Jeffrey Osborne headlines 20th annual Tubman Museum benefit gala 'All That Jazz'

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the All That Jazz concert and ball, the Tubman Museum's signature annual event and fundraiser, which takes place Saturday night at the City Auditorium and features Grammy-nominated musician Jeffrey Osborne.

For Renita Patterson, event coordinator for All that Jazz, this is her third year working on the event.

"You can expect fabulous food, being catered by Kudzu Catering. There will be a variety of heavy hors-d'oeuvres. There is also a cash bar," Patterson said. "Guests can expect to be really wowed when they walk into the auditorium. The decorations are a secret, but it's beautifully decorated and it really transcends the auditorium."

"All That Jazz was founded 20 years ago by Chi Ezekwueche, one of the museum's most dedicated supporters," said the Tubman's executive director Andy Ambrose. "By far, it's one of the Tubman's premier events."

The black-tie gala raises funds for the Tubman's education and outreach programs. From museum tours about African-American art, culture and history to after-school programs in the visual and performing arts that help bridge the learning and performance gap for at-risk students, the Tubman Museum plays a positive role in the education and lives of children, students and families throughout Middle Georgia.

"Supporting the Tubman Museum is important for the entire community. The Tubman offers educational opportunities about African-American art history and culture and it's very important to have a museum of this caliber in our city. It is just a real gem. You can go to larger cities in the U.S. and you can't find one better operated or with more relevant exhibits. It's first class all the way," Patterson said. "This event insures that we keep the museum here. It's a great way for any citizen to help support the Tubman. They need membership and sponsors for other events, but this event gives each and every person who purchases a ticket the chance to contribute to the museum, the city and the patrons. This is a party with a purpose."

As always, the highlight of the event is the music and All that Jazz has pulled out all of the stops to create an event that promises a night of incredible music with Osborne, the featured performer.

Osborne, a former member of the band L.T.D., has five gold and platinum albums, which include some of his well-known hits like "On the Wings of Love," "You Should Be Mine," "I Really Don't Need No Light," "Only Human," "We're Going All The Way" and "Don't You Get So Mad," among many others.

"We've done everything we can to make sure that this event lives up to the excitement," Patterson said. "The venue will transport you to a different time and place. The food will woo guests, not to mention the show that they are going to witness that night from Jeffrey and the musical artists he is bringing with him."

Tickets can be reserved by logging on to www.tub manmuseum.com or by calling the Tubman Museum at 478-743-8544.

All That Jazz

When: 7 p.m. Jan. 30

Where: City Auditorium, 415 First St.

Cost: $31

Information: www.tubmanmuseum.com; 478-743-8544

This story was originally published January 28, 2016 at 3:48 PM with the headline "Jeffrey Osborne headlines 20th annual Tubman Museum benefit gala 'All That Jazz' ."