The 2015 Marian Anderson Award was held last night at the Kimmel Center. Wynton Marsalis — trumpeter, composer, teacher, music educator, and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City — was this year’s recipient. Guests were welcomed by Nina Tinari, board chair, and the event was hosted by Soledad O’Brien.
Marsalis was honored with performances by Kim Burrell, Lalah Hathaway, Misty Copland, and Robert Garland, as well as local performers, then was joined on stage by the Wynton Marsalis Septet at the conclusion of the event. The Marian Anderson Award is given to entertainers who have contributed to society, which exemplifies what Marsalis has done in his lifetime. After Hurricane Katrina, Marsalis helped create a star-studded concert to raise much needed funds for his hometown of New Orleans and it’s residents.
The evening began with a cocktail party, and guests dined on a delicious dinner by Garces Catering in Commonwealth Plaza decorated by Evantine. The Gala Dinner Chair was Carol B. Tinari, with sponsorship from Wells Fargo, City of Philadelphia and PECO.
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HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.
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