The 2007 Georgia Arts & Entertainment Legacy Awards shined a spotlight on people whose achievements have strengthened the fabric and reputation of Georgia's cultural legacy. The evening began with guest presenter Chris Manos, Theater of the Stars founder and 2005's innaugural GAELA Award recipient, introducing 2007 honorees Vincent Anthony, Kenny Leon, and Ruth Mitchell. (read more on the honorees below and on their bio pages) After a rousing round of applause, Chris introduced tribute videos for each honoree that highlighted their carreers in the arts. Each video was followed by the presentation of the honoree's 2007 GAELA Award. The prestigious award is an elegant, crystal creation of world-renown Fräbel Glass Art Studio & Galleries.
The guests of honor then took their front row seats for an evening of performance tributes, plus special guests offering words of praise and admiration. Guest MC for the evening was Tamika Scott,talented singer, songwriter and actress whose credits include songs for Tyler Perry's “Daddy's Little Girls,” and songs for "The Mask" and other films. Also well known as one-fourth of the multi-platinum R&B group X-scape, Tamika wowed the crowd with the evening's opening number.
Tribute performances delighted the crowd including: The Ghastly Dreadfuls from Center for Puppetry Arts strutting their musical stuff for Vince Anthony; a scene featuring stage & screen actors Harry Lennix and Anthony Chisholm, who performed in the Broadway production of August Wilson's "Radio Golf" directed by Kenny Leon; and Atlanta Ballet's Alessa Rogers and Mark Mackillop in a graceful dance for Ruth Mitchell.
The annual GAELA Legends salute honored the life and career of legendary James Brown, and special guest Sheila Wheat propelled the audience to their feet with her heartfelt rendition of the James Brown classic "I Feel Good." The Atlanta based singer/actress toured the world as a backup and featured vocalist with the Godfather of Soul, and has performed with more greats from Pavarotti to the Black Eyed Peas.
The evening closed with a vibrant performance by Tamika Scott of the traditional finale for the Georgia Arts & Entertainment Legacy Awards, "Georgia on My Mind," as the honorees were brought back to the stage for another well-deserved round of applause. Following the show, all were treated to a delicious dessert and champagne reception where the crowd personally congratulated the honorees.
The 2007 GAELA Award Honorees ...
Vincent Anthony is the founder and President of the Board of the Center for Puppetry Arts and has served as its Executive Director since its inception in 1978.
Kenny Leon is artistic director and co-founder of True Colors Theatre Company. His directorial credits span an incomparable range of work from stage to screen.
It all took place... Monday, October 1 @ 7:30pm Rialto Center for the Arts • 80 Forsyth Street NW • Atlanta, GA 30303 Post-Event Reception entertainment provided byJust Ahead Jazz
The Georgia Arts & Entertainment Legacy Awards are brought to you by the Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts in partnership with the Arts Leadership League of Georgia The 2007 GAELA Awards Official Caterer ...............................Official Hotel Spotlight Sponsors Footlight Sponsors Patron Sponsors
General operating support for the Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts comes from: ACPA is a proud recipient of the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award! (space)
