The arts scene in Dallas during the 1970s was giving birth to a number of future greats. It was back in 1971 that Erin Abi Wright was born in Dallas. Within four years she was already an old pro in Dallas’ world of entertainment singing and dancing at the Dallas Theater Center and The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Erin went on to graduate from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and attended Grambling State University. But she dropped out before graduating, so she could concentrate on music. To support herself she taught drama and dance to children at the South Dallas Cultural Center. It was during her teen years that she decided to change her name to Erykah Badu.
The 70s also was when Dallas Contemporary came about. Yup, it was back in 1978 that Patricia Meadows and Judy Hearst came up with the idea of providing “a platform for local emerging artists.” They called it D’Art. Over the years, like Erykah, D’Art changed its name to Dallas Contemporary and adjusting to the times and needs of the Dallas art world. It was just 8 years ago that the Dallas Contemporary found its 37,000-square-foot permanent home in the Design District.
These two children of the Dallas 70s are coming together to celebrate Dallas Contemporary’s 40th anniversary — the Ruby Anniversary Gala. It will be taking place on Friday, September 14, at Dallas Contemporary.
Underwriting Chair Muffin Lemak reports that in addition to Erykah performing, organizers have arranged to have Headington Companies as the presenting sponsor.
In addition to a reception and dinner served up by The Joule, there will be silent and live auctions “showcasing art by exhibited DC artists as well as exciting experience packages.”
Going for $1,500, tickets will be available for purchase in mid-August. But underwriting is available now!