The Light Up The Arts Gala with Tony Bennett will be a festive party on September 10 from 6 p.m. to midnight, filled with music, drama, laughter and visual delights around every corner of the new Center. A performance by 15-time Grammy Award winner, Tony Bennett, is the centerpiece of the evening.

"Our goal is to shine a spotlight on the best artistry that Winston-Salem has to offer," said Janie Wilson, co-chair of the opening of the Center. "Not only do we have one of the most distinguished vocalists in the world joining us to commemorate the occasion, we are proud to showcase nationally acclaimed talent from our own City of Arts and Innovation, including recognized performers who are returning to our city after launching successful careers around the country."

During the Gala, guests will enjoy performances by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, No Rules Theatre Company of Washington, DC, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and more. In the new Womble Carlyle Gallery, Piedmont Craftsmen will exhibit works by 45 artists in all media from the organization's five-decade history. Sawtooth School for Visual Art will preview arts and crafts by their esteemed faculty. Guests will conclude the night in Hanesbrands Theatre, dancing to 1970s disco music, presented by one of the best disc jockeys on the East Coast.