as a leading force in the social fabric of the community, its many outreach programs are as broad and varied as the community itself. To date, the Center has opened the door to the performing arts for approximately 2 million school children.
For more information, to purchase tickets or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.kravis.org/gala or call (561) 651-4320.