Mazzoni Center Honors to Celebrate Iconic Entertainer Melba Moore.
Critically Acclaimed Benefit Returns to Philadelphia's Kimmel Center Monday, November 3 in Support of LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness. Tickets go on sale August 1.
Following two critically acclaimed evenings honoring Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz and cultural icon George Takei, Mazzoni Center-Philadelphia's premier comprehensive LGBTQ+ health and wellness center-is proud to announce that the 2025 Mazzoni Center Honors will celebrate Tony Award-winning entertainer Melba Moore on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Marian Anderson Hall in the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
A trailblazing singer, actress, and Broadway powerhouse, Melba Moore has inspired generations with her unforgettable voice, genre-crossing hits, and fearless commitment to breaking barriers.
With a career spanning stage, screen, and song, she has earned a Tony Award, three Grammy nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has also scored six Top 10 hits on the Billboard R&B chart, including the #1 duet "A Little Bit More" with Freddie Jackson, as well as fan favorites like "Love's Comin' At Ya," "Falling," "You Stepped Into My Life," and the disco classic "This Is It." Beyond her artistic achievements, Moore has long been a vocal advocate for social justice and a steadfast ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
"I'm so grateful and floored by this wonderful honor from the Mazzoni Center," says Moore. "Throughout my years in entertainment, the LGBTQ+ community has been tremendously supportive. I look forward to being in Philadelphia this November for this great event."
Mazzoni Center Honors: Melba Moore will once again be hosted by Peabody Award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien, with special appearances by local radio legends, Patty Jackson and Dyana Williams, and produced by Richard Barone, with Nick Wilders returning as musical director. The event will feature a house band including members of The Philadelphia Orchestra and showcase a diverse lineup of guest performers from Broadway, pop, and beyond.
Among those already announced to take the stage in tribute to Moore:
- Savion Glover (Tony Award-winning tap dance legend)
- Lisa Fischer (Two-time Grammy Award winner)
- Low Cut Connie (“America’s Best Live Band” – Rolling Stone)
- J Harrison Ghee (Tony Award winner for Some Like It Hot)
- Vicki Peterson (Grammy nominee with The Bangles)
- Joy Woods (Tony nominee for Gypsy)
- Nikki Renée Daniels (Once Upon a Mattress, Company)
- Richard Barone (MTV VMA nominee and lead singer of The Bongos)
- Brittany Lynn (Drag visionary and Philly Phifty Honoree)
- John Cowsill (The Cowsills)
- Vance Gilbert (Acclaimed singer-songwriter)
- Lauren Hart (Greatest anthem singer in NHL history)
- The St. Thomas Gospel Choir
More artists will be announced in the coming weeks.
This year's honoree has had a profound impact on American music, Broadway, and the LGBTQ+ community," says David Weisberg, Mazzoni Center's Chief Development Officer and Executive Producer of the event. "Melba Moore's soaring vocals, personal courage, and outspoken advocacy make her a perfect choice for Mazzoni Center Honors. We can't wait to celebrate her legacy with a night full of unforgettable performances and surprises."
About Mazzoni Center
Founded as an all-volunteer organization combating the AIDS crisis in 1979, Mazzoni Center today serves more than 15,000 clients annually with wraparound services including whole-person primary medical care; HIV and STI testing, prevention, and treatment; behavioral health care; and a food bank. With a core commitment to health equity, Mazzoni Center provides over $1 million in uncompensated care each year to ensure that no one is turned away due to lack of financial resources.
Ticket prices for Mazzoni Center Honors Melba Moore start at $35 and will go on sale starting Friday, August 1.
Use the discount code THISISIT for 10% off all ticket purchases through Sunday, August 31.
Learn more about the event and how to purchase tickets:
