YoungArts‘ annual Backyard Ball gala took place on Saturday, January 14 at the National YoungArts Foundation Campus in Miami. The night honored jazz pianist Jason Moran and choreographer Jessica Lang, and saw the inaugural Max Mara Young Visionary Award presented by Maria Giulia Maramotti to Javon Jones.
Sponsored by Max Mara, UBS, Deutsche Bank, Braman Motor Cars, Vespa Miami, and Seabourn Cruise Line, hosts Dr. Kira and Mr. Neil Flanzraich welcomed over 700 guests including Will Cotton, Bill T. Jones, Michele Oka Doner, José Parlá, Desmond Richardson, Chris Young, Bruce Weber, Silvia Karman Cubiñá, Ximena Caminos, Victoria Rogers, Franklin and Jessica Sirmans, Sarah Arison and Thomas Wilhelm, Alan Faena, Bob Lynch, and more.
Jamie Elias, Asha Elias, Bill McCue, & Lisa PetrilloPhoto by World Red Eye
The celebratory night of drinks, dinner, and performances, raised more than $1.5 million in support of aspiring arts around the United States. Festivities were emceed by Amanda Seales, introducing a series of performances directed by Tony Yazbeck that included Melinda Sullivan, Isai Jess Muñoz, Daniel Winshall, Pascal Le Boeuf, Evan Sherman, Bri Ray, Mariella Haubs, and Madison Hicks.
After a dinner by STARR Catering Group, guests danced the night away to music by DJ Walshy Fire.
Photo by World Red Eye
