Robert Bell, who put the Kool in Kool and the Gang, will perform at the Grand Gala.
Kool & The Gang will bring the funk to the 48th annual Grand Gala on Dec. 7.
The annual party of the year will include will include a concert at the Grand Opera House by the New Jersey band famous for its rhythm and blues, soul and funk tunes as well as the presentation of the 2024 Grand Medal for Excellence to Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, who leaves office in January after eight years.
After the 8 p.m. concert, patrons walk up Market Street to the Ultimate After Party at the Hotel DuPont, an event packed with movers and shakers from the business, political, cultural and nonprofit world.
The patrons move through themed rooms with local live music, delicious food, signature cocktails and more.
All proceeds benefit The Grand’s Community Engagement programs.
The event, always held on the first Saturday in December, this year falls on Delaware Day in honor of the 1787 date that Delaware ratified the Federal Constitution, thus making Delaware the first state in the New Nation.
“The Grand Gala has been a tradition for years, and this year, we are particularly excited to celebrate our home state on Delaware Day,” said Skip Pennella, executive director of The Grand.
The money will help over 20,000 students and community members experience the arts,” said Emari V. Johnson, director of community cngagement at The Grand. “
At The Grand, we firmly believe that the arts are for everyone, and programs like our Sensory-Friendly Family Shows, Charitable Ticket Vouchers, Stages of Discovery, and free Summer in the Parks series, help us connect directly with Wilmington in meaningful and measurable ways,” he said.
Gala headliners
Kool & The Gang will be fresh off their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Oct. 19 when they hit the Grand stage to bring hits to life, including the fitting anthem “Celebration.”
The band officially launched in 1969 after performing for five years under various band titles, issuing iconic songs such as “Celebration,” “Cherish,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness” and “Open Sesame.”
Its earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits and 31 gold and platinum albums.
In addition, Kool & the Gang has performed continuously longer than any R&B group in history.
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Purzycki previously ran the Wilmington Riverfront Corp., which oversees the redevelopment of the Brandywine and Christina Rivers, before becoming mayor.
His term as the city’s executive office was driven by his desire to see the City run at a high level of efficiency, to increase the level of shared prosperity among its citizens, and to confront the problems too many cities experience throughout the country.
During his tenure as mayor, the City has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and seen almost $1 billion of private investment injected into the local economy with thousands of apartments, hotels, and new nightlife and dining destinations moving into downtown and the riverfront.
Honorary Gala Co-Chairs are Tatiana and Gerret Copeland.
Tickets start at $250 and include the concert and afterparty. For tickets and more information go here.
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