The Kennedy Center Spring Gala Premier Sponsor

There is still time to join us on June 5 for the Kennedy Center's Spring Gala, How Sweet it is: A Tribute to Marvin Gaye, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and starring Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds!

Chaired by Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. Ein and Mr. Dale LeFebvre, the Spring Gala will pay tribute to a pioneer of R&B music, a legend of the Motown era, and a native of Washington, D.C. This year's star-studded performance in honor of Marvin Gaye's storied career will include a repertoire of his groundbreaking, chart-topping hits that reinvented the scope and influence of popular music. Led by Whoopi Goldberg and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, the event will feature performances by Leslie Odom, Jr. of the smash Broadway show Hamilton, Jussie Smollett of the FOX hit Empire, Mary Wilson of the original Supremes, Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson, and Grammy©-nominated soul singers Andra Day and Ledisi, up-and-coming R&B artist BJ The Chicago Kid, local tap-dancing sensations The Manzari Brothers, and The Mellow Tones, a student vocal ensemble from D.C.'s Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

The 2016 Spring Gala will also include the inaugural presentation of the Kennedy Center Award for the Human Spirit, commemorating the seminal contributions made by President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to the integration of the arts in the United States. The annual presentation of the Award for the Human Spirit will recognize two individuals who have had an enduring impact on the advancement of arts and culture. This year's Distinguished Philanthropist Award, acknowledging a lifetime commitment to personal advocacy and philanthropy for the performing arts, will be presented to the esteemed Wallis Annenberg of The Annenberg Foundation. The Citizen Artist Award, recognizing an individual leader who utilizes the arts and arts education to advance and enrich community life at the local, state, or national level, will be presented to renowned installation artist Theaster Gates, Jr. of Chicago. Artist and founder of Pioneer Works in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Dustin Yellin has been commissioned to create an original work of art that will serve as the physical award. The artist made a major exhibition of 12 large sculptural-collage blocks (Psychogeographies) at the Kennedy Center in April of 2015, one of which is part of the Center's permanent art collection and currently on display in the Hall of States.

As one of Washington's premier benefit engagements, the Gala provides critical funding to support the Center's many artistic performances, arts education programs, and outreach initiatives available throughout the year to students and families across the country.

For more information, call (202) 416-8338 or email springgala@kennedy-center.org. Sponsors at the Gold and Platinum levels will also be invited to attend the VIP Cast Party with the Spring Gala cast and recipients of the Award for the Human Spirit. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sunday, June 5, 2016

5:00pm—Cocktail Reception, River Terrace

6:00pm—Dinner, Roof Terrace Level

8:00pm—Performance, Concert Hall

The Kennedy Center | Washington, D.C.

The Spring Gala design is generously provided by Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Whoopi Goldberg

Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds

Leslie Odom, Jr.

Jussie Smollett

Ledisi

Andra Day

Valerie Simpson

Mary Wilson

Michael Bearden

BJ The Chicago Kid

The Mellow Tones

John Manzari

Leo Manzari

Wallis Annenberg

Theaster Gates, Jr.