The City’s Arts Patrons And Philanthropists Gathered At The Hobby Center For The Performing Arts For A Dazzling “Raise The Curtain”-Themed Gala Featuring Immersive Theatrical Experiences, Electrifying Performances By Emmy And Tony Award-Winner Darren Criss, And A Landmark $5 Million Gift From Mady And Ken Kades That Will Shape The Venue’s Future For Generations To Come

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Emily Jaschke and Michelle Watson

THE SCENE: The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston was the setting for a fun-filled night of fundraising. Approximately 250 of Space City’s most notable art patrons, theater lovers, sociables, and philanthropists attended the 2026 Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Gala. The “Raise the Curtain” themed event had guests enthralled and highly engaged from the opening curtain to the final act with show-stopping performances and the announcement of a major, transformative gift.

THE VIBE: The black-tie attired patrons featured an elegant array of formal looks that was as lively as the guests themselves. During the night, one spotted traditional formal wear that seamlessly blended with those donning bold colors, prints, and metallics. The result was a fun, festive environment where the entire partygoer ensemble felt welcome.

Kicking off the festivities was a fabulous cocktail hour on the Sarofim Stage. Here, guests mingled, sipped on their favorite spirits, and brimmed with anticipation for the night ahead. At the end of cocktail hour, chimes rang and revealed the first show-stopping act of the night.

Guests entered the main stage through a speakeasy door that underscored the night’s specialness. Many could be seen taking an image in front of the elusive doors to commemorate the evening.

Revelers then took to their seats for dinner and the main program. The Events Company transformed the stage into a theatrical wonderland that fully immersed guests in the experience. As partygoers dined on a delectable, multi-course meal courtesy of City Kitchen Catering, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for being a part of such a special evening.

The highlight of the program was the announcement of a $5 million gift from the Ken and Mady Kades Foundation, which will support new initiatives and improvements across the Hobby Center campus. Additionally, a Hobby Center will create a new hospitality lounge, to be known as The Kades Club, in honor of the couple’s generosity. The announcement was met with rousing applause that brought the crowd to its feet.

Patrons then settled into their seats for the next act of the night: electric musical performances by acclaimed actor Darren Criss. The Emmy and Tony Award-winning star dazzled and charmed the crowd as he sang a series of his favorite songs performed throughout his illustrious career. The highlight of the performance was when Criss invited a local student, Bianca Ramierz, to the stage to join him in a duet of “Suddenly Seymour,” from the Broadway musical classic Little Shop of Horrors, ending the performance on a high note.

Partygoers then proceeded to the night’s final act. The speakeasy doors reopened to reveal a stunning late-night lounge where guests mingled and, in a nod to staying out all night, were treated to McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches and pies, capping off a night that beautifully captured the spirit and essence of Houston’s thriving arts scene.

THE NON-PROFIT: The 2026 Hobby Center Raise the Curtain Gala, chaired by Mady and Ken Kades with Margaret Alkek Williams serving as honorary chair, raised over $815,000 for the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Proceeds from the event will support the organization’s education programs, which enable over 50,000 students to experience free performances at the world-class venue during the 2026-2027 season.

Here Are 7 Standout Highlights From The 2026 Hobby Center Gala…

Guests Entered Through Hidden Speakeasy Doors
The evening began with an immersive theatrical twist as patrons stepped through secret speakeasy-style doors onto the main stage for dinner and the program.

The Sarofim Stage Cocktail Hour Set A Glamorous Tone
Guests mingled onstage while sipping cocktails and soaking in the anticipation of the Raise the Curtain-themed celebration.

The Stage Was Transformed Into A Theatrical Wonderland
The Events Company created a dramatic dining environment that fully immersed attendees in the spirit of Broadway and live performance.

A $5 Million Gift Brought The Crowd To Its Feet
Mady and Ken Kades announced a transformative $5 million gift supporting new Hobby Center initiatives, including the future creation of The Kades Club hospitality lounge.

Darren Criss Delivered An Electrifying Performance
The Emmy and Tony Award-winning performer captivated guests with songs spanning his acclaimed stage and television career.

A Surprise Duet Became The Night’s Emotional High Point
Darren Criss invited local student Bianca Ramirez to perform “Suddenly Seymour” from Little Shop of Horrors, earning roaring applause from the audience.

The Night Ended With A Speakeasy-Style Late-Night Lounge
Guests closed out the celebration with dancing, mingling, and playful late-night bites including McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches and pies.