(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- What the world needs now is LOVE, and legendary vocalist Dionne Warwick will bring that love to Bell Theater at Bell Works on Sunday, September 22, 2024 with a once-in-a-lifetime event in support of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center and Bell Theater's cultural arts and education programs. The inaugural New Jersey Arts Icon Gala will include a reception at 5:00pm and auction followed by a concert at 7:00pm featuring Warwick.
Among the special guests paying tribute to Miss Warwick’s iconic songbook are Deborah Cox, Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child), Nova Y. Payton, Remember Jones and Warwick’s granddaughter, singer Cheyenne Elliott, all accompanied by the American Pops Orchestra conducted by Luke Frazier. PBS will be on hand to film the gala for broadcast at a later date.
A native of East Orange, Dionne Warwick is a singer, actress and activist who has been performing for more than six decades. Her soulful vocal style bridged the gaps between pop, gospel, R&B and rock ‘n roll. A muse for songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David, she made classics of songs such as Walk on By, Alfie, I’ll Never Fall in Love Again, I Say a Little Prayer, Do You Know the Way to San Jose and What the World Needs Now, among many others.
“As we continue to promote and celebrate the arts in New Jersey, the Axelrod Performing Arts Center is delighted to be hosting the inaugural New Jersey Arts Icon Awards Gala at our new Bell Theater and to be honoring one of our state’s musical legends, Dionne Warwick,” said Axelrod Executive Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco. “This collaboration with the American Pops Orchestra and PBS promises to be the starriest gala in the state this season!”
Warwick is a 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a 2023 Kennedy Center Award winner, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in 2013 was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. In addition to winning five Grammy Awards as well as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, she became a social media star during the Covid-19 lockdown for her viral tweets, hilarious commentary and pop culture observations.
Warwick will be joined on stage by R&B/pop recording artist and Grammy nominee Deborah Cox. As an actress, Cox starred on Broadway in Aida, Jekyll and Hyde and most recently, The Wiz. She also played the lead role in the new musical The Bodyguard, based on the hit film starring Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick’s cousin.
"I've always been inspired by the music of Dionne Warwick,” said Cox. “She is a true legend, inspiration and friend. I'm looking forward to paying homage to her during these special performances of her timeless music."
Also performing at the gala will be Michelle Williams, a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and, along with Beyonce and Kelly Rowland, a member of Destiny’s Child, one of the most successful recording groups of all time. Her Broadway credits include Chicago, Aida and Once on This Island. Williams is set to star in the upcoming production of Death Becomes Her this fall.
As a classically trained vocalist, Nova Y. Payton has performed with the American Pops Orchestra, with the group 3 Mo’ Divas and has shared the stage with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack and Yolanda Adams. In addition to her many theatrical credits, Payton had the honor of performing the national anthem for President Biden and Vice President Harris at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington D.C.
Jersey Shore favorite Remember Jones is a one-of-a-kind soul/pop singer with a throwback vibe. He performs original music as well as theatrical, big-band events that have played to countless sold-out clubs and theaters throughout the country.
“What an honor to be considered an artist that can make people feel the way Dionne Warwick has throughout her legendary career!” said Jones. “The stories she has told through her voice have inspired me through my life and will continue to remind me of why I love to entertain.”
Also joining Warwick on stage is her granddaughter, R&B singer Cheyenne Elliott, who has released several smash singles including Let There Be Love, a duet with Dionne Warwick, and Too Good at Goodbyes. Her dance club song, With You, reached #16 on Billboard’s Dance Chart.
“I have grown up with my grandmother’s music,” said Elliott. “As an adult, being able to perform and understand her catalog and what she has done for the music industry is something I will cherish forever.”
In addition, 12 students from the junior division (ages 7-13) of Axelrod Performing Arts Academy’s musical theater program will sing That’s What Friends Are For along with Dionne Warwick at the event.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have our academy students perform with the legendary Dionne Warwick,” said Mary-Kate Schmidt, director of the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy. “This opportunity allows them the chance to work closely with industry legends and gain invaluable insights into professional dynamics, stage presence and collaboration.”
VIP tickets are $750 and include a pre-concert reception, priority seating and post-concert meet and greet with the artists. Premium tickets are $350 and include pre-concert reception, preferred seating and post-concert dessert reception. Standard tickets are $250, which include pre-concert reception. Tickets are available for purchase online. Bell Theater is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Rd., Holmdel, N.J. on the ground level.
The Axelrod Performing Arts Center (APAC) is a leading cultural institution on the Jersey Shore, committed to producing and presenting a diverse range of artistic performances. As a multi-disciplinary arts organization, APAC collaborates with Broadway directors, choreographers and designers to produce professionally staged musicals, ballets and cultural programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual and creative soul of our community. Their productions showcase the talents of professional actors, dancers and singers, delivering world-class entertainment to audiences.
In addition to their main venue, APAC proudly operates Bell Theater, a new cultural hub located at the historic Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ. Opened in the spring of 2024, Bell Theater is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing exceptional cultural programming to the community. Bell Theater offers a platform for emerging artists while showcasing established acts, all within a space designed to create an immersive and accessible experience for all guests.
APAC is also home to the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy (APAA), which offers unique and comprehensive training in dance and theater arts. APAA emphasizes the importance of performance as an essential part of education, ensuring that students gain both practical experience and a deep understanding of the arts. At APAA, we nurture the next generation of performers, providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed on stage and beyond.
