If there’s one night this spring that perfectly blends legendary music, local impact, and a touch of glam, it’s happening in downtown Stamford Center for the Arts Palace Theatre. The historic venue is rolling out the red carpet for its 14th Annual Gala on April 16, honoring Emmy-winning, Grammy- and Tony-nominated musical powerhouse Rob Mathes—a name you may recognize from collaborations with icons like Sting and Bruce Springsteen. But beyond the big-name credits, Mathes is being celebrated for something even closer to home: 25 years of benefit concerts supporting Food Rescue US-Fairfield County.
The night is more than just a tribute—it’s a full-on experience. Gala guests will kick things off with a pre-show party featuring curated cocktail stations from Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tuck Gin, and Gratsi Wine, alongside chef-driven small plates from Palmer’s Catering and Events. Think elevated bites, flowing drinks, and that unmistakable buzz of a big night out in Fairfield County.
Then, it’s showtime. Guests will take their premium orchestra seats for an unforgettable performance by Motown legend Smokey Robinson—a living icon whose catalog of hits guarantees a night packed with nostalgia and soul.
Beyond the glitz, the gala serves a powerful purpose. Proceeds from the evening support the Palace Theatre’s ongoing restoration and its Arts Education programs, helping ensure that this cultural cornerstone continues to inspire the next generation of artists right here in the 203.
Whether you’re there for the music, the mission, or the moment, this is one event that truly hits every note.
👉 Secure your spot: Purchase Tickets HERE
The Stamford Center for the Arts Palace Theatre is a historic cultural cornerstone in downtown Stamford, originally opened in 1927 as a grand vaudeville house designed by renowned architect Thomas W. Lamb and once dubbed “Connecticut’s Most Magnificent.” Today, the beautifully restored 1,500+ seat venue operates as the region’s premier performing arts center, hosting everything from concerts and comedy to dance, opera, and community events. As part of the nonprofit Stamford Center for the Arts, the Palace is dedicated to entertaining, educating, and enriching Fairfield County through diverse programming and arts education initiatives, all while preserving its nearly century-old legacy as a gathering place for live entertainment. The Stamford Center for the Arts Palace Theatre is a historic cultural cornerstone in downtown Stamford, originally opened in 1927 as a grand vaudeville house designed by renowned architect Thomas W. Lamb and once dubbed “Connecticut’s Most Magnificent.” Today, the beautifully restored 1,500+ seat venue operates as the region’s premier performing arts center, hosting everything from concerts and comedy to dance, opera, and community events. As part of the nonprofit Stamford Center for the Arts, the Palace is dedicated to entertaining, educating, and enriching Fairfield County through diverse programming and arts education initiatives, all while preserving its nearly century-old legacy as a gathering place for live entertainment.
Food Rescue US is a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing food waste and fighting hunger by redirecting surplus food from restaurants, grocers, and other providers to local shelters and food-insecure communities. Through its tech-enabled platform and network of volunteer “food rescuers,” the organization makes it easy to recover and deliver fresh, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste. Locally, Food Rescue US-Fairfield County plays a vital role in supporting neighbors in need across the region, creating a sustainable, community-driven solution to both food insecurity and environmental impact.
Follow the Palace Theatre on INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK or visit their WEBSITE for more info.
