Submitted by The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
The 2nd Annual CENTER Stage Awards & Gala will be held at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, September 23. The event is a fundraiser for The Washington Center and an opportunity to celebrate local artists and supporters of the arts.
“Last year’s event was an inaugural event, and had an element of surprise to it. Guests were wondering how in the world we were going to have a formal gala for 200 inside the main theater,” says Jill Barnes, Executive Director. “I won’t give our secret away, but this year’s gala will be even better.” In celebrating local arts, the gala features a selection of local groups who regularly perform at The Center and call The Center “home.” Barnes says, “We have such a depth of arts in our community, and we’re proud to be able to feature our local artists during the gala. It’s an eye-opening display of how vast the cultural talent is here, and an opportunity for them to gain new audiences and appreciation.”
During the event, the Excellence in the Arts awards will be given to two individuals whose work, support, and creativity help build a vibrant cultural community. This year’s Achievement in the Arts awards will be given to Joe Baque, local pianist extraordinaire. Joe was born in 1922 and grew up in Queens, New York and has been playing the piano at age 6. While in New York, he played with famous jazz performers of the era. Joe moved to Olympia in 1983, and has been performing in the Pacific Northwest ever since. “Joe has performed on over 12 albums, and his repertoire is vast, from jazz, classical, to Cuban, show tunes, and beyond,” says Barnes.
Stephanie Johnson, City of Olympia Arts Commission Liaison, will receive the Commitment to the Arts award. Stephanie has been involved as an advocate and leader in the Olympia art scene for over 20 years. Barnes says, “Stephanie brings genuine passion to any project she works on, no matter the size.” Stephanie has helped create and lead projects including Arts Walk, Percival Plinth Project, Traffic Box Wraps, and most any public art that has come to the City of Olympia since 1999.
In addition to cocktail hour, full dinner, awards ceremony, live auction, and entertainment, this year’s fund-a-need will help raise money for a new high-definition digital projector. The Washington Center is used for over 200 events each year, from local dance companies to National Geographic speakers. “The projector is used by many of the groups that perform and gather at The Center,” says Barnes. “In our electronic world, artists express themselves through digital imagery, and this is an opportunity to keep The Washington Center at the forefront of technology.”
Tickets are $125 per person through August 25 and are currently on sale at the Washington Center by calling 360-753-8586 during Box Office hours, or online at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts website.
