Richard Barone

Philadelphia’s most star-studded annual benefit is back! Following critically acclaimed events honoring Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz and cultural icon George Takei, Mazzoni Center Honors returns to celebrate the legendary Tony Award winner, three-time Grammy nominee, disco queen, R&B hitmaker, and trailblazing LGBTQ+ ally Melba Moore on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Marian Anderson Hall in The Kimmel Center. From Hair to Purlie, from “This Is It” to Grammy-nominated gospel, Melba Moore has inspired artists across genres and generations. This unforgettable evening will showcase a powerhouse lineup, which already includes: Savion Glover (Tony Award-winning tap dance legend) Lisa Fischer (Two-time Grammy Award winner) Low Cut Connie (“America’s Best Live Band” – Rolling Stone) J Harrison Ghee (Tony Award winner for Some Like It Hot) Vicki Peterson (Grammy nominee with The Bangles) Joy Woods (Tony nominee for Gypsy) Nikki Renée Daniels (Once Upon a Mattress, Company) Richard Barone (MTV VMA nominee and lead singer of The Bongos) Brittany Lynn (Drag visionary and Philly Phifty Honoree) John Cowsill (The Cowsills) Vance Gilbert (acclaimed singer-songwriter) Lauren Hart (Greatest anthem singer in NHL history) The St. Thomas Gospel Choir Hosted by Peabody Award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, With special appearances by local radio legends, Patty Jackson and Dyana Williams *Line-up subject to change without notice. Mazzoni Center Honors will once again be produced by Richard Barone and musical direction by Nick Wilders. The house band will feature musicians from The Philadelphia Orchestra and Philly Pops.