Join us for the Walker Art Center’s annual benefit and party of the year! The evening promises a signature Walker party experience with gourmet food, craft cocktails, a premier art auction, live music, and dancing.
Featuring 28 works by 27 artists such as John Armleder, Matthew Barney, Thomas Bayrle, Jasper Johns, Matthew Monahan, Jason Moran, Paulina Olowska, Pope.L, Joel Shapiro, Josh Smith, Haegue Yang, and others, the Avant Garden 2019 art auction’s works range from $2,000––$450,000. Pre-bidding starts September 4. Preview the works online.
Proceeds from Avant Garden support the Walker Art Center’s award-winning artistic and educational programs.
Tickets on sale online or call 612.375.7641.
Avant Garden 2019
Saturday, September 21
5 pm–12 midnight
Walker Art Center
First female to perform hip hop in the White House and first African American female to serve as the President of the Los Angeles chapter of the Recording Academy (Grammy Organization): these are just the first of many firsts. Lyricist, inspirational speaker, DJ, pioneer, icon, veteran and entrepreneur describe one of the most prolific and well-respected female hip-hop artists of all time: MC Lyte. She has consistently found ways to reinvent herself musically, while expanding her resume and gaining new fans. A current member of the Board of Trustees of Dillard University and reared in Brooklyn, New York, MC Lyte always has her finger on hip-hop’s pulse. Many are familiar with her stellar music making skills, but over the course of her extensive career, MC Lyte has ventured out to other avenues that have allowed her to show the world just how talented she is.
A pioneer in the industry, she opened the door for future female hip-hop artists by daring to do what had never been done, while also doing something she loved. MC Lyte is the first rap artist ever to perform at New York’s historic Carnegie Hall, the first female rapper to ever receive a gold single, the first female solo rapper ever nominated for a Grammy, and in 2006 MC Lyte became the first solo female rapper to be honored and inducted on VH1’s Hip-Hop Honors.
MC Lyte has graced network television and the big screen. She has been the voice behind the VH1 Hip-Hop Honors and national campaigns for Wherehouse Music, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Nike. She recently unveiled her lyrical talent to the world with the release of her latest album, Legend.
A role model to women and respected by men everywhere, MC Lyte never compromises who she is. Whenever possible, MC Lyte travels across the nation to use her expertise and story of success to motivate others into taking ownership of the world around them, striving to be the best they can be. Author of “UNSTOPPABLE: Igniting the Power Within to Achieve Your Greatest Potential,” MC Lyte provides keynote addresses at educational institutions, community centers and corporations around the globe. She has also been active in many social projects, including anti-violence campaigns, HIV / AIDs prevention, and Rock the Vote. MC Lyte is also the author of “Living in the Lyte: Lessons in Life, Love and Truth” and “Fusion: Bridging the Gap between the Civil Rights Movement and Hip Hop,” a book she co-authored with Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
MC Lyte resides in Los Angeles, California, and reigns as the CEO of Sunni Gyrl, Inc. and the Chair of Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, which has presented over $750,000 in college scholarships. She is a past President, Trustee and Governor of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy (a Grammy organization), a member of the Board of Trustees at Dillard University, and is a proud honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Always staying current and with the times, MC Lyte has expanded her empire with her very own free mobile app. This provides MC Lyte fans with a more unique and personal look into her music endeavors and upcoming events.
More
Artist Website
Meet MC Lyte
ESSENCE Interview
From DJ’ing New York Fashion Week runway shows, to rapper Lil Uzi Vert’s birthday party, to festivals and clubs in LA, Miami, ATL, and NYC—twin sisters Coco & Breezy are tastemakers and DJs in high-demand.
Their self-titled eyewear brand is also a global force, sold internationally and worn by Prince, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj, and Quavo. The twins have forged brand partnerships with American Express, H&M, Moet, Armani, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and more.
Following the release of their 2018 single “Differences”, 2019 is off to a fast start with a guest mix on Diplo’s Revolution on Sirius XM, the premier of their music video and remix via Hypebae and “Run the Trap”.
More
Forbes Interview
Artist website
Watch “Differences” Music Video
ABOUT RINGING BELL
Ringing Bell is a one night only star-studded collaboration featuring vocals by Channy Leaneagh of Poliça and R&B singer/songwriter Mina Moore, with beats by experimental music-maker Mark McGee a.k.a MAKR (Marijuana Deathsquads) and techno producer/DJ Alex Nutter. Shifting through a circular scene of instruments, tools, and other musical aesthetics, the artists will work together to build new sounds on top of unique material and covers, creating music designed to make you move.
More
Read Pitchfork Review on Poliça
Read City Pages on Mina Moore
Watch Marijuana Deathsquads on NPR
Read Star Tribune Q&A with Alex Nutter
TICKETS
Tickets on sale online or call 612.375.7641.PLATINUM EXPERIENCE | 5 pm–12 midnight | limited availability
$7,500 for 6 guests – SOLD OUT
Cocktail reception, high-top table with dinner, premier silent art auction, and live art experience auction, plus the Gold and Silver Experiences (estimated benefits value $1,025).
$10,000 for 10 guests
All of the above, plus a limited-edition artwork (estimated benefits value $ 3,710).
$15,000 Package for 10 guests
All of the above at a seated table with full service (estimated benefits
value $3,710).
GOLD EXPERIENCE | 7 pm–12 midnight
$500 per person
Complimentary drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres throughout the night, a premier silent art auction, and live performance by Ringing Bell, plus Silver Experience with VIP Lounge access (estimated benefits value $155).
SILVER EXPERIENCE | 8:30 pm–12 midnight
$125 per person
Late-night sweets and savories, two drink tickets, and DJs Coco & Breezy and MC Lyte (estimated benefits value $75).
ADD-ON: ELEVATE YOUR LATE-NIGHT | 8:30 pm–12 midnight | limited availability
$2,500 Bottle Service
Reserved lounge and unlimited drinks near the dance floor. Seats up to 6 ticket holders (estimated benefits value $500).
AVANT GARDEN 2019 CO-CHAIRS
Seena Hodges
Anne Labovitz
Linda Singh
ACCESS INITIATIVE CHAIR
Kasha Foster
AUCTION CHAIR
Karen Heithoff
GOLD AND SILVER COMMITTEE
Cara Deanes, co-chair
Ana Haqq, co-chair
Alayna Barnes
Russell Betts
Kerry Ciardelli
Christopheraaron Deanes
Amy Ducharme
Davee Ek
Andrew Flesher
Janie Hanson
Charlie Hornig
Maren Kloppmann
Ervan Miller
Richard Moody
Madeline Nachbar
Anne Paape
Jahna Peloquin
Bryan Pieper
Lisa Poseley
Peter Prudden
Joy Quaidoo
Luther Ranheim
Wynne Reece
Kaley Schliep
Jackson Schwartz
Peter Sellwood
Aika Shoo
Nadege Souvenir
Robert Spikings
Greg Stenmoe
Nicole Sunberg
Monique Thompkins
Houston White
Krystle Williams
Pepe Wonosikou
PLATINUM COMMITTEE
Debby Christakos, co-chair
Wim Stocks, co-chair
Sally Blanks
Carrie Connor
Lili Hall
Christopher Hermann
Muffy MacMillan
Jill Riley
Sabina Saksena
SPONSORSHIP CHAIR
Chris Haqq
PLATINUM SUPPORTERS
$15,000
Linda and Jesse Singh
Donna and Jim Pohlad
$10,000
Mark Addicks and Tom Hoch
Cahn & Collatz, Offenhauser, Schaeffer, Woolsey
Lisa and Pat Denzer
Nina Hale and Dylan Hicks & Molly Rand
Karen and Kenneth Heithoff
Anne Labovitz and Bill Gamble
Muffy MacMillan
Michelle and William Pohlad
Robert and Rebecca Pohlad
RBC Wealth Management
Riley and Sirek Labovitz
Judith and Stephen Shank
Wim Stocks
Target Corporation
Marge and Irv Weiser
$7,500
Peggy and Ralph Burnet
Andrew Duff and Nancy Warner & Vanessa and Gary Hendrickson
Mark and Penelope Greene & Jim and Norma Leslie
Jennifer Martin
Michael Peterman and David Wilson
Jaleh and Patrick Peyton
Nii Quaye
Kathy Spraitz and Mike Swanson
Laura and John Taft