Celebrating 50 years, The Warren Center – a nonprofit agency providing professional evaluations, therapy services and support to children with developmental delays and disabilities – presents its annual Art of Music Gala at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, at the South Side Ballroom, 1135 S. Lamar St., Dallas, TX 75215. The evening is a festive night packed with musical performances, stunning visuals, food and drink, and topped with headliner, rhythm and blues superstar Vivian Green.
Vivian Green is a critically acclaimed R&B singer from Philadelphia. A musical prodigy, Green began her career in music at the age of five. By the age of 17, she had recorded with music group Boyz II Men and received her first professional songwriting credit on the song “Dear God.” Green went on to work with artists such as Jill Scott and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Eric Roberson.
She made her film debut in the Oscar-nominated biopic “De Lovely,” portraying a jazz singer performing the classic “Love for Sale.” She appeared in the TV series “American Dreams” as Brenda Holloway, singing “Every Little Bit Hurts.” Green wrote the songs for playwright/filmmaker David. E. Talbert’s stage play “Love in the Nick of Thyme.” She is featured on Cyndi Lauper’s album “The Body Acoustic” and the late Guru's “Jazzmatazz Vol. 4.” She was featured on “Soundtrack to a Revolution,” a compilation of spiritual songs featuring artists like Anthony Hamilton, John Legend, The Roots and Mary Mary. Most recently she collaborated with jazz pianist Brian Culbertson for his album “Dreams” and produced the top-10 adult contemporary hit “Still Here.”
Children with disabilities are near and dear to Green. In 2004, Green gave birth to her son Jordan, who was born with an undiagnosed syndrome. As he grew older, he had to undergo multiple surgeries, which led her to take a hiatus from releasing albums and focus her time and attention to the care of her child. Her strength and resilience pushed her to continue making music through this difficult time.
“Being Jordan’s mom is my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Green.
Today Green is an advocate for children with special needs and has created her own PSA campaign, which accompanied the release of her fifth album, “Vivid.” The vision behind her #IamDifferentIamHuman campaign is to fight for the rights of special needs children nationwide, an issue that has personally touched her life.
Called “the most talented Dallas gala,” four musical artists have been selected to compose an original work inspired by “Wonderland.” The four compositions will be performed live during the gala. Additionally, four visual artists have been chosen to create four original masterpieces inspired by “Wonderland.” The art pieces along with the original Wonderland scores will be auctioned off during the gala. Proceeds from the live auction will directly benefit The Warren Center.
The night will also include performances and artwork by:
This annual black-tie optional event includes valet parking, dinner, drinks, music and art. Individual tickets are available starting at $200, as well as table sponsorships beginning at $2,500. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. To purchase tickets, please visit http://www.theartofmusicgala.com/artofmusicgalatickets/.
The Art of Music Gala is co-chaired by David Call and Jordan Roberts and presented by Melody and Rick Rogers and The Moglia Family Foundation on behalf of Amy Heuerman and Joseph Moglia. For more information, please visit www.thewarrencenter.org.