Rhythm & Blues Foundation - Preserving America’s Soul

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Join The Rhythm & Blues Foundation as we celebrate our 20^th Anniversary during the 2008 Pioneer Awards at Philadelphia’s spectacular Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, September 9^th!

This gala celebration will bring together the royalty of Rhythm & Blues, including past Pioneer Award Honorees along with a veritable “who’s who” of the entertainment industry. More importantly, the event provides an opportunity to support a compelling cause, as its proceeds will ensure the continuation of the Foundation’s community outreach, education programs and emergency grants to Rhythm & Blues artists during their time of need. You don’t want to miss this historic celebration! Please also join us for 3 special free events in September as we countdown down to the Pioneer Awards!

The 2008 Pioneer Awards Honorees are:

Lifetime Achievement - CHAKA KHAN

Individual Artist Awards - TEENA MARIE, BILL WITHERS and SUGAR PIE DESANTO

Group Awards - KOOL & THE GANG and THE WHISPERS

Sidemen Award - THE FUNK BROTHERS

Legacy Award - DONNY HATHAWAY

Leadership Award - AL BELL of STAX RECORDS

The evening's hosts include:

DIONNE WARWICK

BONNIE RAITT

JERRY BUTLER

WAYNE BRADY

In addtion to performances by this year's honorees and hosts, the 2008 Pioneer Awards will feature appearances by:

WILLIAM BELL

JERRY BLAVAT

GARY US BONDS

G C CAMERON

STEVE CROPPER

VIVIAN GREEN

ANTHONY HAMILTON

MABEL JOHN

KINDRED THE FAMILY SOUL

KENNY LATTIMORE

JOHN OATES

JAGUAR WRIGHT

BETTY WRIGHT

General tickets begin at $55 and are available through the Kimmel Center Box Office or by calling 215.893.1999. Don't delay... purchase your tickets today!