The Keith Albee Performing Arts Center presented its annual fundraising gala Saturday, themed “The Magic of Motown.”
Entertainment was provided by “The Motown Experience” band, which included former members of The Temptations, The Miracles, The Contours, and The Capitals.
Guests purchased tickets for $100, and all proceeds went directly to the Keith Albee for restoration projects.
Barbara Moses Atkins of Huntington grew up attending shows at the Keith Albee and said she thinks it is important for members of the community to support the arts.
“We’re excited to be here tonight for two reasons,” Atkins said. “One being to support the Keith Albee, and two, to enjoy great music. The lure was Motown because of our generation, it was so special.”
The event was co-chaired by Sen Bob Plymale and his wife Jennifer. Plymale is the Co-President of the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.
“When we were asked to chair this event we thought, ‘What better theme than Motown?’” Plymale said. “This is a landmark that we plan to preserve for the future.”
Plymale said the event is an economic tool for the theater.
“This is an economic development tool,” Plymale said. “We’re bringing people in that will come and eat dinner in downtown restaurants before they come here. Also, we’re the only Thomas Lamb atmospheric theater still in existence in its full grandeur the way this is. There are elements of others, but nothing quite like this.”
Plymale estimated the event to bring in $70,000 to $80,000 for the theater.
Most of the money came from sponsors who were provided tables throughout the theater to sit and enjoy the event with coworkers and close friends.
Title sponsors were seated on stage surrounding the band.
Sofie Wachtmeister can be contacted at [email protected].