Home/Support/2026 Gala

2026 Gala

A Night in Noir · 2026 Gala

The Great Lakes Center for the Arts invites you to spend a Night in Noir at the 2026 Gala on July 11.

Step into an evening of timeless glamour and cinematic intrigue featuring a live performance by the illustrious composer behind generations of iconic songs, David Foster, alongside acclaimed vocalist and Broadway star Katharine McPhee.

Your night begins with an exclusive Sponsor Dinner, where guests check in to the iconic atmosphere of the Beverly Hills Hotel—lush palms, signature stripes, and sunset-soft elegance that defined Hollywood’s golden era. As the evening continues, guests take their seats for an intimate concert featuring Foster and McPhee. Following the performance, the night carries on at an Afterparty with late-night bites, signature cocktails, and the lingering glow of a celebration that feels straight out of a silver-screen dream.

Proceeds from the Gala benefit the Great Lakes Center for the Arts mission—to inspire, entertain, educate, and serve all in Northern Michigan year-round by presenting exceptional experiences across the full spectrum of the performing arts and offering impactful educational opportunities.

Sponsorships

If you are interested in purchasing a sponsorship, please contact the Development Office at 231.439.2601 or gala@greatlakescfa.org.

Gala Patron Tickets (Concert + Afterparty)

Tickets to the Gala Concert and Afterparty are available as part of subscriptions, with any remaining inventory going on sale May 1.

The Evening

Suggested Attire: Channel your inner motion-picture star with formal evening attire inspired by old Hollywood elegance—think jewel-toned dresses, tailored suits, red lips, timeless jewelry, and subtle sheen.

4:30PM · Composer and Conductor Reception (NEW!)

Exclusive reception for Composer and Conductor Sponsors
Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and photo opportunity

5:00PM · Sponsor Dinner

Sponsored by Daniel and Pamella DeVos
Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and photo opportunity
Dinner
Live Luxury Auction
Fund-A-Need Paddle Raise

7:45PM · Doors Open for Gala Patrons

Beer, wine, and photo opportunity

8:30PM · Gala Concert

Sponsored by Alan Ginsburg and Mary Kenny
Featuring David Foster and Katharine McPhee

10:00PM · Afterparty

Dancing, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres

11:30PM · Evening Concludes

About the Artists

David Foster

David Foster is one of the most influential composers and producers in modern music history. A 16-time Grammy Award winner, he is the creative force behind some of the most iconic songs of the past four decades, including “I Will Always Love You,” “Because You Loved Me,” “The Prayer,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” and “After the Love Has Gone.” His work spans pop, classical, film, and Broadway, shaping the careers of countless legendary artists and defining generations of music lovers. Now, in what he calls his “third act,” Foster continues to evolve creatively—bringing his unmatched sense of melody and storytelling to new stages and proving that true icons don’t rest on their legacy, they redefine it.

Katharine McPhee

Katharine McPhee is a celebrated singer and actress whose career effortlessly bridges television, Broadway, recording, and live performance. She first rose to national prominence on American Idol before starring in hit series such as SMASH and Scorpion, and earning critical acclaim on Broadway and the West End in Waitress. Renowned for her powerhouse vocals, magnetic stage presence, and versatility across genres—from pop and jazz to musical theater—McPhee is a dynamic performer who brings both emotional depth and star power to every role and every song.

Gala Sponsors

 

Thank you to all our gala sponsors, ticket holders, and supporters, whose commitment to the Center's mission made this fundraising event possible.

Composer

Daniel and Pamella DeVos
Alan Ginsburg and Mary Kenny

Conductor

Lin and Herb Henkel
Pamela and David V. Johnson
Bill and Barbara Parfet
Thomas and Joan Sabatino
Nancy and Tim Sparks
Jane Warner and John Hegener
Ambassador Ron Weiser, Barrie Bender, and Sip

Maestro

Grant and Sue Beard
Carole and Bill Cobb
Bill and Marilyn Crawford
Kevin and Kathy Hess
Amy and Paul Heuerman
Richard and Tracy Hirrel
Gib and Sandy Mosher
The Oswald and Hulsey Family
Elysa and Bob Roskam

Quartet

Cheryl and Chris Bachelder
Busch Family
Drs. Louis and Sally Cannon
Diane and James Carr Jr.
David and Connie Donovan
Tom and Linda Hilborn
Ralph and Patti Miesel
Kris and Dana Skogen
David and Robin Small
Tom and Ann Stallkamp
Village Heights at Bay Harbor

Duet

Phyllis and Gregory Adams
Dan and Dianne Aitken
Anonymous
Kathy Babcock
Bruce and Lissa Barron
Brian and Jeannelle Brady
Tim and Cindy Brammer
Gordon Brunner and Mary Ellen Brophy
Pete and Michelle Campbell
Jan and Don DeFosset
Thomas and Charlene Gale
Hilton and Lisa Garner
Marian and Jon Glass
Doug and Sharon Grimm
Kem and Mary Hawkins
Alicia and Andy Hopping
Jane and Dr. Michael Hourani
Patricia Kaine
Paul Knapp and Hope Van Dyne
Kevan and Wynne Lawlor
Steve and Wendy Lehecka
Muffe and Taylor Metcalfe
Chris and Linda Nelson
Nemes Rush Family Wealth Management
George and Andrea Peck
Patricia Henry Poyle and Ralph Ferber
Jim and Cindy Randazzo
Craig and Irene Rogerson
Paul and Dianne Saber
Sunny and John Sapiente
Chuck and Michele Schubert
Steve and Mary Jo Scofes
Jonathan and Autumn Seiler
Mr. and Mrs. Gustavo Serra
Marlo and Tom Shaevsky
Jay and Carol Slavsky
Karin and Dean Teglia
Tymon and Sheri Totte
Bob and Michele Walker
Bill and Julie Wentworth
Kurt and Phoebe Wietzke
Joe and Debbie Wisne
Harold and Bonnie Zeigler

Official Floral Partner

Monarch Garden and Floral Design

Special Thanks to the 2026 Gala Committee

Barrie Bender, Amy Heuerman, Jane Hourani, and William Santos

 

Questions?

For any questions, please contact the Development Office at 231.439.2601 or gala@greatlakescfa.org.