By Walter Rutledge
City College Center for the Arts hosted their Inaugural Awards Benefit celebrating The Arts and Artists on May 4th at Aaron Davis Hall. Maurice DuBois, CBS 2 Anchor served as Master of Ceremonies and Terrance McKnight, WQXR Evening Host, presented the Awards to Carmen de Lavallade for Lifetime Achievement in Dance, Gina Prince-Bythewood for Artistic Achievement in Film, Arturo O’Farrill for Artistic Achievement in Music, and Alexa Ray Joel with the Inspiration to Youth Award. The evening included a Celebration Concert by three- time Grammy winning artist Arturo O’Farrill and his Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. “Uptown chic” post-concert dinner with dancing brought to evening to a fitting celebratory conclusion.
Over 300 guests began the evening with pre-concert cocktails. Performances by Batoto Yetu and Sho-Off Dance opened the ceremony in the Marian Anderson Theater, which included a compelling performance by City College student Darilyn Castillo. Dinner with dancing by DJ Ray of Jarrell Entertainment in Theater B followed the performance. The City College of New York President Dr. Lisa S. Coico, Vice President Karen Witherspoon were the Honorary Chairs for the event, with Alicia Bythewood and Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley as Chairmen.
Annie Watt photographer
