(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark Symphony Hall (NSH) honored 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 served as a momentous celebration of Sarah Vaughan, commemorating her 100th birthday and honoring her unparalleled contributions to the genre. Photographer Ja’vee L. Artis was there to take photos for Newark Symphony Hall.
The black-tie event, hosted by Grammy Winning singer-songwriter Estelle and DJ’d by DJ Aktive included an intimate concert headlined by GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, Patti Labelle along with performances by Gabby Samone, Tyree Miller, Howard Hewitt, Meli'sa Morgan, and the Premiere Dance Theater.
“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,” says Talia Young, President and CEO of Newark Symphony Hall. “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, was presented with the prestigious Sarah Vaughan Visionary Award, and the Prudential Foundation was presented 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.
Born in 1925, Newark Symphony Hall (NSH) has been home to almost a century of diverse arts and cultural performances in what is now New Jersey’s largest Black-led arts and entertainment institution and venue in the state. As art impacts the community, the Hall remains committed to providing artistically rich experiences for art lovers of all ages while creating career pathways for people of color and space for community programming, ensuring Newark’s first stage remains accessible.
Here are some more photos from the event.
All photos by Ja’vee L. Artis/Newark Symphony Hall
