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FUEL THE FUTURE: TAKE CENTER STAGE GALA

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center
FUEL THE FUTURE:
TAKE CENTER STAGE GALA
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21 | 6PM
 
Photo by Emmai Alaquiva, 2025
Party with a Purpose!

This year’s Fuel the Future: Take Center Stage Gala will bring together legacy, artistry, and innovation in one unforgettable evening. In celebration of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center’s 15th Anniversary and what would have been August Wilson’s 80th birth year, the Center will come alive with highlights of some of our most exciting programming.

During our Cocktail hour, guests will enjoy a live performance by the PIJF All Stars, a student group that made their debut at the 2025 Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. They are leading the way for the next generation of Pittsburgh jazz talent.

Later in the evening, Dan Wilson returns with selections from our sold-out Tribute to George Benson, blending soul, jazz, and storytelling. Joining the ensemble for one night only will be acclaimed vocalist and keyboardist Nigel Hall, who brings his signature groove and magnetic energy, uniting generations of sound and style. Their performance will finish out our inspiring program, which also features a tribute to August Wilson and recognition of our Luminary and Trailblazer award winners!

Individual tickets for dinner, performances and the awards ceremony are $550; performance and awards only tickets are $150.
 
BUY TICKETS
 
This year at the Gala, we are proud to present Luminary Awards to three nationally renowned artists with roots in Pittsburgh: Tamara Tunie, Antoine Fuqua, and Lamman Rucker. We will also honor four local individuals with Trailblazer Awards for their tireless work in strengthening Pittsburgh's arts and culture sector: Ayisha A. Morgan-Lee, EdD, Monica Malik, Tenel Dorsey, and Marlon Gist.

Guests will also enjoy a curated dinner experience and guided gallery tours featuring the return of Peju Alatise’s acclaimed Flying Girls installation.

A limited number of tables and sponsorship packages are still available ($1500 - $25,000). Click here for details or contact Amanda Brandes, VP, Institutional Advancement for more information at abrandes@awaacc.org | 412-567-2956
August Wilson African American Cultural Center
980 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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The August Wilson African American Cultural Center
FUEL THE FUTURE:
TAKE CENTER STAGE GALA
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21 | 6PM
 
Photo by Emmai Alaquiva, 2025
Party with a Purpose!

This year’s Fuel the Future: Take Center Stage Gala will bring together legacy, artistry, and innovation in one unforgettable evening. In celebration of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center’s 15th Anniversary and what would have been August Wilson’s 80th birth year, the Center will come alive with highlights of some of our most exciting programming.

During our Cocktail hour, guests will enjoy a live performance by the PIJF All Stars, a student group that made their debut at the 2025 Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. They are leading the way for the next generation of Pittsburgh jazz talent.

Later in the evening, Dan Wilson returns with selections from our sold-out Tribute to George Benson, blending soul, jazz, and storytelling. Joining the ensemble for one night only will be acclaimed vocalist and keyboardist Nigel Hall, who brings his signature groove and magnetic energy, uniting generations of sound and style. Their performance will finish out our inspiring program, which also features a tribute to August Wilson and recognition of our Luminary and Trailblazer award winners!

Individual tickets for dinner, performances and the awards ceremony are $550; performance and awards only tickets are $150.
 
BUY TICKETS
 
This year at the Gala, we are proud to present Luminary Awards to three nationally renowned artists with roots in Pittsburgh: Tamara Tunie, Antoine Fuqua, and Lamman Rucker. We will also honor four local individuals with Trailblazer Awards for their tireless work in strengthening Pittsburgh's arts and culture sector: Ayisha A. Morgan-Lee, EdD, Monica Malik, Tenel Dorsey, and Marlon Gist.

Guests will also enjoy a curated dinner experience and guided gallery tours featuring the return of Peju Alatise’s acclaimed Flying Girls installation.

A limited number of tables and sponsorship packages are still available ($1500 - $25,000). Click here for details or contact Amanda Brandes, VP, Institutional Advancement for more information at abrandes@awaacc.org | 412-567-2956
August Wilson African American Cultural Center
980 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Facebook
 
Linkedin
 
Youtube
 
Instagram
 
Email

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