Buffalo, NY – Poised to be its most well-attended fundraising event to date, the Shea’s Performing Arts Center 2018 Black Tie Gala – which sold out in a record nine days – will take place Friday, April 20 on the stage of Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. Chaired by Jon and Marcy Dandes, the annual gala will feature a performance by the acclaimed Leslie Odom, Jr., who won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Aaron Burr, opposite Lin Manuel Miranda, in the Broadway sensation Hamilton.

With more than 600 people attending this year’s event, the gala is the single largest fundraiser for Shea’s, affording much-needed revenue to help support the near completed restoration, ongoing maintenance, and growing education programs at Shea’s Performing Arts Center.

“Year after year, Shea’s patrons passionately demonstrate their profound support for this theater institution, and they took 2018 to a new level when the Gala sold out in record time,” said Shea’s Director of Development John Schaller, who coordinates the event. “We hope the extraordinary evening we have planned will show our appreciation and commitment to them.”

“Nothing compares to the generosity of our patrons and sponsors, who do so much for Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, Shea’s 710 Theatre, and Shea’s Smith Theatre,” added Michael G. Murphy. “They are the reason we’re able to deliver outstanding theater, art, and educational programs to the people of Western New York, and we are eternally grateful for their support.”

The Shea’s 2018 Black Tie Gala is presented by sponsors Russell J. Salvatore, Ticketmaster, and M&T Bank. Entertainment Sponsors include The Mosey Foundation, Berardi Immigration Law, Maxwell Murphy Attorneys at Law, and G-Health Enterprises. The full list of gala sponsors can be found here.