✦ APRIL 18, 2026 THE GREER CABARET THEATER • PITTSBURGH, PA ✦ THE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE RED CARPET • LIVE ART • CULTURE ✦ LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE GALA NIGHT ✦ APRIL 18, 2026 THE GREER CABARET THEATER • PITTSBURGH, PA ✦ THE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE RED CARPET • LIVE ART • CULTURE ✦ LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE GALA NIGHT
April 18, 2026 • Pittsburgh, PA
TAARI Logo

Gala Night

The African Experience

Celebrating Tradition, Identity & Expression

1
Night
500+
Guests
Memories
Red Carpet Moments
About the Event

An Evening of Culture & Creativity

The African Experience celebrates culture, creativity, and storytelling through powerful photography and art that captures tradition, identity & expression.

Join us for an unforgettable night where African heritage meets contemporary artistry. Experience the richness of African culture through immersive art installations, captivating performances, and meaningful connections.

Red Carpet Experience
Live Art Gallery
Live Music & DJ
Gourmet Cuisine
Couple in traditional African attire at Pittsburgh bridge

April 18, 2026

Save the Date

What to Expect

A Night to Remember

Immerse yourself in an evening filled with art, culture, music, and unforgettable experiences.

Red Carpet Arrival

Walk the red carpet and capture stunning photos as you arrive in style at our prestigious venue.

Live Art Gallery

Experience breathtaking artwork and interactive photography installations celebrating African heritage.

Cultural Performances

Be mesmerized by captivating performances that tell stories of tradition, identity, and expression.

Live Music & DJ

Dance the night away to an eclectic mix of Afrobeats, contemporary sounds, and live performances.

Gourmet Experience

Savor exquisite African-inspired cuisine prepared by renowned chefs and culinary artists.

Vendor Marketplace

Shop curated African fashion, accessories, and art from talented local and international vendors.

Style Inspiration

Dress the Part

Get inspired by stunning African fashion. Formal and African-inspired attire encouraged.

Elegant guest in African-print gown
Couple in matching purple traditional attire
Stylish African textile patchwork cape
Couple in elegant green traditional attire
Couple walking in purple traditional attire
Honoring Excellence

2026 Awardees

Celebrating outstanding individuals who embody the spirit of African excellence and have made lasting contributions to their communities.

Caster D. Binion

Caster D. Binion

Community Leadership Award

Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Pittsburgh. A dedicated leader transforming public housing and strengthening communities across the Pittsburgh region.

Dr. Tony Mitchell

Dr. Tony Mitchell

Excellence in Service Award

A distinguished professional and community pillar whose tireless dedication to service has uplifted countless lives and inspired future generations.

Dr. Yinka Aganga-Williams

Dr. Yinka Aganga-Williams

African Heritage Award

A visionary advocate for African heritage and cultural preservation, bridging communities through education, leadership, and a deep commitment to the African diaspora.

Posthumous Honor
Mama Kadiatu Kounte

Mama Kadiatu Kounte

Cultural Legacy Award

Founder of Balafon West African Dance Ensemble. A beloved cultural matriarch whose legacy of dance, music, and African traditions lives on through the community she built.

Mr. Benedict Killang

Mr. Benedict Killang

Community Excellence Award

A steadfast community champion whose leadership and commitment to excellence have made a profound impact on the African community in Pittsburgh.

Oba Ellie Kihonia

Oba Ellie Kihonia

Cultural Unity Award

Founder of Umoja and Afrika Yetu Inc. A visionary leader uniting African communities through cultural programs, advocacy, and a deep passion for Pan-African solidarity.

Live Performances

The Performers

Experience captivating live performances from these extraordinary artists bringing the soul of Africa to the stage.

HAWA WHO

HAWA WHO

Spoken Word Artist

A dynamic performing artiste — writer, actress, and spoken word artist — whose powerful storytelling celebrates the African experience and ignites cultural pride.

Leslie Ezra Smith

Leslie "Ezra" Smith

Spoken Word Artist

A compelling spoken word artist whose evocative poetry and powerful delivery move audiences, weaving stories of identity, culture, and the African diaspora experience.

Manny Apea

Manny Apea

Violinist

A gifted violinist whose expressive performances blend classical mastery with African musical traditions, creating unforgettable soundscapes that bridge cultures.

Event Schedule

The Evening Unfolds

A carefully curated timeline of experiences awaiting you on April 18, 2026.

5:00 PM

Doors Open

Red carpet arrivals begin. Step into the spotlight and capture your arrival moment.

6:00 PM

Gallery Exhibition

Explore the art gallery and interactive photography installations showcasing African culture.

7:00 PM

Opening Ceremony

Welcome remarks and the official start of The African Experience celebration.

7:30 PM

Dinner Service

Enjoy a gourmet African-inspired culinary experience prepared by master chefs.

9:00 PM

Cultural Performances

Live performances celebrating African storytelling, dance, and musical traditions.

10:30 PM

After Party

DJ sets and dancing until midnight. Celebrate and connect with fellow attendees.

Tickets

Secure Your Seat

Choose the experience that suits you best. Limited seats available.

Early Bird Pricing ends March 31, 2026 — Save up to $30!

Regular

General Admission

Perfect for those wanting to experience the magic of TAARI Gala Night.

$80 $100
Early Bird Price
  • Full event access
  • Gallery exhibition access
  • Dinner & refreshments
  • After party access
Get Regular Ticket
BEST VALUE
VIP

VIP Experience

The ultimate TAARI Gala experience with exclusive perks and premium seating.

$120 $150
Early Bird Price
  • All Regular benefits
  • Premium front-row seating
  • Exclusive VIP lounge access
  • Priority red carpet photos
  • Complimentary gift bag
Get VIP Ticket
Location

Join Us in Pittsburgh

Join us at The Greer Cabaret Theater for an unforgettable evening celebrating The African Experience in the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Venue

The Greer Cabaret Theater

655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Date

April 18, 2026

Time

5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

FAQ

Questions? Answered

What is TAARI Gala Night?
TAARI Gala Night is an annual celebration of African culture, creativity, and storytelling. The African Experience brings together art, music, fashion, and cuisine to honor tradition, identity, and expression.
What's included in the VIP ticket?
VIP tickets include premium front-row seating, exclusive VIP lounge access, priority red carpet photos, complimentary gift bag, plus all the benefits of general admission including dinner, performances, and after party access.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code is formal/black-tie optional. We encourage guests to embrace African-inspired attire to celebrate the theme of The African Experience.
When does early bird pricing end?
Early bird pricing ends on March 31, 2026. After this date, regular pricing of $100 for General Admission and $150 for VIP will apply.
Can I get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable. If you cannot attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person by contacting our team before the event.

Ready to Experience The Magic?

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of African culture, art, and community. Limited seats available.