Josh Boger, President & CEO of Boston Arts Academy Foundation Denella Clark, Katherine Chapman Stemberg, and William Schnoor. / All Boston Arts Academy Foundation Honors Gala photos by Dante Luna, Yuder Mezerene, and Michael Blanchard.
Even the most jaded of socialites couldn’t help but be wowed by the Boston Arts Academy Foundation Honors Gala, held at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. The super-extra extravaganza raised more than $1.6 million and featured an awards dinner accompanied by performances ranging from the school’s students to musical icon James Taylor.
The evening began with cocktails and chitchat and continued with dinner and shenanigans. Present and accounted for were the honorees: legendary concert promoter Don Law; author and actress Christy Cashman; ceramicist Amy Boger and her tech-mogul husband, Josh; mega-philanthropist Katherine Chapman Stemberg; and costume designer June Ambrose. (Choreographer Debbie Allen appeared remotely, by video.) Also spotted: event chair Stephanie Brown; head of school Tyrone Sutton; mistress of ceremonies Latoyia Edwards; state treasurer Deborah Goldberg and her daughter Meri Winter; casting director Angela Peri; Boston Lyric Opera head Bradley Vernatter; professional do-gooder Josh Kraft; major donors Jeff and Terri Rosica; and James Taylor’s prettier half, Kim, with their son, Henry.
Throughout the evening, several people made the valid point that a city like Boston should have multiple public schools focused on the arts and that its only one shouldn’t have to rely on outside funding to fuel its excellence, but that excellence was on full display on the stage. The music got everyone onto their feet, prompting one guest to kvetch, “Oh, God. I haven’t danced on a Thursday night since the ’80s.”
Meanwhile, the evening’s award for biggest knucklehead maneuver goes to the man who misread the numbers on the tables and usurped the state treasurer’s seat just before she was called up to the stage. (Again, I’m sorry, Deb! It was nice to see you.)
A bird’s-eye view of the party. / Photos by Dante Luna, Yuder Mezerene, and Michael Blanchard
Vocalist and Boston Arts Academy (BAA) board member Raynya Simmons channeling Whitney Houston. / Photos by Dante Luna, Yuder Mezerene, and Michael Blanchard
James Taylor performs with the BAA Spiritual Ensemble. / Photos by Dante Luna, Yuder Mezerene, and Michael Blanchard
Malik Yoba and June Ambrose. / Photos by Dante Luna, Yuder Mezerene, and Michael Blanchard
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