WBGO Champions of Jazz Gala 2008 To Honor Village Vanguard Owner Lorraine Gordon; Lifetime Achievement Award To Arthur Barnes, Former SR. VP OF HIP
SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY ACTOR/COMEDIAN JERRY STILLER

October 22, 2008 at NJPAC

SEE PICTURES OF THE GALA HERE

Honoree Lorraine Gordon
Click here to listen to Gary Walker
interview Lorraine Gordon

Be a part of this magical evening!

THE WBGO CHAMPIONS OF JAZZ GALA is our annual celebration of those luminaries of the world of jazz and business who are committed to making sure that jazz is alive and well today and for years to come.

Our Dinner Chair this year is John Strangfeld, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. Prudential's contributions to WBGO and to the City of Newark are integral to the company's strong commitment to good corporate citizenship. This year’s honorees are Village Vanguard owner and Newark native Lorraine Gordon, for her tireless work presenting both legends and rising star musicians. Former Sr. VP of HIP Arthur Barnes will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for many years of service as a fervent supporter of the arts, particularly jazz and especially WBGO and its educational programs. Honored for commitment to promoting the arts in Newark and the surrounding area will be the Star-Ledger. Jerry Stiller, actor/comedian and long time WBGO member, will be making a special appearance.
And for those of your who have attended these special evenings in the past, you know that the event will be star studded and full of exciting surprises!

Special Guest Jerry Stiller

At last year’s event, host Chevy Chase showed that not only is he a gifted comedian, but also a terrific jazz pianist. And he introduced us not only to his love of music, but also to a 15 year old performer named Luke Celenza. Honoree James Moody surprised his scholarship students with some impromptu scatting and Jon Faddis and Paquito D'Rivera joined in as well and the audience stayed until the last note was played.

Whether your company would like to show support by purchasing a table or you would like a seat just for yourself, we welcome you. Your participation helps insure that the great programs that WBGO champions each season survive for years to come. For more information and to show your support, please call the Champions of Jazz Benefit Office at 212.763.8596.