The annual N.J. Performing Arts Center Gala Saturday night in Newark did what it always does — serve as the unofficial opening to the gala season while raising millions for new and innovative programs that make NJPAC not only a jewel for the arts in the state but a model for the nation.
Indeed, the money raised this year will help support NJPAC’s greatest initiative yet, a $336 million renovation of its 12-acre campus.
The project, which broke ground earlier this month, will include the 58,000-square-foot Cooperman Family Arts Education and Community Center — a centerpiece of a reimagined campus that aims to be a transformational step for Newark by bringing the downtown hundreds of new residences, along with shops, restaurants and new outdoor gathering spaces.
The event was about more than just the future.
As it always does, the gala also served as a reminder of how music and the arts can impact us all in a timeless manner.
Gladys Knight, the Empress of Soul, performed a nearly hour-long show that included so many of her hits (Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me, Neither One of Us, and, of course, Midnight Train to Georgia) — done with a gusto that defied her age, 80.
It was a highlight moment, for sure.
NJPAC CEO John Schreiber, who opened the entertainment portion of the event while wearing a hard hat to symbolize the efforts that lie ahead, gave thanks to the audience for all they have done to help NJPAC reach this moment.
Schrieber noted NJPAC delivers unique education, community engagement and arts and well-being programs reaching tens of thousands of children and families. He noted that in the just completed 27th season, NJPAC produced more than 1,000 concerts and events that reached more than 750,000 people.
“As Newark’s and our state’s anchor cultural institution, we feel a special responsibility to help advance positive change any way we can,” he said. “This is a great gig for us, and we welcome the challenges and opportunities inherent in this work.”
Schreiber thanked and recognized what he called the many philanthropists, elected officials, educators, corporate citizens and thoughtful and active community members in the audience.
“After almost 50 years in this business, one thing I have learned as a producer is that nothing extraordinary ever happens without a coalition of the willing to help conceptualize, define and make our most audacious dreams come true,” he said.
“Right now, it’s a remarkably exciting time with this Arts Center and with the city of Newark. I promise you we are raring to go as we imagine what’s next for the many communities we serve.”
One group, however, got special recognition.
Prudential Financial, which has been an anchor supporter since the start, was honored with the founder’s award, the highest honor bestowed by NJPAC.
“For more than 30 years, Prudential has been the Arts Center’s indispensable thought partner and philanthropic supporter,” Schreiber said.
Schreiber thanked three generation of leadership at Prudential for the growth of NJPAC.
“Thanks to the vision and active engagement of Prudential, we were able to masterplan the future of our campus,” he said. “What is being built now is that extraordinary master plan come to light. None of this happens by accident.
“For almost a generation, three great Prudential CEOs, Art Ryan, John Strangfeld and Charlie Lowrey, have served NJPAC. Each has been a key driver of Newark’s renaissance and of the Art Center’s evolution.”
Lowrey said the project appealed to Prudential’s sense of service to the city of Newark from Day One.
Taylor Swift moment
No, the icon did not appear the NJPAC Gala Saturday night. But her presence was felt. Among the items during a quick auction to raise money were four floor seats to an upcoming show of The Eras Tour, Nov. 23 in Toronto.
The package, which came with four first-class airline tickets and two rooms for two nights in a luxury hotel, sold for $35,000.
“Prudential has been proud to support the Arts Center for decades, starting back in the 1980s, when Gov. Tom Kean first proposed his audacious idea of developing the art center right here in Newark,” he said. “We were excited about this incredibly bold vision to harness the power of performing arts to make Newark, our hometown for 150 years a better place to work, to live and even to visit.”
In accepting the award, Lowrey thanked his predecessors for all they did to help NJPAC – while promising Prudential’s support will remain rock solid moving forward.
“All of us at Prudential are excited to support NJPAC as a continued continues to grow and expand its positive impact on Newark,” he said. “Working together, I am confident we will find exciting new ways to help this great city.”
