Broadway luminaries, incredible artisans, and passionate philanthropists came together for a special night to honor the legendary Billy Porter.
The Nexus Foundation’s Broadway and Bowties gala held at T-Squared social club gathered attendees who all came together to honor the performer as well as show their ongoing support for Broadway for Art’s Education. Kicking things off in style, a flash mob sang and danced through the crowd of delighted guests to the Backstreet Boys signature tune Backstreet’s Back. The mob was led by &Juliet’s Ben Jackson Walker, who changed the chorus to Broadway’s Back!
(Courtesy Broadway and Bowties)
The evening’s host, Chris Hardwick of NBC’s The Wall led the night as other performers included Masquerade’s Ali Ewoldt and Six’s Brennyn Lark.
(Courtesy Broadway and Bowties)
Things at the splendid night produced by Nexus Event Director Scott Buccheit and Naeem Delbridge culminated in a rousing speech by Legacy and Image award winner Billy Porter. The award was presented by another Broadway legend, Jerry Mitchell, who cast, directed and choreographed Billy in Kinky Boots. Billy brought the crowd to their feet with a speech that highlighted the need for arts in public education. Billy admitted that the last few years have been hard on him but with the recent election he feels hopeful and re-energized.
(Courtesy Broadway and Bowties)
After accepting his award, Billy joined the crowd to dance to the sounds of Questlove at the fabulous after party.
(Courtesy Broadway and Bowties)
Notables included: Nexus CEO Christopher Anand, Gillian Hearst and fiancé Ryan Jansen, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Alex and Keytt Lundqvist, Lisa Benson, W’s Eugenia Richman, Tracy York and husband Gustaf Demarchelier, Eleanor Franchitti, fashion designers Frederik Anderson and Marc Bower, models Daniela Lopez, Mariah Strongin, Aimee Ruby, Megan Puleri and Jessica Villegas
