This past Monday, we held our 23rd Annual Spring Gala, What the World Needs Now...Featuring the Music of: Burt Bacharach. With performances by Elvis Costello, Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach, Young People’s Chorus of New York City and more, it was truly a star-studded affair. Actor Steven Weber emceed the evening and the New York Observer reported:

Mr. Weber put one of his hands in the side pocket of his well-fit suit, promising, “There isn’t going to be one dry eye or one empty seat in the house!” Later, on stage, Mr. Weber would thank the Y “for turning me into the man I am today,” adding, “You’ll be hearing from my lawyers.”

The crowd thoroughly enjoyed themselves, clapping and cheering along with the performance. However, it was Mr. Bararach’s performance of “Alfie” that brought the crowd to their feet, with the Observer noting that the rendition “brought on the longest applause of the night, and a standing ovation.”

For the celebration in his honor, Burt gave special thanks to his collaborators and New York City, at one point choking up:

So many of the songs I wrote, I wrote in the Brill Building, 1619 Broadway. So many of the records that I made, particularly the records with Dionne, we made in Bell Sound right here in New York City. I went to school here, not far from here at Mannes Music School. I don’t know, it was a long time ago.

...So thank you for being here this evening, and supporting this very special Y. I grew up hearing about the 92nd Street Y you know, it’s been here a long time, so, I’d like to do this song for you.”

We couldn’t have been more touched. We’d like to thank all who participated and performed in the Gala, helping to support the 92nd Street Y’s myriad programs which strengthen and connect culture, community and the world.