Heather Headley Headlines Evanston Charity Concert

EVANSTON, IL — Tony and Grammy Award-winning performer Heather Headley will headline Over The Rainbow Association’s annual Celebration Concert at Northwestern University’s Galvin Recital Hall in Evanston.

The concert is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on Nov. 1, followed by a reception with drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

The event, billed as “Celebration 2026: An Evening with Heather Headley,” supports Over The Rainbow Association’s work providing affordable, accessible housing and resident services for people with disabilities. Those services connect residents with benefits, transportation, mental health resources, social programs and other support intended to help them live independently.

“We are thrilled to welcome Heather Headley to this year’s Celebration,” said Eric Huffman, president of Over The Rainbow Association. “Her extraordinary talent will make this a very special evening while helping us raise awareness and support for people with disabilities.”

Headley originated the role of Nala in the original Broadway cast of Elton John and Tim Rice’s “The Lion King.” She later starred in the title role of “Aida,” earning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical.

Her recording career has included several chart-topping songs and multiple Grammy nominations. In 2009, she won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album for “Audience of One.” Headley also starred in “The Bodyguard” in London’s West End and returned to Broadway as Shug Avery in the Tony Award-winning revival of “The Color Purple.” She can currently be seen as a series regular on the Netflix series “Sweet Magnolias.”

Over The Rainbow Association described the celebration as one of its most anticipated annual traditions. The Illinois nonprofit said it has spent more than 50 years providing affordable, accessible housing and resident services for people with disabilities.

It currently serves more than 350 adults throughout 14 apartment communities across northern Illinois. The group said its communities are designed to help residents live independently with dignity, freedom and choice.

Tickets are on sale now. More information about Over The Rainbow Association is available at otrhousing.org.