ABOUT THE PARTY

Join us for RPAA's biggest fundraising event of the season, a fully curated entertainment experience!

Dominion Energy Center 
November 7, 2024
6 o'clock

performances by Richmond artists + heavy hors d'oeuvres + complimentary beverages + dessert reception + silent auction + and more


EVENT TIMELINE 

5:45 PM                             Welcome + Registration 

6:00 PM                             Heavy hors d'oeuvres + Complimentary Beverages + Silent Auction + Pre-Performance Entertainment        

                                           (ft. Pharaoh Sistare + Kemel Patton "The Line Dance King RVA")

7:45 PM                             Arts Education Awards Presentation 

8:00 PM                            "Disco Inferno" – Starring The Trammps ft. Earl Young

9:00 PM                             Dessert + Dancing Reception 

                                          (ft. DJ Adapt + special performances by Alvion Arnell Davenport + Melanin Monroe)


Attire: Leave your tux and ballgown at home — step out with a modern and chic Studio 54-inspired look! 

(no costumes please)

“DISCO INFERNO" – STARRING THE TRAMMPS FT. EARL YOUNG

In 1978 Paramount Pictures along with RSO Records released the ultimate narrative on the disco era Saturday Night Fever. The soundtrack would include “Disco Inferno" and it earned the group a GRAMMY® for Best Album. 


When The Trammps ft. Earl Young are performing, every show is a party and they surely will burn it down!

Arts Education Awards Presentation

Once again, we are excited to honor three individuals who exemplify arts education in the greater Richmond community with the following awards:

  • The SUPPORT AWARD, sponsored by Genworth, will be given to a teaching artist who models high-quality arts integration in their residencies, in SUPPORT of classroom teachers. 
  • The NURTURE AWARD, sponsored by Atlantic Union Bank, will be given to a performing arts educator who NURTURES the artists of tomorrow through exemplary arts instruction in the K-12 classroom. 
  • The THRIVE AWARD, sponsored by Kinsale, will be given to a leader in Arts Education who creates spaces in the community for the arts to THRIVE.  

ABOUT RPAA

Advancing the performing arts in the Richmond region through programs and resources that SUPPORT the artists of today, NURTURE the artists of tomorrow, and provide spaces for the arts to THRIVE.

Our vision is to create a vibrant community where the performing arts flourish and strengthen Richmond's cultural, social, and economic vitality. Students, educators, and community members have equitable access to high-quality arts education and learning opportunities. Artists and arts organizations from all backgrounds have affordable and professional performance spaces and the capacity and resources to grow their programs and reach new audiences. And, patrons from all areas of the region see themselves reflected in the programs presented and enjoy diverse arts experiences in welcoming spaces, including our venues—Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center.


Proceeds support RPAA's vision of enriching a more vibrant performing arts community.

Your Presence is Your Permission: Photographers and videographers will be capturing RPAA events throughout the year. Some media (images/video) may be used in later promotional materials, publications, news releases, or other communications related to the mission of Richmond Performing Arts Alliance. Your presence at this event is seen as your permission for such promotional use by RPAA.

RPAA has adopted Community Agreements for all of its events and programming to ensure a welcoming & inclusive environment. 



ABOUT THE ARTISTS


THE TRAMMPS FT. EARL YOUNG

Earl Young (3-time GRAMMY® winner and Nashville Music Hall of Famer) is known as the drummer in the song “The Sound of Philadelphia,” and with a bass voice, he dreamt of singing and having his own group. Together with two members from The Volcanoes, he formed The Trammps. 

In 1975, Atlantic Records inked the group with their album, That's Where the Happy People Go. This album garnered them Billboard's Best Disco Album, Best Disco Artist, Best Disco Song, and Best Disco Single unreleased. It also earned Earl Young Billboard's Best Disco Drummer. Their second release Disco Inferno (1977) would earn the group their first gold album. The title track of the same name emerged as the disco party anthem of the 70's. 

In 1978 Paramount Pictures along with RSO Records released the ultimate narrative on the disco era Saturday Night Fever. The soundtrack would include "Disco Inferno" and it earned the group a GRAMMY® for Best Album. It went on to become one of the top ten best-selling albums, best soundtrack and #1 best-selling double album in music history. 

Today, the group is composed of Earl Young (Founder and original member) Antwon Young, Rinny Rankins, and Johnny King. The group has a reputation for being boisterous and jubilant with their harmonies and sound. They rock their audiences around the world. 

When The Trammps ft. Earl Young are performing, every show is a party and they surely will burn it down!


PRE-PERFORMANCE ENTERTAINMENT FEATURING:

PHARAOH SISTARE


Pharaoh Sistare is an innovative singer, songwriter, music producer, and dancer based in Richmond, Virginia. In 2019, Pharaoh made his mark with his debut single, "Strobe Light," a disco-inspired track that showcased his unique sound. Influenced by legends like Michael Jackson, Queen, Prince, and Jimi Hendrix, with music and style, he blends elements of disco, funk, soul, rock, and traditional music from diverse cultures, including India, Ireland, Japan, Brazil, and Africa.

Since hitting the stage in 2021, Pharaoh Sistare has opened and headlined shows at notable venues in Richmond, including Friday Cheers with Cory Wong and River Rock Festival. His infectious energy and engaging performances have left audiences wanting more. In 2023, he gained recognition from five-time GRAMMY® winner Jon Batiste, who praised his "groovy vibration."


KEMEL PATTON (AKA The Line Dance King RVA)


Kemel has been dancing for 40 years in the Richmond area and surrounding cities, including Hampton Roads and Petersburg. He started line dancing instruction over 20 years ago as an exercise class at American Family Fitness, which opened up the entire city to his line dancing classes, teaching over 300 women every week. From there, he started doing club events, sorority events, birthday parties, team building for companies–if there's an occasion, Kemel has been asked to teach line dancing at it–across most of Virginia and parts of North Carolina. He recently received a proclamation from the City of Richmond at the RVA East End Festival for his many years of bringing dance into the lives of the community both near and far.

DESSERT & DANCING RECEPTION FEATURING:

DJ ADAPT


DJ Adapt is a dynamic DJ and entrepreneur from Richmond, Virginia, known for his passion for rhythms and melodies that create vibrant performances. A Hampton University alumnus, DJ Adapt is not only a talented artist but also a mentor and community advocate, having worked extensively with youth through the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through his ventures, including "I Love What I Do" Painting and Cleaning Services and his nonprofit, W.H.O (Winners Helping Others). With a commitment to enriching his community, DJ Adapt continues to make waves both on and off the stage.

ALVION ARNELL DAVENPORT

Alvion Arnell Davenport is the entertainment director at Richmond’s premier show bar- Godfreys. As a drag staple in the community, she’s raised funds and awareness for several organizations and causes. During 2020, she raised over $10,000 and offered over 2,500 meals, beverages, and snacks to peaceful protestors to support BLACK LIVES MATTER in the wake of recent racial discrimination in our country. Serving as a front runner in the VA LGBTQ BLACK PRIDE March she was affectionately deemed Richmond’s LBGTQ Mayor. Alvion is the reigning MISS CONTINENTAL PLUS, a national title that she's proud to be the first from the state of Virginia to win in the pageant's 45-year history.

MELANIN MONROE

Melanin Monroe is a high-energy diva born and raised in Richmond, VA where she has been performing for almost 8 years. Her performance style, costumes, and stage presence have made her one of Richmond’s favorite performers. Melanin attributes much of her success to those who guided and influenced her, as well as always working to continuously improve her craft. Over the course of her career, she has captured several titles, hosted many shows, given opportunities to others, and given back to the community along the way. She now hosts every Friday Night at Papi's, as well as hosting several shows at Harry's at the Hofheimer monthly.


SPONSORS

Silver Sponsors

   

Bronze Partners

     

Arts Ambassadors

 

   

Media Sponsors

        

Hotel Sponsor

Arts Partner