At a time of division, war, and fights for cultural preservation, Washington Performing Arts (WPA) highlighted the unifying and transformational power of showcasing, training and supporting artists, during its 60th anniversary gala at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest D.C. on March 21.
“Tonight, we’ll meet… people whose lives have been shaped by our community and by our programs,” said Jenny Bilfield, WPA president and CEO, welcoming the crowd to a gala that offered inspiration, hope and outstanding entertainment. “I wouldn’t be surprised if this conjures up your own origin story — the moments that you took that first step or discovered what was incredibly meaningful to you, what your life purpose was, or the joy and the opportunity that you had to make an impact. And that’s really the journey that we’re on tonight.”
Throughout the evening, hosted at the downtown D.C. library named in honor of a late civil rights leader, speakers and performers touted the power of the arts in not only entertaining audiences but working toward change.
Journalist, performer and gala host Ari Shapiro sang Bette Midler’s 1998 “Laughing Matters,” a song full of lyrics that resonated deeply with the audience nearly three decades after it was first released.
“I did not change a single word of the lyrics, which just goes to show you whatever challenges we might face in the moment that we happen to be living in, we have the tools to confront those challenges with tools like laughter,” he told the crowd.
Further, in a powerful moment that brought the room of more than 400 people to their feet, WPA’s Children of the Gospel Choir (COTG) performed songs from classic Broadway musicals such as “Brand New Day” from “The Wiz” (1974), “Seasons of Love,” from “Rent” (1996), and “The Impossible Dream (The Quest)” from “Man of La Mancha” (1965).
Tamia Johnson, a 2023 alumna of Children of the Gospel Choir, shared how participating in the WPA program fostered her continued passion for pursuing the arts.
“COTG is more than just an organization. It’s a family, foundation, and a place that truly shapes young artists. It gave me a space not only to grow in my craft, but to discover my voice, build my confidence, and believe in the dreams that once felt out of reach,” said Johnson, a junior studying voice at Towson University. “COTG instilled in me the importance of hard work, discipline, and dedication. Because of COTG, I was able to nurture the gift the Creator has given me and deepen my love for the arts. It pushed me to dream bigger and showed me that those dreams are possible.”
Before performing a ravishing rendition of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” Johnson lauded COTG leadership, including longtime artistic director Michele Fowlin, and the entire choir, who she called her “forever family.”
“Thank you for pouring into me and walking alongside me on this journey,” she said. “And thank you Washington Performing Arts for giving me the opportunity today to share my gift with you all. I am truly grateful for your continued support.”
A party with a purpose, the gala did far more than celebrate six decades of Washington Performing Arts. Through a silent and live auction, WPA raised $158,850 to further its mission of uplifting artists through performances, training and programming.
In a video message, Elisabeth Hayes, daughter of Washington Performing Arts Society founder Patrick Hayes, underscored the value of WPA’s work and platform and emphasized the importance of continuing to bolster the organization even after leaving Martin Luther King Jr. Library on March 21.
“WPA is clearly a community. And that’s how we can get things done,” said Hayes. “Look at 60 years of history, with leaders who have been with the organization on a long-term basis. That is a sign of stability, a proof of usefulness… and a community that continues to serve its members and friends.”