“There is nothing like it anywhere else in the region,” said Rick Davis, dean, George Mason University, College of Visual and Performing Arts describing the upcoming ARTS by George! Gala evening.

With great art, great student performances, and “a headliner performance in the Concert Hall by one of the great musical theater artists of our time, Bernadette Peters, there is nothing like it anywhere else in the region,” added Davis.

The Gala funds scholarships and provides enhanced funding for the entire Great Performances season at Mason; full of eye-opening entertainment and inspiration for audiences.

“ARTS by George! scholarships help Mason students create as they learn,” said Ángel Cabrera, Mason president. “These students flourish at Mason and go on to contribute to their field nationally and internationally.”

This year’s event is co-chaired by Joseph Catalano, vice president of Sandy Spring Bank. Catalano noted that “ARTS by George!” is “a big part of the fabric of Northern Virginia, providing not only an opportunity for people to see the treasure we have in Mason but for our very talented, dedicated students to perform before audiences in a special evening.” He invited first-timers to join the festivities.

The funds raised for scholarships give Mason students opportunities that might not be otherwise available. “The scholarship made my return to school possible for my degree in arts management,” said graduate student Megan Merchant. “I have received practical experiences and an understanding of what leadership in the arts requires,” noted Merchant.

In an interview, multi-Tony Award recipient Bernadette Peters spoke of the importance and value of supporting the arts and students through events such as “ARTS by George!”

“We want to encourage young people to be creative.” She promised “an evening’s journey to be entertained” as she “expresses the emotions in each song; capturing the moment” with a wide range of numbers written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim and many more. And perhaps some unexpected sultry songs that will flood the audience with fond memories.

Peters will be accompanied by members of the renowned U.S. Marine Band for some of her numbers. Peters may also chat about matters beyond music. She is an author of children’s books including the recent “Stella and Charlie: Friends Forever,” a tale about two shelter dogs who become “BFFs.”