THE NEWARK TIMES

Patti Labelle Headlines Inaugural Newark Symphony Hall Gala Commemorating Sarah Vaughan’s 100th Birthday and Unveiling Arts + Education Lab

Newark Symphony Hall (NSH) celebrated the legacy of Jazz legend and Newark icon, Sarah Vaughan, with the inaugural Sarah A. Vaughan Garde Gala on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The gala, commemorating her 100th birthday, honored Vaughan’s unparalleled contributions to the genre.

Hosted by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Estelle and featuring DJ Aktive, the black-tie event included an intimate concert headlined by GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, Patti Labelle. The evening also showcased performances by Gabby Samone, Tyree Miller (see video below), Howard Hewitt, Meli’sa Morgan, and the Premiere Dance Theater.

Talia Young, President and CEO of Newark Symphony Hall, expressed, “Newark Symphony Hall has such a beautiful and rich history here in the City of Newark. As the first stage here in the City, our beautiful edifice continues to be a venue that enriches our community and serves as a home for our culture and the countless voices that have graced our stage, including the incomparable Ms. Sarah Vaughan. As our concert hall namesake, we honor Ms. Vaughn and the gift she gave to the world. It is her legacy without interference, her struggle between the notes, in a category like no other that illuminates her star.”

Sarah Vaughan’s sister, Donna Vaughan, received the prestigious Sarah Vaughan Visionary Award, while the Prudential Foundation was honored with the 2024 Anchor Arts Investor Award.

The gala also marked a significant milestone with the announcement of NSH’s 30,000 sqft Arts + Education Lab, a transformative addition to its multi-year $75 million capital improvement plan. This innovative space underscores NSH’s dedication to nurturing artistic talent and fostering community engagement through education and outreach programs.