A sold-out ballroom, full of well-wishers, came out to celebrate 40 years of mission, ministry, and music.
The event was to honor the life and times of the Rev. Dr. Dwight D. Andrews, the prolific pastor of Atlanta’s First Congressional Church. The tribute gala was held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in downtown Atlanta.
Forty years of ministry, mission, and music from Andrews gave Atlanta something extraordinary to celebrate.
Though Andrews has come to Atlanta by way of Detroit and New Haven, the city has claimed him as one of its native sons.
Filling in for Ambassador Andrew Young, his wife Carolyn, served as the Honorary Chairperson of the gala. She welcomed friends, colleagues, parishioners, and the wealth of people who appreciate and admire Andrews and his ministries.
The Mistress of Ceremonies was actress Phylicia Rashad, who has worked on several film and theater projects with Andrews.
Spanning a variety of disciplines and roles, Andrews provided music direction for several of August Wilson’s groundbreaking Broadway plays.
He also served as music director for Kenny Leon’s Broadway revival production of A Raisin in the Sun, starring Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad, and Audra McDonald.
His film credits include “The Old Settler” starring Rashad and Debbie Allen. As a performer, he has recorded and played with jazz musicians around the world. In addition, he has produced the Atlanta Music Festival, served as artistic director of the National Black Arts Festival, and curated programs for the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.
Andrews’ film credits include The Old Settler starring Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen.
As a performer, he has recorded and played with jazz musicians around the world.
In addition, he has produced the Atlanta Music Festival, served as artistic director of the National Black Arts Festival, and curated programs for the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.
