Photography by Wendy Adams and Kristen Williams

A weekend of celebrations for the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center at the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music started Saturday, February 4 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening gala. The six-hour party raised $725,000 for musical instruments, recording and audio technology and an instrument lending program. Guests were welcomed to the $40 million Scheidt Center with a blue carpet entrance, champagne, and tours. Six-time Grammy artist Dionne Warwick performed and was a highlight of the gala event. The celebratory weekend continued on Sunday with the inaugural Honey Music Festival. This free community celebration showcased 17 different ensembles, chambers, choirs and studios throughout the Scheidt Center on five different stages. Fundraising efforts continue to fully equip the state-of-the-art facility with needed equipment and support for an instrument-lending program for students. If you are interested in supporting the future of music in Memphis, please visit MemphisCAC.org