Proceeds to benefit Broward Center’s Road to Recovery Fund

In a virtual celebration to “save the stages,” the Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ young professionals group, the Ghost Light Society, will host the 11th Annual Ghost Light Society Soirée: Superhero Soirée on Friday, December 4. Presented by UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), the online event will benefit the Broward Center’s Road to Recovery Fund to help ensure the future of important artistic, educational and enrichment programs in Broward County.

Supporters of the event will have the opportunity to tune in from home, socialize together through video chat and enjoy special musical performances by classical/hip-hop duo Black Violin, Broadway actress Syndee Winters and more. The welcome reception begins at 6:30 p.m., with the main event set for 7:30 p.m.

Black Violin is composed of classically trained violist, Wil Baptiste and violinist, Kev Marcus, who combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound which challenges conventions and expectations. The South Florida-based group has steadily built a devoted following and a diverse touring base— culminating in such triumphs as two sold-out shows at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra commemorating the 50^th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death—while occupying a musical lane that’s entirely its own. Through partnerships with organizations such as Turnaround Arts, Broward Center and their own Black Violin Foundation, the group continues their focus on education outreach throughout North America and Europe.

Syndee Winters was born in the Empire State, New York, and raised in South Florida. A graduate of Five Towns College, and recognized among the Distinguished Alumni, Ms. Winters' Broadway credits include: Hamilton: An American Musical (The Schuyler Sisters), Pippin (Leading Player understudy), Motown the Musical (Mary Wells), and The Lion King (Nala) for which she received an Ovation Award nomination. She also played in the Emmy© Award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar Live! on NBC.

Since forming in 2009, the Ghost Light Society has established its annual Soirée as one of the most highly anticipated events of the season, while at the same time raising more than $1 million for Broward Center’s arts-in-education programs. This year, in recognition of the devastating impact the pandemic has had on the performing arts industry, the Ghost Light Society is focusing its fundraising on the Broward Center’s recovery efforts. One of Broward County’s most valuable community assets since 1991, the Broward Center is currently facing the loss of more than 90% of its revenues and is dependent on contributions to sustain operations as it prepares for the day when the doors reopen, the curtains rise and the lights return to its stages.

In addition to Presenting Sponsor UKG, major sponsors of the event to date include LaCroix Sparkling Water, Broward Health and Publix. Additional sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets, which start at $50, are still available. For more information, visit www.ghostlightsociety.org or contact ghostlight@browardcenter.org.  

About Ghost Light Society

The Ghost Light Society was founded in 2009 to engage and inspire a new generation of patrons to take an active role in promoting, celebrating and supporting the performing arts. The organization is composed primarily of community leaders and business professionals between the ages of 25–45 who enjoy a variety of exclusive benefits for members, including access to pre-sale tickets, pre-show cocktail receptions, networking events and behind-the-scenes opportunities throughout the year. All dollars raised by the Ghost Light Society support the Broward Center’s wide variety of arts-in-education programs that serve more than 125,000 students in Broward County each year. For more information, visit ghostlightsociety.com or email ghostlight@browardcenter.org.

About Broward Center’s Road to Recovery Fund

The Broward Center is on the Road to Recovery. While the theaters are dark and staff is at a minimum, the hard work continues. Faced with the loss of 90% of its revenues, the Center depends on contributions to sustain its operations as it prepares for the day when the doors reopen, the curtain rises, and the lights return to the Broward Center stages. Donations to the Road to Recovery Fund can be made at BrowardCenter.org/R2R.