Join us for this year's GhostLight Gala, as we kick off the 2026 GhostLight Summer Season with an evening of music and celebration, and honor two amazing Detroit artists:
Madelyn Porter
& Alvin Waddles
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026
6:00PM VIP RECEPTION
7:30 PM PERFORMANCES & HONORS
THE GARDEN THEATRE
3929 WOODWARD AVE, DETROIT, MI 48201
HONOREES
Madelyn Porter
Recipient of the Njia Kai Award for Arts Activism & Community Engagement
Madelyn Porter is legendary artist and storyteller with over 40 years of service to Michigan's arts community. A member of Actor’s Equity Association, she is known for her immersive performances, historical reenactments, and StoryLiving presentations at venues such as the Detroit Historical Museum, The Henry Ford/Greenfield Village, and Troy Historical Village. Porter is the Founding Artistic Director of Mad’s World, LLC and the Founder of Street Life Theatre Company. She currently serves as Connectivity and Engagement Manager for Detroit Public Theatre, where she leads community arts programming and workshops
Alvin WAddles
Recipient of the George Shirley Award for Excellence in Artistic Performance
Alvin Waddles is an acclaimed pianist, singer, composer, and musical director whose career spans decades of performance, education, and community leadership in Detroit and beyond. His performances range from festivals and jazz clubs to performing arts venues, reflecting his adaptability across genres. He is a featured piano soloist in the sold-out annual productions of Too Hot to Handel in both Detroit and Chicago, and has performed at major events such as the Detroit Jazz Fest and the Detroit Festival of the Arts.
Proceeds from the Gala will help support GhostLight programming, including:
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The Obsidian Theatre Festival
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Young Artist Workshop
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Detroit Artist Fellowship Program
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Neighborhood Engagement Programming
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Encore Michigan
TICKETS AND TABLES
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An Obsidian Table – $1250
Reserved table for your full party (10 guests). Includes preferred seating, access to the VIP Reception, and exclusive perks.
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Obsidian VIP – $170
Individual ticket with Preferred Seating and access to the Pre-Show Reception.
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VIP – $125
Includes entry to the Pre-Show Reception and event seating at a non-preferred seating table.
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General Admission – $75
Event-only seating at a non-preferred seating table (no reception access).
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Standing Room – $25
Standing Room Only (SRO) admission to the event program.
Add-On:
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Pre-Show Reception – $30
*Add this to any non-VIP ticket to enjoy cocktails, community, and celebration before the event.
SPONSOR
Support The GhostLight Gala at one of our Sponsorship Levels.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP
FRIEND - $500
SUPPORTER - $1,000
COLLABORATOR - $2,500
SUISTAINER - $5,000
PARTNER - $10,000
PRESENTER - $15,000
PROGRAMMING SPONSORSHIP
YOUNG ARTIST WORKSHOP - $2,500
DETROIT ARTIST FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM - $5,000
DETROIT STORIES SERIES - $7,500
DETROIT IMPACT ARTS CONFERENCE - $10,000
ENCORE MICHIGAN - $15,000
OBSIDIAN THEATRE FESTIVAL - $20,000
Supporting GhostLight connects your brand to an active and engaged audience, including The Obsidian Theatre Festival, & Encore Michigan
- Reach: 17k/mo
- Impressions/Views: 23k/mo
- 500,000+ views
email info@ghostlight.art to
become a sponsor
PROGRAM ADS
Promote your business, organization, or tribute in our official GhostLight Gala Program Book—shared with all guests attending the evening’s performances.
Select ads will also appear in our exclusive Commemorative Magazine—a premium keepsake distributed to VIP guests, honorees, and major supporters.
Your message will reach a dynamic and engaged audience committed to the arts, storytelling, and community impact.
