Tennessee Performing Arts gala raises funds for new Nashville East Bank center

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Gala was recently held at downtown Nashville's Four Seasons Hotel, where patrons arrived in elegant black-tie attire in contrast with the pedal trollies and bachelorette parties happening nearby.

The gala is one of TPAC's largest fundraisers of the year. The organization champions experiences and educational programming to support arts education.

The crowd came to wine, dine, and bid on auction items, including trips to New York City, Tuscany and Napa. The evening's auction raised well over $100,000.

The event's bold, bright colors echoed the theme of the TPAC capital campaign: "Be Bold. Build TPAC.” The goal of the capital campaign is to raise $100 million to be combined with a $500 million grant, creating the funds needed for the new Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

The evening was set in motion with live mannequin models perched on stage platforms, elegantly draped in bold fabrics and adorned with exquisite jewelry. Architectural elements enhanced with brightly colored florals were featured on the venue's numerous bars.

Guests enjoyed a clever staging area that allowed a clear view through the floor-to-ceiling windows to see where the new, state-of-the-art Tennessee Performing Arts Center will be constructed on the East Bank.

The Four Seasons Ballroom was transformed into a theatrical environment. Event Director and Designer Matt Logan, dressed for the evening in a bold, royal blue damask tuxedo, said the room's decor "reflects the incredible talent of the TPAC staff and embodies the elegance of theatre.”

Actor Christopher J. Hanke served as the event's master of ceremonies and introduced TPAC Board of Directors member Adam C. Sansiveri and Chairman Melvin Malone, who gave welcoming remarks. Jennifer Turner, president and CEO of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, gave the keynote address.

Wright Middle School eighth-grader Derrick Johnson spoke about the arts and how several disciplines have influenced him.

”This year at school, we are rehearsing a dual-language production of 'Aladdin,' where I play the role of Genie. This has allowed us to experience theatre from a different viewpoint, allowing us to connect in a new way with our ensemble," Derrick said. "Theatre has really changed my life for the better. My director, Mr. Binkley, introduced me to the arts and this opportunity to perform. At first, I was afraid to give it a try, worried what others may think of me. But he showed me that it doesn’t matter what others think of you, as long as you believe in yourself.”

By being able to perform, Derrick said, "I get to learn something new whether that be a language like Spanish, or dancing – which is my favorite part. In my opinion, when you dance, you can let go and be yourself. I love expressing myself and the emotions of my characters.”

The Four Seasons Hotel provided a dinner that began with a grilled baby gem Caesar salad, followed by tender braised short ribs with root vegetables. The finale was a chocolate mousse cake with salted cocoa streusel.

New York City’s Broadway artists Elizabeth Stanley, Morgan James, Nicholas Rodriquez and Quentin Earl Darrington made a special appearance, much to the delight of guests. Award-winning Broadway Director Matt Lentz curated the musical selections, and Adam Sansiveri produced the show.

A particular highlight of the night’s entertainment for attendees was the appearance of Belmont University students Sawyer Curtis (TPAC 's 2023 Spotlight Awards Winner), Josh Fermin, Dee Pace and Ashley Grace Vasquez.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Performing Arts gala raises funds for new Nashville center