Gala season witnessed another grand affair on Nov. 19 when New York Public Radio, home of WNYC and WQXR, hosted its 2024 annual gala celebrating WNYC’s 100 years on the air.
Over $2.1 million was raised on the starry night to support its vital work providing New Yorkers trusted local, national, and international news, civic conversation, and cultural and classical music programming. Held at The Glasshouse and emceed by Seth Meyers, the audience was captivated fully with the passion and love for the work that is done in the Big Apple by the station.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Seth Meyers speaks onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)
Notable attendees included special guests actress Meryl Streep, actress Julia Stiles, actress Rosie Perez, actor and filmmaker John Turturro, comedians Samantha Bee and Jason Jones, Principal Clarinet of the New York Philharmonic Anthony McGill, and more.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Brian Lehrer and Rosie Perez speak onstage during the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)
Gratitude was illuminated when the Leon Levy Foundation, which enabled the digitization of WNYC’s archives through a generous $2.5M contribution — ensuring access to historical documents, recordings, and photographs that chronicle the institution’s public engagement and role in New York City’s history since 1924 – was given a special tribute.
Recognized for outstanding commitment and vision of NYPR’s Trustees, past and present, including Judith M. Carson, Peter H. Darrow, Eduardo Mestre, Mayo Stuntz, Jr., Nicki Newman Tanner, Wilma S. Tisch, Cynthia King Vance, Alan G. Weiler, and posthumous honoree Alexander Kaplan.
From the auction to the live performances, moments were full of alluring displays that had the crowd blissfully enthusiastic to be in attendance.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Guests attend the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)
Special musical performances featured Grammy- and two-time Tony Award nominee Shoshana Bean (currently starring in Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen); acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Aaron Diehl; and the award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City, led by Francisco J. Nuñez. The evening included remarks from NYPR President/CEO LaFontaine E. Oliver and Board of Trustees Chair Timothy Williams. Attending WNYC hosts included Brian Lehrer (The Brian Lehrer Show), Alison Stewart (All of It), Latif Nasser (Radiolab), Brooke Gladstone, and Micah Loewinger (Peabody award-winning On the Media), John Schaefer (New Sounds), and WQXR hosts Annie Bergen, Elliott Forrest, and Paul Cavalconte.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Timothy Wilkins speaks onstage the New York Public Radio 2024 Centennial Gala hosted by Seth Meyers at The Glass House Tavern on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for New York Public Radio)
With an urban vibrancy and a global perspective, New York Public Radio (NYPR) produces innovative, critically acclaimed programming for local and national broadcast, on-demand and live streaming audiences. NYPR’s brands include WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, New Jersey Public Radio, and The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. Further information about programs, podcasts, and stations may be found at www.nypublicradio.org.
