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Dionne Warwick
Takes Center Stage at New Jersey Arts Icon Gala
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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 with a once-in-a-lifetime event in support of
Axelrod Performing Arts Center's cultural arts and education
programs.
The
night will be filled with unforgettable performances by Warwick
herself and special guests paying tribute to her iconic songbook,
including Grammy Award-winner Michelle Williams from Destiny's
Child, Grammy nominee Deborah Cox, powerhouse vocalist Nova
Y. Payton, rising R&B star Cheyenne Elliott, and the
soulful Remember Jones. All will be accompanied by the American
Pops Orchestra, conducted by Luke Frazier. With a 5 p.m.
reception and auction followed by a 7 p.m. concert, this is a celebration you don't want to miss!
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Dionne Warwick
A
native of East Orange, Dionne has been a musical icon for over six
decades. Known for her blend of pop, gospel, R&B, and rock ‘n
roll, Warwick’s hits like Walk on By and I Say a
Little Prayer are timeless classics. Warwick’s impact on
music is legendary with six Grammy Awards, including one for lifetime
achievement; he is also a 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
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Deborah Cox
A
multi-platinum artist, Broadway star and Grammy nominee, Deborah
brings her powerhouse voice to the gala. With chart-topping R&B
hits and standout roles in Aida, Jekyll
and Hyde, and The Wiz, Michelle
played the lead role in the new musical The Bodyguard,
based on the hit film starring Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick's
cousin.
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Michelle Williams
A
Grammy Award-winning artist and member of Destiny’s Child,
Michelle will light up the stage with her incredible voice. She has
not only dominated the music charts but also wowed Broadway audiences
with performances in Chicago and Once on This
Island. Williams is set to star in the upcoming Broadway
production of Death Becomes Her this fall.
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Nova
Y. Payton
A
classically trained vocalist, Nova performed with legends like Stevie
Wonder, Yolanda Adams and Roberta Flack, and the
American Pops Orchestra with the group 3 Mo'Divas. A Helen
Hayes Award recipient, Nova also had the honor of performing the
national anthem for President Joe Biden and Vice President
Kamala Harris at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr.
Memorial in Washington D.C.
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Cheyenne
Elliott
Dionne
Warwick’s granddaughter, Cheyenne, is a rising star in
R&B. She has released several smash singles including, Let
There Be Love, a duet with Dionne, 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."
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Remember
Jones
Remember
Jones, a Jersey Shore favorite with a national following, brings his
one-of-a-kind soul/pop style with a throwback vibe to the gala. Known
for his theatrical performances and big-band sound, Jones has a
talent for connecting with audiences."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."
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American
Pops Orchestra
Under
the direction of conductor Luke Frazier, the American Pops
Orchestra has redefined the American songbook with its innovative
approach to classic and contemporary music. Known for dynamic
performances, they bring a fresh yet timeless sound to every piece
they play. Their involvement in the gala ensures a rich, orchestral
experience that will elevate the evening’s performances to
extraordinary levels.
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In
addition, 12 talented students from the Axelrod Performing Arts
Academy’s junior division will join Dionne Warwick on
stage for a heartwarming rendition of That’s What Friends Are
For, adding another layer of inspiration to this
extraordinary evening. "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 a post-concert meet-and-greet with the artists. Premium
tickets are $350 and include a pre-concert reception, preferred
seating and a post-concert dessert reception. Standard tickets are
$250 and include a pre-concert reception. There will also be a gift
auction.
Don’t
miss your chance to be part of this historic event! Secure your
tickets now! Visit www.belltheater.org
or call 732-531-9106, ext. 14, to make your purchase today.
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BEWARE OF RESELLERS
Recently, unofficial ticket resellers have been
offering Axelrod and Bell Theater tickets at up to four times the
actual ticket price! Please make sure you only purchase tickets
through a direct link from our emails or social posts, by visiting AxelrodArts.org
or BellTheater.org
directly or by calling or visiting our Box Office. This will ensure
you get valid tickets and the lowest price. Thank you for supporting
the arts in our community!
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Axelrod
Performing Arts Center | 100 Grant Avenue | Deal Park, NJ 07723 US
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