Luther Vandross Listening Party & More

We presented two back-to-back Luther Vandross events, live and virtual, this past April.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, we presented the first-ever Luther Vandross: Never Too Much Music & Style Celebration at Thread Lounge in New York, NY.

Our goal was to spotlight the glamour and elegance of Luther Vandross’ performances, including every sparkling rhinestone, crystal bugle bead, luminous pearl, and shiny metallic thread on his breathtaking encrusted tuxedos. Designer Tony Chase’s wonderous mix of sweeping Art Noveau and geometric Art Deco designs helped Luther transport his audience to a magical place. 

Since every show had to look like the first show, these costumes were worn, and their upkeep was a nightmare for Luther’s experienced wardrobe department. Beads would break, threads would snag and pull, and collars would get stained. It was aggravating! 

But, looking back, we can appreciate Luther’s keen eye for detail and his unique way of putting on a spectacular show. Combine these costumes with graceful choreography, sophisticated orchestration, and glorious backing vocals, and you get every heart in the audience melt. 

It’s incredible to think about the level of detail that went into each show, from the costumes and lighting to the choreography and chrome sets, not to mention the phenomenal talents of his band members and backing vocalists. I’m sure Luther’s performances left a lasting impression on everyone in the audience.

This fabulous free event will feature a Panel Discussion with Luther’s backing vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s choreographer, James Ervin, a live performance by Keith Anthony Fluitt and Christopher Faison, a Fashion Show curated by Catherine Schuller with Harlem’s Heaven Hats and Modafluer, DJ DAN.C.E, a vendor bazaar with True Serenity Teas, and an inspiring health and weight loss journey with Graffiti Glamour founder, Alicia Mitchell.

The FANDROSS Luther Vandross Listening Party on Saturday, April 20th, spotlighted songs from the recently re-released first album, LUTHER.

Hosted by Luther’s former personal assistant, Max Szadek, we were joined by family, friends, and colleagues: Seveda Williams, Fonzi Thornton, Nat Adderley, Jr., and Carlos Alomar, plus trivia with Robin Clark, Kevin Owens, Michelle Cobbs, Lisa Fischer, and commentary from Luther historian, Leon Petrossian. Additionally, we had rare interviews with Luther Vandross, discussing the early years of his musical legacy.

All photos by Carol Seitz Photography.

Fandross Festival Coming In May 2018

Luther Vandross
© Robert Matheu
© Retna Ltd.

Join us for the inaugural Fandross Festival presented by the Vandross Family Estate and Divabetic celebrating the musical legacy of Luther Vandross and raising awareness for the prevention of diabetes health-related complications such as stroke on Saturday, March 12, 2018, 6:30 – 9:30 PM at SVA Theater in New York, NY. 

Fandross Festival recaptures the elegance and excellence of Luther’s career with a film presentation of his iconic performances, stage memorabilia and an in-depth discussion with Luther’s former band members, vocalists, and superfans.

+ See Luther Vandross Exclusive Memorabilia: Luther’s dazzling music awards, bejeweled stage costumes and more will be on display

+ Watch R & B legend Luther Vandross on the Big Screen: His most iconic live performances, biggest songs, popular videos and rare clips larger than life with Dolby sound.

+ Meet the Team! Enjoy an interactive Panel Discussion hosted by Max ‘Mr. Divabetic’ Szadek featuring Luther Vandross’s former musical director, Nat Adderley Jr., singer-songwriter Fonzi Thornton, vocalist Alfa Anderson, vocalist Robin Clark, guitarist, composer and arranger Carlos Alomar, vocalist and songwriter Tawatha Agee, Luther Vandross historian Leon Petrossian, and more.

+ Sing Back Up! Vocalist Patricia Lacy leads the audience in several of Luther’s most iconic background vocals. Learn how to create harmony parts and hold firm no matter which other vocal parts surround you. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!

+ Greet other Luther fans, share your stories and revisit memories of one of the world’s most treasured performers.

We will be spotlighting the 35 Anniversary of the release of Luther Vandross’ Busy Body album featuring ‘Superstar/Until You Come Back to Me  (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)’. 

Admission: $10 Advance. $20 Door

If Luther’s “smooth as silk” voice, dramatic ballads and up-tempo jams are a major part of the soundtrack of your life, you do not want to miss Fandross Festival. We invite Luther fans of all ages to attend and celebrate Luther’s “so amazing” contributions to music, arts, and culture.

The Vandross Family Estate and the national diabetes nonprofit organization, Divabetic (divabetic.org), proudly present Fandross Festival. “Keep your House a Home” and learn how to prevent diabetes health-related complications (such as stroke) from occurring.

Fandross Festival 2018 on Saturday, May 12, 2018, 6:30 – 9:30 PM at SVA Theater, 333 West 23rd Street, New York, NY, 10011. Tickets available at Eventbrite. BUY TICKETS

Can’t wait? Listen now to our Annual Luther Vandross Tribute podcast featuring  Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Luther percussionist Steve Kroon, Luther vocalists Tawatha Agee and Pat Lacy, Luther historian Leon Petrossian, members of ‘The Luther Re-Lives Experience’, family members, friends and superfans. Throughout the  podcast we will be featuring selected songs from the album entitled ‘Luther Vandross’ courtesy of SONY Music.