top of page

Grammy-nominated artist headlines GMUL Black and White Ball entertainment

Updated: Sep 18, 2023

R&B and Jazz legend Patrice Rushen to perform at November 4th event


(August 15, 2023 ● Milwaukee, WI) The legendary recording artist Patrice Rushen is the headline musical act for Greater Milwaukee Urban League’s 38th Annual Black and White Ball on November 4th at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee.


Rushen is a Grammy-award winning artist whose musical talents span five decades. She has released 15 albums, including two that were Grammy nominated. Rushen has been nominated for four Grammy Awards in total, including her 1982 hit “Forget Me Nots”, which earned a nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.


Rushen has worked with dozens of the music world’s most famous performers including Prince, Carlos Santana, Stevie Wonder, and Herbie Hancock. She is a composer and music producer. She was the first female music director for awards programs including, the Grammy Awards, the Emmy Awards, the People’s Choice Awards, and the NAACP’s Image Awards.

Rushen’s music is being exposed to a new generation as artists as singers Will Smith, Kirk Franklin, and George Michaels sample some of her songs and incorporate the songs into their work.


“Patrice Rushen is an artist whose talent and influence stand the test of time,” said GMUL President and CEO Dr. Eve M. Hall. “We look forward to welcoming Ms. Rushen and know her unique fusion of jazz, R&B, and classical music will be appreciated by her many Milwaukee fans.”

The GMUL Black and White Ball after party will feature a tribute to 50 years of Motown music by the popular local band Cigarette Break.

Greater Milwaukee Urban League’s Black and White Ball is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. Funding from the event supports education, employment, and advocacy programs all year long. Those programs impact thousands of lives in the greater Milwaukee area.


The Black and White Ball sells out each year; individuals and organizations are encouraged to purchase tickets now. More information on sponsorships, tickets, and other details can be found at tmul.org in the Black and White Ball section.


About Greater Milwaukee Urban League


The Greater Milwaukee Urban League is an affiliate of The National Urban League. We lead through education and outreach, employment and empowerment, and advocacy to achieve economic vibrancy and equal access to all industries and disciplines that position African Americans to create wealth and live a better quality of life. Greater Milwaukee Urban League’s vision is to ensure that Wisconsin becomes a top 10 place for African Americans to live and thrive and where the greater Milwaukee area becomes a leader in education and socioeconomic inclusion. For more information, visit www.tmul.org and follow us on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram: @urbanleaguemke.




288 views0 comments
Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page