Community Event, Dance, Music, Poetry, Theatre

Laurel’s Legacy Live!

Celebrating the Leadership. Fueling the Future.
Laurel’s Legacy Live!
Get ready for a once-in-a-generation celebration. More than a farewell for Laurel, this is a joyful tribute to creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of the Painted Bride.
When
Friday, December 5 | 6:00 — 10:00 PM
Where
1919 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Price
$25 — $50
Laurel's Legacy Live!

Celebrating Arts Leadership. Fueling the Future.

Join us on Friday, December 5, for Laurel’s Legacy Live, a once-in-a-generation celebration honoring Laurel Raczka’s 33 years of visionary leadership at the Painted Bride Art Center. For one unforgettable night, artists, colleagues, friends, and fans will come together to celebrate both Laurel’s impact and the Bride’s 56-year legacy in motion.

Choose the Cost/Value Option that Feels Right for You
A community celebration in true Bride fashion. Both ticket types include the same full evening: buffet dinner, open bar, performances, tributes, socializing, and dancing.

  • $50 Standard Admission
  • $25 Bride Artist Access Admission (very limited)Tickets are required for entry. Your reservation helps us prepare a seamless, welcoming experience for everyone — from the buffet and bar to seating and flow.

Important Housekeeping & What to Expect
Arrive early for the best experience.

  • Doors open at 6:00 PM. Program begins at 6:30 PM.
    Main-floor table seating is limited and first come, first served.

  • Libations will begin flowing at 6pm so be ready to toast to Laurel with us immediately followed by riveting reunion performance by Spoken Hand percussionists.
  • Dinner by Wallace Enterprises
    A buffet of contemporary comfort cuisine opens at 7:00 PM.
    If you remember the incredible spread at the Project Space launch on August 9, you already know you don’t want to miss this.
  • Bar & Beverage
    Open bar with select beers, wines, and a signature cocktail named after Laurel.
  • Late Arrivals
    Latecomers still enjoy the full buffet and bar, with ample lounge seating upstairs overlooking the main floor.
  • The Creative & Performing Art Power A Night to Remember:

    Hosted by STARFIRE with music by Oluwafemi, the evening will feature:• Live painting by Anthony Molden• Performances by Ursula Rucker

    • Spoken Hand percussionists

    • Lauren Putty-White

    • Lili St. Queer and Eric Jaffe

    • A special video tribute from Hannibal Lokumbe

    • Remarks from Bride Board leadership and community-at-large representatives

  • Accessibility
    The main floor is ADA accessible. The upstairs lounge is stair-only. For accommodation requests, email info@paintedbride.org.
  • Keeping the Bride Legacy in Motion
    Every dollar received supports Laurel’s Gift: The Bride Residency Legacy Fund, a matched giving initiative supporting future residencies and creative collaborations in the Bride’s new Project Space. If you cannot attend but would like to honor Laurel, you may make a tax-deductible gift.
  • Reserve Tickets Now
  • Donate Today

About Laurel’s Legacy Live:
This event is more than a farewell. It is a joyful tribute to creativity, community, and the enduring spirit of the Bride. Together, we’ll celebrate the past, toast the future, and keep the Bride’s legacy in motion.

Featured Artists
Ursula Rucker
Spoken Hand
A high-energy celebration of polyphonic rhythms, this group unifies four percussion batteries into one distinct voice including the Afro Cuban Bata, the Brazilian Samba, the North Indian Tabla and the West African Djembe giving drums their individual voices.
Oluwafemi
Oluwafemi is a Philadelphia-based rhythmist by way of Lagos, Nigeria, whose multidisciplinary practice explores rhythm and repetition as fundamental forces in music, visual art, and daily life.