In celebration and recognition of women who have made a difference in the world through their chosen art form, the Riverside Theatre announced that it has selected Dr. Cissy Houston as the recipient of the fourth annual Women of Excellence in the Arts Award. This year’s event will take place at the Riverside Theatre (91 Claremont Ave.) on Friday, April 26, starting at 7 p.m. (preceded by a special reception at 6 p.m.). Houston will discuss her book, “Remembering Whitney.” Co-chairs for this very special evening are R&B singers Chuck Jackson and Smokey Robinson.
“Cissy Houston is a celebrated and incredible talent whose experiences and contributions to the arts are immeasurable,” said Robin Bell-Stevens, executive director of the Riverside Theatre. “The Riverside Theatre is honored to have her participation in this year’s event, and we look forward to her sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with us on April 26.”
Houston is a Grammy-winning soul and gospel singer and the mother of late superstar Whitney Houston. She gained fame as part of the Drinkard Singers, a family gospel group, and revolutionized the “background industry” as the founder and leader of Sweet Inspirations, a well-respected vocal group that provided background vocals for artists such as Luther Vandross, Wishbone Ash, Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield and Elvis Presley. She later enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist. Houston grew up in Newark, N.J., where she raised her family and still resides.
Tickets to attend the Women of Excellence in the Arts event honoring Houston are $45, with limited availability. The ticket price includes a copy of “Remembering Whitney.” For more information and tickets, please visit www.theriversidetheatre.org, or call 212-870-6784.