(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
Producer David Gest has set the musical line-up for his Extreme Entertainment Enterprises, Inc. production of "Dionne Warwick: 45th Anniversary Spectacular" which will be taped as a television special at the Kodak Theatre on January 26 at 6:30 PM. "I'm overwhelmed by the response of so many artists who will participate in this All-Star Salute to the legendary Dionne Warwick," said Gest. Tickets are priced at $150-$125-$95-$65.
Those confirmed to perform are (alphabetically): Yolanda Adams, Ashford & Simpson, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, Shirley Caesar, Richard Carpenter, Deborah Cox, Andre Crouch, Sandra Crouch, The Emotions, Gloria Estefan, Edwin Hawkins, Lynette Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, Walter Hawkins, Cissy Houston, Olivia Newton-John, Kashif, Gladys Knight, Gerald Levert, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Brian McKnight, Mya, Milton Nascimento, The O'Jays, Jeffrey Osborne, Della Reese, Sir Cliff Richard, Smokey Robinson, Jill Scott, Richard Smallwood, The Spinners, Candi Staton, Angie Stone, B.J. Thomas, Leslie Uggams, Dee Dee Warwick, Nancy Wilson, BeBe Winans, Cece Winans, and Stevie Wonder.
There will also be a segment with Warwick performing for the first time with all of the legendary composers of her many hit tunes, including songwriters Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Thom Bell, Isaac Hayes, Holland-Dozier-Holland and Richard Kerr. "I have a lot of surprises planned for this evening and more than 100 stars from the recording, film, television and sports industries are already confirmed in the audience," added Gest. "This is going to be a very special night for Dionne and I am very proud to be a part of this television special."
The evening will feature a 48 member orchestra and chorus under the direction of Joey Melotti and Kathy Rubbicco. According to Gest, following the concert there will be an invitation only All-Star Gala Champagne Dinner Celebration, Jam & Carnival with Silent & Live Auction benefiting The Starkey Hearing Foundation at the Hollywood Palladium from 9:30 P.M.-1:00 A.M.
The Dinner Chairmen for the event are William & Tani Austin, Angie Dickinson and Gladys Knight. American Airlines/American Eagle have been set as the official airline of Dionne Warwick: 45th Anniversary Spectacular with other sponsors including Aces Oasis, Tsunami Books and CESII. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
