This year’s Gala honors Karen Akers, the cabaret star who received a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut in the original production of Nine, with the Urban Stages Musical Artist Award. Ten-time Tony Award winner Tommy Tune, who directed Akers in Nine and Grand Hotel, will present the singing actress with the award.

“Karen is a wonderful performer and dear friend of Urban Stages. We are thrilled to honor her at this year’s Gala. In addition to celebrating Karen’s amazing talent and career, our Gala helps raise money for programs like our educational Outreach program which reaches thousands of New Yorkers in over 100 neighborhoods,” Urban Stages founder and artistic director Frances Hill said in an earlier statement.

The event's theme, “The Story is the Song,” commemorates the storytelling abilities of Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Mabel Mercer and Akers herself. All proceeds benefit Urban Stages' wide array of programming.

The evening features tunes from the American Songbook performed by Matthew Ward, gondola rides on the Central Park Lake, cocktails, dinner and dancing. Christie's Katie Jacobs heads a live auction with cases of wine, Broadway tickets and dream getaways up for grabs.

For tickets to the event visit urbanstages.org or call Urban Stages at (212) 421-1380.