(August 15, 2023 ● Milwaukee, WI) The legendary recording artist Patrice Rushen is the headline musical act for Greater Milwaukee Urban League’s 38th Annual Black and White Ball on November 4th at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee.
Rushen is a Grammy-award winning artist whose musical talents span five decades. She has released 15 albums, including two that were Grammy nominated. Rushen has been nominated for four Grammy Awards in total, including her 1982 hit “Forget Me Nots”, which earned a nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Rushen has worked with dozens of the music world’s most famous performers including Prince, Carlos Santana, Stevie Wonder, and Herbie Hancock. She is a composer and music producer. She was the first female music director for awards programs including, the Grammy Awards, the Emmy Awards, the People’s Choice Awards, and the NAACP’s Image Awards.
Rushen’s music is being exposed to a new generation as artists as singers Will Smith, Kirk Franklin, and George Michaels sample some of her songs and incorporate the songs into their work.
“Patrice Rushen is an artist whose talent and influence stand the test of time,” said GMUL President and CEO Dr. Eve M. Hall. “We look forward to welcoming Ms. Rushen and know her unique fusion of jazz, R&B, and classical music will be appreciated by her many Milwaukee fans.”
The GMUL Black and White Ball after party will feature a tribute to 50 years of Motown music by the popular local band Cigarette Break.
Greater Milwaukee Urban League’s Black and White Ball is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. Funding from the event supports education, employment, and advocacy programs all year long. Those programs impact thousands of lives in the greater Milwaukee area.
The Black and White Ball sells out each year; individuals and organizations are encouraged to purchase tickets now. More information on sponsorships, tickets, and other details can be found at tmul.org in the Black and White Ball section.
