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18th Annual BASH
Join us on June 16 for an evening of great food, fundraising, and an exclusive performance from Grammy®-nominated artist Cheyenne Jackson.
New this year, take a culinary tour through food stations with small plates and bites inspired by next season’s performances! Visit the Moulin Rouge-inspired station for delightful French cuisine. In the mood for southern, New Orleans-style cooking? Visit the Jazz Series station. Experience an Arabian night at the Aladdin-inspired station. Food, cocktails, live entertainment, and so much more awaits!
MPAC will honor community influencer Betsy Corry, dynamic leader Tarik Moody, and dedicated philanthropists from the Peck Foundation, Milwaukee LTD with the annual iMPACt Awards. These awards recognize accomplishments, community involvement, and contributions to the development of the Greater Milwaukee arts community.
Honorary Chairs for the 18th Annual BASH are Janan and Waleed Najeeb and Cindi and Damani Short.
The BASH is a one-of-a-kind arts and culture event that raises funds to support the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s mission-based programs.
REGISTER HERE to secure your tickets and take advantage of discounted pricing.
Early Bird pricing on Single Tickets, available through May 15, is $250 per ticket (regular price $300).
Ticket Options
Full Gala Package
- Tickets are $300
- Ticket includes: dinner and cocktail reception, award presentation and program, preferred seating for the Christopher Jackson performance, parking, and the post-party
Performance Only:
- Tickets are $125
- Ticket includes award presentation and program, the Christopher Jackson performance, parking, and the post-party
Event Timing
5:00 pm
Pre-Party Dinner Reception
Featuring cocktails and themed dinner stations celebrating next season’s performances of Wicked, CHICAGO, Beetlejuice, and the MPAC Presents Dance Series
7:30 pm
Program & Award Presentation in Uihlein Hall
Honoring Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and We Energies
8:00 pm
Special Performance from Christopher Jackson
Grammy® and Emmy® Award-winning songwriter/composer, Tony® nominee, original Broadway cast member of HAMILTON and IN THE HEIGHTS
9:00 pm
Post-Party in Bradley Pavilion
Celebrating MJ the Musical and A Beautiful Noise: the Neil Diamond Musical with a 70s dance party, music by DJ Lolo, late-night bites, and desserts
About the Artist
Christopher Jackson is a Tony-nominated actor as well as a Grammy and Emmy-winning songwriter/composer best known for starring as George Washington in the critically acclaimed, award-winning Broadway musical, Hamilton. He recently starred in the hit CBS drama Bull and Max's And Just Like That... and has recently completed a limited run of Freestyle Love Supreme on Broadway. He also starred in Ava DuVernay’s Netflix mini-series When They See Us.
In December 2018, “One Last Time (44 Remix)” was released as a part of the Hamildrop series which featured Chris alongside President Obama and BeBe Winans.
His Broadway credits include Holler if Ya Hear Me, After Midnight, The Bronx Bombers (Derek Jeter), In The Heights (Benny), Memphis (Delray Farrell) and The Lion King (Simba). Off Broadway credits include Bronx Bombers (Primary Stages), The Jammer (Atlantic Theater Co.), Lonely, I’m Not (Second Stage), In the Heights (37 Arts), and Cotton Club Parade (ENCORES at City Center).
In film and TV, he has appeared in Freestyle Love Supreme (Pivot Network), Person of Interest, A Gifted Man, Fringe, Gossip Girl, Tracers, and Afterlife.
Chris won an Emmy Award for his song with Will.I.Am, “What I Am.” In 2010, he released his first solo album titled, “In the Name of Love," and is currently working on his 2nd album. Recently, Chris performed at Kennedy Center's Honors Gala celebrating Lin-Manuel Miranda. He also has several musical projects in development for the musical stage and has sold out concerts at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center.
iMPACt Awards
The iMPACt Awards recognize accomplishments, community involvement, and notable contributions to the development of the Greater Milwaukee arts and cultural community. We are pleased to announce this year’s distinguished honorees, who will be recognized at the 19th Annual BASH:
- Visionary iMPACt Award – MPAC will recognize We Energies for their philanthropic commitment to making the arts accessible to all people and enhancing their well-bring in the communities they serve. In 2023, the We Energies Foundation awarded over $14.5 million in grants, with $3 million designated for arts and culture organizations, aiming to promote diversity and accessibility in the arts for the community. We Energies’ long-standing support of MPAC and the citywide Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is a testament to their dedication to enriching the community through arts and culture.
- Community Legacy Award – MPAC will honor Make-A-Wish Wisconsin for their profound impact on the lives of countless individuals throughout our region. Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, celebrating 40 years of granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, has reached a significant milestone with their 8,000th wish granted. MPAC is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin to bring joy and unique opportunities to engage in the arts to local children and families facing difficult circumstances.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Join us as a sponsor for the 19th Annual BASH! Your support will increase youth program opportunities, fund access to the arts in our community, and create investment in the cultural landscape of our region.
Funding opportunities are available at a variety of levels. For more information, view our partnership overview or contact give@marcuscenter.org.
Learn More
Sneak peeks of the event
