“Have you tried the pigs in a blanket?” Those were the first words I said to Mayor Bloomberg as he prepared for another photo moment at the opening gala of the Icons of Culture Festival at The Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC).
PAC NYC Gala: Andre De Shields _ Photo Courtesy Bloomberg Philanthropies
Yes, he sampled the pigs in a blanket and politely requested that the mini burgers wait until he finished taking the photo. Chaired by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the festival brought together heavy hitters like the hungry former mayor to celebrate the significant influence PAC NYC has had on the New York City’s cultural landscape since its opening last fall.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 29: (L-R) Saad Mohseni, Fab Five Freddy and Tom Freston attend the Perelman Performing Arts Center’s Icons of Culture Festival Opening Night Gala at Perelman Performing Arts Center on October 29, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
The inaugural Icons of Culture Festival was a five-day event launched to showcase the diverse talent and creativity that graces New York City. Sponsored by BNY, the festival took place from October 29 to November 2 and aimed to connect audiences with innovators in art, music, comedy, film, sports, and more, focusing on themes of breaking boundaries and transforming the everyday into the extraordinary. Cultural leaders shared their personal stories and insights, inspiring attendees to embrace their own iconic potential.
Michael R. Bloomberg attends the PAC Icons Gala honoring Tom Freston at The PAC in New York, NY Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Designed to become an annual event at the World Trade Center, the festival utilizes the versatile spaces of the Perelman Performing Arts Center which were created to be versatile, with activities taking place in all three theaters, the public Vartan and Clare Gregorian lobby stage, and inside the restaurant Metropolis by Marcus Samuelsson.
Michael R. Bloomberg attends the PAC Icons Gala honoring Tom Freston at The PAC in New York, NY Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Notable figures participating in the festival included Misty Copeland, The Dogist, Alex Edelman, Renée Fleming, Michael Imperioli, Baaba Maal, Philippe Petit, Questlove, Marcus Samuelsson, Kathleen Turner, Serena Williams, and Vanity Fair’s Little Gold Men Live.
At the opening night gala, the man of the swanky hour was MTV co-founder and former President and CEO of Viacom, Tom Freston. Tom Freston may be known as the man behind MTV, but he has played a significant role in our global cultural landscape and has built a legacy around his philanthropic endeavors.
Perelman Performing Arts Center first annual gala honoring Tom Freston on October 29, 2024. Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Berger
The stage, newly unveiled just last fall, welcomed some impressive figures throughout the evening. Tony winner Alex Newell belted “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” André De Shields from CATS: The Jellicle Ball donned a zebra suit while fellow cast member Chasity Moore sang “Memory.” St. Vincent wowed the audience on her guitar as did Baaba Maal, a Senegalese singer and guitarist. Christy Turlington made a surprise appearance and Fab 5 Freddy, the host of Yo! MTV Raps honored Freston for his role in elevating hip-hop. Will Arnett engaged Freston in a Q&A about his unconventional career journey, poking fun while also showcasing his accolades.
Perelman Performing Arts Center first annual gala honoring Tom Freston on October 29, 2024. Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Berger
This prestigious gala, sponsored by Printemps, was chaired by Willow Bay and Bob Iger, alongside Michael R. Bloomberg, Barbara and Ray Dalio, David Geffen, Mellody Hobson and George Lucas, Laura Lendrum, Ronald O. Perelman, and Robin Vince. At the heart of PAC NYC’s mission is a commitment to create connections through the performing arts and to entertain and inspire audiences from across New York and around the world. This festival encouraged PAC NYC’s audiences and neighbors to exchange ideas in a positive and uplifting environment – in the spirit of the center’s location in the heart of Downtown Manhattan.
Perelman Performing Arts Center first annual gala honoring Tom Freston on October 29, 2024. Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Berger
Opened in September 2023, Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC, Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director, Bill Rauch, Artistic Director) is the final piece of the rebuilding of the World Trade Center after 9/11. Chaired by former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, PAC NYC represents the resilience of the city standing as a beacon of hope and affirmation of life through music, theater, dance, opera, media, and more.
