Fourth annual Grand Circus Gala fundraiser set for June 14

The fourth annual Grand Circus Gala, which benefits programming and improvements for Detroit’s historic Grand Circus Park, will be held June 14, starting at 6 p.m. The event takes place in Grand Circus Park West around the historic Edison Memorial Fountain.

Accompanying the beautiful backdrop of Grand Circus Park will be performances from two of Detroit’s top jazz artists: up-and-coming powerhouse vocalist Nicole New and the soulful Ben Sharkey. A VIP reception prior to the main event as well as an afterglow party will be held in the David Whitney Building atrium.

This year, the Grand Circus Gala also serves as a kick-off to the 2018 Detroit Music Weekend (DMW), which supports accessible performing arts programs and education for the Detroit Music Hall. This year, DMW will be a bigger and bolder collection of unique Detroit shopping, dining and music, which includes a Jackson 5 musical tribute that will feature the Jacksons themselves.

Building upon the success of the Gala and other area programs like the Detroit Music Weekend, the Detroit Entertainment District Association is announcing that it is changing its name to the Detroit Theatre District Business Association. The organization will continue its focus on supporting the needs of property and business owners in Detroit’s historic theatre district surrounding Grand Circus Park, Broadway and Madison Avenue.

“We are excited to bring the Grand Circus Gala and the Detroit Music Weekend together to create the signature showcase weekend for Grand Circus and the wider the Theatre District,” said David Di Rita, a founder and principal of the Roxbury Group and President of the Detroit Theatre District Business Association. “These two events continue to be great examples of how our city can come together to support the amazing assets and infrastructure in this district, from its signature parks to its world-renowned entertainment destinations.”

Hundreds of people have attended past galas, which have generated more than $421,000 for Grand Circus Park’s conservation in the last four years. With $200,000 already generated since January 2018, this year’s Gala will be no different. General admission tickets are $100 and $250 VIP tickets are available for purchase at www.grandcircusgala.org.