Formed as a jazz ensemble in the mid-'60s, Kool & the Gang became one of the most inspired and influential funk units during the '70s, and one of the most popular R&B groups of the '80s after their breakout hit "Celebration." Just as funky as James Brown or Parliament (and sampled almost as frequently), Kool & the Gang relied on their jazz backgrounds and long friendship to form a tightly knit group with the interplay and improvisation of a jazz outfit, plus the energy and spark of a band with equal ties to soul, R&B, and funk.

Robert "Kool" Bell (aka Muhammad Bayyan) and his brother Ronald (aka Khalis Bayyan) grew up in Jersey City and picked up the music bug from their father, who was a professional boxer, serious jazz lover, and close friend of Thelonious Monk. Their 21 Top 40 hits exhibit uncommon range, from the tough funk of "Jungle Boogie," to the smooth instrumental soul of "Summer Madness," to the lively pop of "Joanna." As an album act, they've been just as successful, having hit the Top Ten of the R&B chart with a dozen LPs that include the gold Wild and Peaceful (1973), the all-platinum run of Ladies' Night (1979), Celebrate! (1980), Something Special (1981), and Emergency (1984), and the gold Forever (1986). Since the '90s, they've focused most on touring, and performed at Strangers in the Night 9 back in 2013. We are proud to have them back with us once again ten years later in 2023.

With the exception of 2020, Gloria continues to tirelessly tour the world with her ten piece band performing in the USA, Europe, South America, and beyond each year. She was a presenter at the 2015 GRAMMY Awards and the headliner at both the 2015 and the 2020 “Official GRAMMY Celebration.”
Gloria was also honored by the Library of Congress on May 6, 2017 after having her recording of her global anthem, “I Will Survive,” inducted in the library’s collection of recordings with American historical & cultural significance in 2016.
From individuals triumphing over illness to those suffering from the painful loss of a loved one to others piecing their lives together after bearing witness to a national tragedy, “I Will Survive,” has become an emotional anthem for them and for millions of Gloria’s adoring fans around the world. “‘I Will Survive’ is my mantra, the core of my God-given purpose,'” Gaynor said in a statement. “It is my privilege and honor to use it to inspire people around the world of every nationality, race, creed, color and age group to join me as I sing and live the words: ‘I Will Survive.’”

1

Entry at 7PM
Access to all entertainment

$75

2

Entry at 5:30PM

Open Bar from 5:30PM – 12:30AM


$275-$2500

3

Entry at 5:30PM

Premium Open Bar & VIP Lounge from 5:30PM


$550-$5000

4

Entry at 5PM
Private 5-course meal. Dedicated waitstaff.
Premium Open Bar & VIP Area

$1,100-$10,000