AWRT’s GRACIES ANNOUNCES ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE STARS BY THE STARS FEATURING THE BOYS CHOIR OF HARLEM AND COMEDIENNE ANGELA LAGRECA

26th Gracie Allen Awards

New York – May 16, 2001---The American Women in Radio and Television’s 26th Annual Gracie Allen Awards held on May 31st at New York City’s Plaza Hotel will feature performances by the world renowned Boys Choir of Harlem, as well as the hilarious antics of comedienne Angela LaGreca. AWRT is proud to honor the outstanding work of this year’s Gracie Allen award winners with a star studded affair including Anne Heche, Jane Pauley, and Christina Saralegui. The evening promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

The Boys Choir of Harlem has performed both domestically and abroad, from Israel to the White House, and has consistently proven it to be one of the finest choral ensembles in the world. The Choir sang at a sunrise mass with Pope John Paul II, they sang for Nelson Mandella during his visit to the African National Congress, they sang for the General Assembly of The United Nations, and they performed at former President George Bush’s Inaugural Celebration. Former First Lady Barbara Bush admits that, “The Boys Choir’s magnificent performance at the White House will always be a cherished memory for me and all the others who were fortunate enough to be present.” The Boys Choir of Harlem will be accompanied by award winning pianist/ composer Joel A. Martin of Jazzical. Their performance at this year’s Gracie Allen Award is a highly happy birthday aunt images.

Comedienne Angela LaGreca is an award-winning performer whose unique blend of standup, musical comedy and impression, has won audiences and critics alike. She has played to rave reviews at sold-out shows throughout the country. She won the 2000 MAC Award for Outstanding Female Comedy, considered New York’s “Oscar” for live performance. Angela has had numerous television appearances on some of the country’s most popular programs, and is the regular warm-up personality for ABC’s The View. She also created, hosts and produces the award-winning variety show “Angela LaGreca’s Monday Night Madness”. The Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television is proud to have Angela among the performers at this year’s 26th annual Gracie Allen Awards.

The awards are named after Gracie Allen, a pioneer in radio and television whose spirit embodies these awards and are the AWRT Foundation’s means of honoring programming by women, for women and about women, as well as the outstanding achievements of individuals.

The Gracie Allen Awards program celebrates the accomplishments of women in broadcasting and cable, both on air and behind the scenes. The Gracie Allen Awardsä pay tribute to various individuals and programs that were created by women, for women and about women, as well as outstanding individual achievement. The Gracies strive to encourage the positive and realistic portrayal of women in entertainment, commercials, news features and other programming. The Awards are named after Gracie Allen, a pioneer in radio and television, who embodies the spirit of these awards.

To purchase tickets or for a complete list of award winners for the 26th Annual Gracie Allen Awards,ä call AWRT at (703) 506-3290.

ABOUT AWRT: American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) is a national, nonprofit organization that extends membership to qualified professionals, women and men, in the electronic media and allied fields. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, AWRT’s mission is to advance the impact of women in the electronic media and allied fields by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry. Founded in 1951, AWRT has worked to improve the quality of the electronic media; to promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the electronic media and allied fields; to serve as a medium of communication and idea exchange; and to become involved in community concerns. Created in 1960, The Foundation of American Women in Radio & Television was the first professional broadcast educational foundation. Today, the Foundation is the philanthropic arm of AWRT that supports and promotes educational projects, public service campaigns, charitable programs and other activities. For AWRT membership information, contact: (703) 506-3290, or go to www.awrt.org<.

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