Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson WACO Theater Center to host star-studded COVID-19 relief event

WACO (Where Art Can Occur) Theater Center is working with among the biggest names within the entertainment industry to help them support families affected by Covid-19.

The organization is hosting a virtual celebration to have fun and recognize diverse artistic mediums, encourage entrepreneurship and reinvest in local programs. It will likely be broadcast continue to exist WACO’s Facebook AND Youtube pages on Saturday, September 19 at 5:00 p.m. (PDT).

It will feature exclusive footage from the famous Wearable Art Galas, spoken word, stage readings, in addition to a virtual art gallery and a special celebrity edition of Knowles Lawson’s signature “corny joke time.”

Samuel L. Jackson, Octavia Spencer, Tiffany Haddish, Angela Bassett, Lynn Whitfield, Issa Rae, Yara Shahidi, Megan Thee Stallion, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lena Waithe, Cynthia Erivo and Lil Rel Howery are confirmed to attend the event.

It will even be a real family affair, with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Jay-Z, Solange Knowles, Bianca Lawson, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams volunteering their time to show their support.

The event is hosted by business leaders and entertainment industry veterans Kawanna Brown, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Cheryl Creuzot, Babe Evans, Melba Farquhar, Lela Rochon Fuqua, Mai Lassiter, Holly Robinson-Peete, Robi Reed, Eula Smith and Jo-An Turman committee.

Works by Kehinde Wiley, Lauren Halsey, Barnette, Bethany Collins, Genevieve Gagnaird, Eduardo Sarbia and Radcliffe Bailey will likely be featured.

The silent auction will allow participants to bid on prices from famous artists and jewelers including Robert Pruitt, “The Pretty Artist” Tiffanie Anderson, Chaz Guest, Ron Bass, Samuel Levi Jones, Harry Adams, Tyler Clark, Quiana Parks, Toni Scott, Gherdai Hassell, Charis Kelley, A. Nichel, Erica Puckett and designer Lorraine Schwartz.

DJ Millie will host the event, providing music between segments.

Founded by Tina Knowles Lawson and Richard Lawson, the Los Angeles-based WACO Theater Center and Performance Complex offers unique cultural programming, mentorship, arts education and performance opportunities to Los Angeles’ diverse communities.

“WACO was created to stand at the intersection of black culture and art. For the past three years, we have worked to create a safe space for students to nourish, grow and learn,” said Tina Knowles Lawson.

Thanks to Sheamoisture’s support, the event will likely be free to the general public.

Since 2016, the private care brand has frequently helped WACO serve the community through community arts and education initiative programs.

“This year our gathering will have a different feel and look, but the mission will unequivocally remain the same,” said co-artistic director Richard Lawson. “We look forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating art and black culture to create meaningful change for our children.”

Get access to preview and register for the auction by texting WACO2020 to 243-725 and visit the virtual art gallery through Sunday, September 27.