Robert Bell, who put the Kool in Kool and the Gang, will perform at the Grand Gala.
Kool & The Gang will bring the funk to the 48th annual Grand Gala on Dec. 7.
The annual party of the year will include will include a concert at the Grand Opera House by the New Jersey band famous for its rhythm and blues, soul and funk tunes as well as the presentation of the 2024 Grand Medal for Excellence to Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, who leaves office in January after eight years.
After the 8 p.m. concert, patrons walk up Market Street to the Ultimate After Party at the Hotel DuPont, an event packed with movers and shakers from the business, political, cultural and nonprofit world.
The patrons move through themed rooms with local live music, delicious food, signature cocktails and more.
All proceeds benefit The Grand’s Community Engagement programs.
The event, always held on the first Saturday in December, this year falls on Delaware Day in honor of the 1787 date that Delaware ratified the Federal Constitution, thus making Delaware the first state in the New Nation.