George Mason University ARTS by George! venue, de Laski Performing Arts Building.
“There is nothing like it anywhere else in the region,” said Rick Davis, dean, George Mason University, College of Visual and Performing Arts describing the upcoming ARTS by George! Gala evening.
Where and When
"ARTS by George!" at George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Gala is Sept. 26, starting at 5 p.m. Events and performances at Center for the Arts and de Laski Performing Arts Building and the “ARTS by George!” tent located next to the performing arts building. Tickets for “ARTS by George!” (includes student showcases, food, beverages, Bernadette Peters gala concert; with champagne and dessert reception onstage) are $250/person. Call 703-993-4188 or visit www.artsbygeorge.gm… to order tickets and/or inquire about sponsorship opportunities and benefits. Tickets only for the performance by Bernadette Peters in the Concert Hall are $60-$100. Visit www.cfa.gmu.edu or call 703-993-2797.
ARTS by George! Schedule
5 -7:30 p.m. - Showcases in visual arts, music, dance, theater, computer game design, film and video studies, arts management throughout the de Laski Performing Arts Building.
5 - 7:30 p.m. - Creative cuisine and fine wine bars
5 - 7:30 p.m. - Silent auction of unique arts-related items and experiences
8 p.m. - Concert Hall performance by Bernadette Peters
9:45 p.m. - Champagne and dessert reception with Bernadette Peters
With great art, great student performances, and “a headliner performance in the Concert Hall by one of the great musical theater artists of our time, Bernadette Peters, there is nothing like it anywhere else in the region,” added Davis.
The Gala funds scholarships and provides enhanced funding for the entire Great Performances season at Mason; full of eye-opening entertainment and inspiration for audiences.
“ARTS by George! scholarships help Mason students create as they learn,” said Ángel Cabrera, Mason president. “These students flourish at Mason and go on to contribute to their field nationally and internationally.”
This year’s event is co-chaired by Joseph Catalano, vice president of Sandy Spring Bank. Catalano noted that “ARTS by George!” is “a big part of the fabric of Northern Virginia, providing not only an opportunity for people to see the treasure we have in Mason but for our very talented, dedicated students to perform before audiences in a special evening.” He invited first-timers to join the festivities.
The funds raised for scholarships give Mason students opportunities that might not be otherwise available. “The scholarship made my return to school possible for my degree in arts management,” said graduate student Megan Merchant. “I have received practical experiences and an understanding of what leadership in the arts requires,” noted Merchant.
In an interview, multi-Tony Award recipient Bernadette Peters spoke of the importance and value of supporting the arts and students through events such as “ARTS by George!”
“We want to encourage young people to be creative.” She promised “an evening’s journey to be entertained” as she “expresses the emotions in each song; capturing the moment” with a wide range of numbers written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim and many more. And perhaps some unexpected sultry songs that will flood the audience with fond memories.
Peters will be accompanied by members of the renowned U.S. Marine Band for some of her numbers. Peters may also chat about matters beyond music. She is an author of children’s books including the recent “Stella and Charlie: Friends Forever,” a tale about two shelter dogs who become “BFFs.”