Annual Dinner Gala
On May 3, 2009 the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company celebrated its 25th Anniversary at its Annual Dinner Gala Celebration at Chanterelle in Tribeca. The celebration was hosted by the Company's Board of Directors, chaired by Carol Tolan and co-chaired by Ric Wanetik & David Hagans. The evening's honoree was Joseph V. Melillo, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Guests were greeted with a musical excerpt from Bill's newest work Fondly Do We Hope...Fervently Do We Pray, performed by Jerome Begin, Christopher Antonio William Lancaster, George Lewis, Jr., and Clarissa Sinceno. Later in the evening Edward Albee graced guests with a reading of his poem "Exercises" as Bill T. Jones performed movement to the phrases.
Gala Sponsors:
Champagne Sponsor Veuve Clicquot
Photos from this year's event by George Hirose. Click on any image to enlarge.
The Company's friends and supporters gathered at Chanterelle in celebration of its 25th Anniversary and to honor Joseph V. Melillo.
Edward Albee's poem "Exercises" graced the back of the menu and guests were treated to Mr. Albee reciting his poem while Bill T. Jones moved to the words.
Bill T. Jones thanking Joseph V. Melillo for his years of friendship and support.
Joseph V. Melillo, Executive Producer of the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Carol Tolan (Gala Chair) & Ric Wanetik (Gala co-chair)
Lisa Frigand congratulating Joseph V. Melillo.
Bill T. Jones & David Waltuck, renowned chef of Chanterelle.
Hugh Dancy & Claire Danes
Bill T. Jones, Melissa Gray, & Kweli Washington
Clockwise from bottom left:
Jenette Kahn, Asli Bulbul, Janet Wong, & Claire Danes
Derek Brown (Board Chairman) & Dr. Michael Lomax
Moss Cooper, Maggie Whitlum-Cooper, & their daughter Jess Cooper
Kathy O'Connor & Jean Davidson, Executive Director
Janet Rodriguez & Kakuna Karina
Bjorn Amelan, Creative Director, with Jim & Elisabeth DeMarse
Lorraine Gallard & Richard Levy
Bill Katz, Jack Taylor, & Edward Albee
Asli Bulbul & Eric Anderson, Chair Emeritus
Jenette Kahn & Claire Danes
Mary Ann & Zoey Stein
Claire Danes, Gayle Jennings O'Byrne, & Bill T. Jones
Bill T. Jones & Eleanor Friedman who was one of the honorees at last year's gala.
Daniel Rayner, Bill T. Jones, & Alicia Glen
Bill T. Jones & Ellen Poss
Aisha Thompson of Veuve Clicquot & Carol Tolan, Gala Chair
George Lewis Jr. with Lisa Frigand & Alton Murray of Con Edison
Mickalene Thomas & Muna El Fituri
Bill T. Jones, Jean Davidson, & Stephen Byrd
