12 April 2012

All-Star Gala Signals Howard Theatre’s “Rebirth”

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Photo credits: Professional Image Photography, Ben Droz, Carla Sims and Frédéric Yonnet
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After almost 30 years in the dark, the Historic Howard Theatre re-opened it’s doors with a Grand Opening Gala and Benefit Concert on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the newly restored Howard Theatre.

The star-studded affair celebrated the music made popular at the landmark venue, between the 1930’s and the 1970’s. Motown founder Barry Gordy received the first “Howard Theatre Living Legend Award” and world-renowned jazz pianist, writer and producer George Duke served as music director. The evening featured performances by legendary soul singers and musicians, Smokey Robinson, Joe Sample, Jimmy Heath, Les McCann, comedians Bill Cosby, Wanda Sykes and Dick Gregory, contemporary “hoofer,” Savion Glover, singers Lalah Hathaway, Chrisette Michele, Dianne Reeves, Raheem DeVaughn, urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet and more!

The Benefit Concert payed tribute to legendary musical figures who were significant players at the Howard Theatre including: Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, brothers and founders of Atlantic Records who started their company with talent they discovered at the Howard Theatre; Dr. Billy Taylor, legendary jazz musician and music educator from Washington, DC; Ella Fitzgerald, acclaimed jazz vocalist; and Marvin Gaye, legendary R&B singer, lyricist, and producer, also a Washington, DC native.

The historic arts landmark, which launched the careers of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes, re-opens after a $29 million renovation, and an ongoing capitol campaign to construct an Educational Center in the rear of the theatre. The new 12,000 square foot space seats 650 (1,100-standing) and features a full service restaurant for dinner and brunch overseen by famed chef Marcus Samuelsson. A couple dozen shows are already lined up for the rest of the season that includes Chuck Berry, Chaka Khan, Esperanza Spalding, Jack Bruce, Boyz II Men and a weekly Sunday Brunch featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir, Wale, The Roots, Robert Randolph, Taj Mahal, Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def), Meshell Ndegeocello, Bad Brains, Chuck Brown and comedienne Wanda Sykes.

The proceeds from the gala support the building of an extension to house the Howard Theatre Culture and Education Center. The Center will include a museum, recording studio, listening library, classrooms and donor lounge. For more information, visit www.howardtheatre.org or thehowardtheatre.com.

The Howard Theatre is operated by Blue Note Entertainment Group, the owners and operators of clubs and theaters around the world which include the Blue Note Jazz Club, B.B. King Blues Club and The Highline Ballroom in New York.

Full line-up:

George Duke (Music Director)