TBEY Arts Center, Inc. (TBEY) has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s arts community for over two decades. Founded in 2000 by Contessa Cole (Lobley) at just 16 years old, TBEY was created in response to the decline of arts programs in local schools. Today, TBEY remains committed to providing accessible arts education and cultural opportunities for youth in underserved communities.

TBEY currently partners with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to deliver critical arts instruction in schools that lack this resource. Additionally, TBEY offers vibrant after-school and summer arts programs at its dedicated studio, empowering youth from diverse backgrounds to explore their creativity and build essential life and career skills.

To date, TBEY has positively impacted the lives of over 20,000 youth, with 80% identifying as youth and young adults of color. Many TBEY alumni have gone on to successful careers in the arts and beyond, highlighting TBEY’s vital role as a pipeline for workforce development in Milwaukee’s creative industries.

The StarGazed Benefit Concert, TBEY’s annual signature fundraising event, celebrates the arts while raising critical funds to support Milwaukee’s youth. In 2025, TBEY will celebrate 25 years of service to the Milwaukee arts community with this special edition of StarGazed, titled “An Evening of Music.”

Event Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025

Location: Historic Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee

Doors Open: 5:30 PM | Program Begins: 6:30 PM

VIP Reception: 6:00 PM (includes appetizers, cocktails, priority seating, and a meet-and-greet with artists)

This year’s event will feature performances by Kindred the Family Soul alongside Milwaukee’s finest local artists, presented by R&B Live. We anticipate an audience of 200+ community members, including business leaders, arts advocates, and philanthropic partners.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS: THE IMPACT OF YOUR PARTNERSHIP

The purpose of the StarGazed Benefit Concert is to raise $250,000 in funding to:

Support Year-Round Arts Programming: Proceeds will sustain programs in visual arts, dance, thea- tre and music for underserved youth.

Provide Scholarships: Sponsorship ensures youth have access to quality arts training and creative experiences at little or no cost to their families.

Celebrate Milwaukee’s Arts Legacy: This milestone event will honor Milwaukee-born artists who have made national and international contributions across various artistic mediums.

Through your sponsorship, you will play a direct role in nurturing Milwaukee’s next generation of artists, performers, and creative leaders while ensuring the arts remain accessible, inclusive, and vibrant for our community’s youth.

2025 Stargazed

An Evening of Music!