‘Magical Mystery Gala’ Travels to 1960s to Support Arts/Access Outreach Programs

The UMAss Amherst Fine Arts Center presents “The Magical Mystery Gala,” its 29th annual gala, auction and season preview event, on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 6-11:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Auditorium.

Held annually since 1989, the gala is a fundraiser for the Fine Arts Center’s Arts/Access outreach programs, which provide free “angel tickets” to local human service agencies and daytime Global Arts performances for school-aged children, as well as support Jazz in July scholarships, special exhibitions, artist residencies and more.

This year, guests can strut their ’60s garb while enjoying cocktails, appetizers, red-carpet photos and a silent auction, followed by a three-course dinner prepared by UMass Catering and its awarding-winning chefs, a spring season preview of FAC events, a lavish live and second silent auction and dancing to live music by Fever.

Gala tickets are $125 per person, which includes a $75 tax-deductible gift to the Fine Arts Center. The event sold out last year, so buying tickets early is encouraged. Call the box office at 413/545-2511 or toll-free at 800-999-UMAS, or purchase tickets online at fineartscenter.com/gala.

The auctions include fine art, original creations, getaways, themed baskets and more, all donated by local businesses and artists.

This year’s auction gallery will host a special collection of former UMass Amherst art professor Fred Becker’s work.

Other auction highlights include:

Nantucket Food & Wine Festival VIP package for 2 including Thursday night’s gala event
Catered Sushi and Sake Dinner for Ten from Kisara Japanese & Korean Restaurant
Petra Azar White Sapphire Necklace donated by Hannoush Jewelers in Northampton
Catered Dinner for 20 and Personal theatrical performance by Rosie Caine and the Wilde Irish Women
Gin-tasting party hosted by Terry Peters & John Bryan

To stay updated on who’s attending and what’s up for bid, join The Magical Mystery Gala event on Facebook.

Attendees receive free parking in the Campus Center Garage and are eligible for a discounted rate to stay overnight at Hotel UMass on campus. Book online at hotelumass.com or call 877-822-2110 by Jan. 12 and use code: FAC18C.