Harry Connick, Jr. to Perform at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Art’s Annual Gala

MIAMI - March 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Harry Connick, Jr., one of the entertainment world’s most celebrated, multifaceted talents will take the stage of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County’s John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall for a special performance at the Center’s 2013 Gala on April 26th. Connick, recipient of three Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards and two Tony Award nominations, will perform an intimate show for Miami’s philanthropic, business and civic leaders.

Harry Connick, Jr. is among today’s most successful artists, garnering acclaim in both the musical and theatrical realms. The foundation of Connick’s art is the music of his native New Orleans, where he began performing as a pianist and vocalist at the age of five. Since then, he has released 24 albums, selling more than 28 million copies worldwide, and has received numerous music honors.

Beyond his musical talents, Connick is known for his acting roles in Independence Day, Hope Floats, P.S. I Love You, and most recently starred alongside Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd in Dolphin Tale which reached #1 at the box office. Connick has played parts on the small screen as well as recurring ones including “Law & Order SVU” and “Will & Grace.”  

Connick’s intimate performance will add a dose of celebrity to an evening already glittered with Miami stars. Two of South Florida’s most prominent philanthropists, Swanee and Paul DiMare, will Chair the 2013 Gala event and the institution’s name benefactor, Adrienne Arsht, will serve as Honorary Chair and Armando and Margarita Codina as Gala Sponsors. Co-Chairs include Mike and Margaret Eidson; Tony and Joyce Burns; Alan Fein and Richard Schatz from Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff and Sitterson PA; Jorge and Lorena Rossell from TotalBank; and Jason Williams from Wells Fargo Private Bank. Gala proceeds will support the Center’s mission-driven arts education and community outreach programs.

“Harry Connick, Jr. is a rare ‘triple threat,’ earning numerous awards and accolades for his work as a recording artist, a movie star, and a stage actor,” said Gala Chair Swanee DiMare. “We are thrilled that our Gala attendees will have a chance to see him perform up close and personal at the Arsht Center. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is not to be missed.”

The 2013 Gala will take place at the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall, where the venue’s orchestra level will be transformed into “a festival floor” – creating an elegant supper club and offering guests a memorable, intimate experience in a world-class setting. The event’s attire is black tie optional.

Limited table sponsorship opportunities are available for $50,000, $25,000 and $15,000 and individual tickets are available for $2,500. For more information about corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities or to RSVP for the event, please call (786) 468-2020 or email advancement@arshtcenter.org.  

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is made possible by the public support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council and the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, as well as the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The Adrienne Arsht Center also receives generous support from local, state and national foundations, as well as private contributions to the Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation through corporate and individual giving, Visionary Society membership and the Encore Circle major gifts programs.  

About the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is one of the world’s leading performing arts organizations and venues. Made possible by Miami-Dade County’s largest ever public/private-sector partnership, the Center is home to the Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet and New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy. In addition, numerous South Florida arts organizations perform in its theaters regularly. Since opening in 2006, the Center has emerged as a leader in offering and presenting innovative programming that mirrors South Florida’s diversity, as a catalyst for development in Miami, and as a host of impactful community outreach and education programs.

Designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, the venue is comprised of the 2,400-seat Ziff Ballet Opera House, the 2,200-seat John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall, the black box Carnival Studio Theater, a restored Carnival Tower, the Peacock Foundation, Inc. Studio, the Peacock Foundation, Inc. Education Center and the outdoor Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts. Events impresario and restaurateur Barton G. Weiss brought his signature style to the Center in 2009 with PRELUDE BY BARTON G, a full-service upscale restaurant.

Visit www.arshtcenter.org for more information.