Alan Cumming Honors Claire Danes at PS122 Spring Gala

On Monday, April 20, host Alan Cumming will honor actor Claire Danes and present the Shining Star Award to City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer at PS122's 2015 Spring Gala, at Capitale on The Bowery. The event includes appearances and remarks by Mandy Patinkin, Peaches, Lance Horne, Meow Meow, Edgar Oliver, Faye Driscoll, and DJ sets by AndrewAndrew and DJ Sammy Jo Shining.

"PS122's influence is quiet but huge," said Cumming. "If you go to a Broadway stage, or any mainstream television or film production, you'll find someone who's made their start with PS122. Its impact is far-reaching throughout contemporary culture."

PS122's 2015 Spring Gala celebrates homecomings by honoring actor and dancer Claire Danes, whose history with PS 122 includes her 1985 performance debut at the age of six along with critically acclaimed dance pieces in 2005 and 2007. "I was a duck, and I quacked!" she recalls of that initial performance.

She also performed at PS122 in choreographer Tamar Rogoff's "Christina Olson, American Model" (2005) and "Edith & Jenny," (2007) to critical acclaim.

Danes is an American actress known for her roles as Angela Chase in the ABC series "My So-Called Life," Temple Grandin in the HBO television film "Temple Grandin," and Carrie Mathison in the Showtime series "Homeland." She has received three Emmy Awards (5 nominations), four Golden Globe Awards (5 nominations), and two Screen Actors Guild Awards (8 nominations).

In addition, Van Bramer will receive the Shining Star Award for his unwavering dedication to New York City arts and culture.

"PS122 continues to remain at the center of all that is brilliant about the arts in New York City. As a proud supporter of PS122 I am honored to join the gifted and dazzling Claire Danes this year to receive the 2015 Shining Star Award," said Van Bramer.

The event begins with music by DJ AndrewAndrew over cocktails, followed by hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. Dinner, performances, presentations and a live auction conducted by powerhouse auctioneer Ck Swett will begin around 7:30 p.m. The after-party, with DJ Sammy Jo and additional performances, will start at 10:30 p.m.

The Gala producer is once again Tanya Selvaratnam, this time with additional production by Jacob Langfelder. ??Dinner and dessert are designed by notable chef and author Gabrielle Hamilton of Prune. Honoree and Shining Star awards are provided by Swarovski.

The event features an auction; highlights include original artwork by Dan Colen and Julien Schnabel; tickets to Alan Cumming's upcoming performance at the Cafe Carlyle and drinks with him after the show; a private concert by International Contemporary Ensemble; VIP tickets to Jon Stewart's last season on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show"; and luxury excursions to Rome or Las Vegas.

??The April 20 Gala also expands PS122's Give Performance Space capital campaign and celebrates PS122's anticipated return to its newly renovated East Village building, the organizations home for 30 plus years. A City of New York led renovation of PS122's beloved home at 150 First Avenue is currently underway with an expected completion in 2016.

Led by co-chairs Alan Cumming, Stella Schnabel, and PS122's Board Vice President Charles Kerr, the 2015 Spring Gala and PS122's capacity campaign, Give Performance Space (GPS), will ensure that PS122 can successfully navigate the institutional and physical growth necessary to take full advantage of the buildings renovation. Unlike funds from a bricks and mortar campaign, the GPS campaign gives PS122 the flexibility to take risks, adapt, and grow as a leader within the cultural ecology of New York City.

PS122 is invigorated by the boundless possibilities in returning to its custom designed theaters. Larger, column-free, flexible theater spaces will open up a world of programming opportunities that enable artists to thrive through technological capability, flexible configuration, and vastly improved stage space. This moment provides PS122 with a unique opportunity to increase its organizational capacity and create a physical hub for bold new work of contemporary performance.
??
??A life long resident of Queens, Jimmy Van Bramer has been a member of the New York City Council since 2009. In 2014 he was elected Majority Leader of the New York City Council, which is the second highest ranking member in the 51 member body. As part of his duties as Majority Leader, he was also appointed to co-chair the newly constituted Budget Negotiating Team (BNT), which plays an integral role in formulating the City's budget process to fund critical programs, projects and organizations citywide.??

PS122's 2015 Spring Gala will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20 at Capitale, 130 Bowery in New York City. Tickets are $75 for the after party, and start at $400 for the event.