Save the Date! The Boston Arts Academy Foundation, a vital 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, proudly presents its annual star-studded BAAF Honors event with the theme "The Power of Art to Transform Well-Being." The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Inspired by the Kennedy Center Honors, BAAF Honors recognizes leaders in the school’s art majors—Dance, Fashion Design & Technology, Music, Television & Film, and Visual Arts, as well as Honors in Civic Responsibility. All funding will directly support public arts education and life-changing opportunities for Boston Arts Academy’s students for generations to come.
This year's event will be a monumental celebration. American singer and songwriter Melba Moore, Music Honoree Johnny Gill of New Edition and Grammy-award-winner Melissa Manchester will perform! The evening will also include student performances, a live auction, an awards program, special guest appearances, dinner, dancing, and more—in one of the best entertainment venues in our beautiful city, MGM Music Hall at Fenway.
BAAF President and CEO Denella Clark will serve as co-chair along with Pamela D. A. Reeve Boston Arts Academy Foundation Board Member, Former CEO, current Director of publicly traded and non-profit companies, and passionate supporter of women and diversity progress. Raynya Simmons, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and singer will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Honorees include: Dance Honoree, Dianne Walker; Fashion Honoree, David Josef; Visual Art Honoree, Ieasha James; TV + Film Honoree, Eliza Dushku Palandjian; Music Honoree, Johnny Gill; Civic Responsibility Honoree, Grace Lee; and the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Honoree Donnie Wahlberg.
WHEN: Thursday, October 23, 2025
6:00-9:00 PM: General Cocktail Reception, Speaking Program and Award Presentation, Dinner, Live Auction, Student Artwork and Performances, Special Guest Closing Performance
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM: Honors After Party (Late Night Bites, Dancing, DJ)
WHERE: MGM Music Hall at Fenway
2 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215
***Tickets must be purchased in advance by visiting baahonors.org or via email at
About the Boston Arts Academy Foundation:
Established in 1999, the Boston Arts Academy Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization that raises essential funds from private philanthropic sources to augment the Boston Arts Academy school budget. The Boston Arts Academy Foundation helps bridge the gap between the school’s annual allocation from the Boston Public Schools and the true cost of a high-quality education that is both art-intensive and college-preparatory.
Although talent is equally distributed throughout the City of Boston, opportunity is not. The BAA Foundation supports Boston’s only public school for the arts in areas including arts programming, academic support services, social-emotional support services, and college scholarships. In addition, the Foundation works to generate awareness of the school and Foundation through their signature fundraising events, Champions and HONORS in which the Foundation recognizes individuals who have achieved greatness and inspiration in their arts professions and who financially support the school and their programs. Through the BAA Foundation, BAA students are supported with the resources they need to become successful artists, scholars, and global citizens. Visit our website to learn more: https://bostonartsacademy.org/foundation.
About the Boston Arts Academy:
Founded in 1998 as the city’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts, Boston Arts Academy (BAA) has distinguished itself among urban public high schools as a leader in innovative and effective student-centered education. Consistently recognized locally and nationally for its achievements, BAA exemplifies the power of an arts-rich education, and many BAA graduates have found success in college through the arts. In fact, for the past eleven straight years, at least 97 percent of BAA graduates have been accepted to college, with most being first-generation college attendees. BAA’s dynamic program prepares graduates to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, collaborators, and creators. Students come from all 23 Boston neighborhoods to receive the formal arts training and academic instruction that will make them Boston’s next generation of artists and cultural leaders.
In September 2022, the BAA community entered its new $125 million, 153,500 square foot facility. Among many highlights, it includes two professional-quality theaters, a career center, academic classrooms, dance studios, music practice rooms, and fashion technology studios and workspaces. With the new school building, the number of students enrolled will eventually grow to over 500 per year. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and visit our website to learn more: https://bostonartsacademy.org/.
Media Contacts: Regan Communications Group : Doug Haslam -
| Event Date | 10-23-2025 6:00 am |
| Event End Date | 10-24-2025 12:00 pm |
| Created By | Rachel Carney |
| Location | MGM Music Hall |
| Categories | MGM Music Hall, Festivals, Concerts & Live Performances |
Located in the bustling heart of Boston, MGM Music Hall is more than just a venue—it’s an experience. With an expansive auditorium designed to capture the perfect balance between intimacy and energy, this modern landmark sets the stage for unforgettable live performances. Equipped with a cutting-edge sound and lighting system, every show unfolds as a mesmerizing journey that captivates audiences from the first note to the last encore.
MGM Music Hall isn’t solely dedicated to delivering high-caliber music—it also offers an exquisite culinary destination. The venue’s upscale restaurant provides a refined yet inviting atmosphere, boasting generous seating and multiple bar areas where guests can indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and locally sourced beverages. Whether you're arriving for a headline concert or a special event, MGM Music Hall promises a night where every detail is designed to impress.
Features
Immersive Live Performances: A spacious yet acoustically intimate setting that ensures every concert resonates with passion and precision.
Cutting-Edge Sound and Lighting: Experience every performance in stunning clarity, with a state-of-the-art audio-visual system that transforms each event into an art form.
Gourmet Dining and Signature Bars: Savor a curated menu and innovative drinks, served in an elegant lounge environment perfect for pre-show meetups or post-concert celebrations.
Versatile Event Space: Ideal for hosting private events, corporate functions, weddings, and social gatherings, this dynamic venue adapts seamlessly to any occasion.
Over the years, MGM Music Hall has attracted an eclectic roster of performers and events—from breakthrough local bands to internationally acclaimed acts—cementing its status as an essential component of Boston’s cultural tapestry.