The New York Pops 23rd Birthday Gala 88 Keys for Skitch – A Celebration of the Piano at Carnegie Hall on May 8, 2006 was an evening to celebrate. We were proud to honor Ahmet M. Ertegun, Founding Chairman of Atlantic Records. The concert was conducted by Marvin Hamlisch, with host Elaine Stritch, and special guest Liza Minnelli. Impresario Damon Dash was saluted and the concert featured Broadway’s Jersey Boys, Chu-Fang Huang, Kid Rock, Bob Lappin, Darlene Love, Paolo Nutini, and George Wein. The post concert dinner dance was attended by 400 guests at the New York Athletic Club. The annual gala raises funds for the orchestra and its free education programs and summer concerts.

Kid Rock, host Elaine Stritch, and conductor Marvin Hamlisch. Photo: Rob Rich

Atlantic Records recording artist Paolo Nutini with Ahmet Ertegun and fellow Atlantic artist Kid Rock. Photo: Rob Rich

Gala Co-Chairs Donna and Richard Soloway. Photo: Rob Rich

Broadway’s Jersey Boys with Damon Dash and Rachel Roy. Photo: Rob Rich

Liza Minnelli opened the concert at Carnegie Hall performing, “I Love a Piano” with Marvin Hamlisch at the piano. Photo: Rob Rich

Star of stage and screen Darlene Love. Darlene also performed with The New York Pops for the Macy’s 4th of July broadcast on NBC this summer. Photo: Rob Rich

Paolo Nutini and Young Friends of The New York Pops Chair, Catherine I. Forbes. Photo: Rob Rich

Gala Honoree Ahmet Ertegun, Founding Chairman of Atlantic Records, with wife Mica. Photo: Rob Rich

David Schiff, Damon Dash, The New York Pops Board President Ruth Henderson, Lisa Schiff, Catherine Forbes, Bob and Pat Schieffer. Photo: Rob Rich