Premiere Evening benefits students
For the past 20 years, TPAC has provided hands-on instruction to more than 200,000 elementary school children in the state of Tennessee through its ArtSmart Program.
“Premiere Evening is a great opportunity for members of the community to come out and show their support for arts in education. It’s their support that makes our education initiatives possible,” said Barbara Chazen, chair for Premiere Evening 2002.
“We are pleased to be a part of this year’s Premiere Evening,” said Jack Bovender, chairman and chief executive officer for HCA and honorary chair with his wife Barbara. “Through TPAC’s education initiatives, children throughout Tennessee, in every walk of life, experience the arts through live performances and hands-on activities.”
From his television debut in Alex Haley’s Roots to his recent appearance on Broadway in Fosse, Vereen has made a mark in every major medium of American entertainment. Winner of the 1972 Tony Award for Best Actor for Pippin, the singer-dancer-actor also starred in Chicago, Grind, A Christmas Carol, Sweet Charity, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, and I’m Not Rappaport. His TV appearances include “Touch by an Angel,” “The Nanny,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Star Trek – The Next Generation.”
Vereen performs live in concert throughout the world and also devotes time to lectures on arts and education, black history, overcoming adversity, and the importance of continuing education. He has received recognition for his humanitarian activities, including the NAACP Image Award, the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award, and the State of Israel’s Humanitarian Award.
The black tie gala includes a botique and cocktails at 7 p.m. followed by dinner and Vereen’s concert. Tickets to Premiere Evening are $500 per person.
Serving more than one million Tennessee children in the past 21 years, TPAC Education is one of the leading arts-in-education initiatives in the United States with programs that complement learning objectives of classrooms for all ages throughout the state. Through TPAC Education, students attend performances in all the arts, teachers are provided with training and resources, and artists visit schools. Funds from Premiere Evening benefit ArtSmart, reaching elementary school students through residencies and integrated studies.
Premiere Evening is sponsored by HCA. For reservations or more information call (615) 782-4056.