Broadway Inspirational Voices Honors Three Decades of Music, Unity, and Impact at "Choose Yes!" 30th Annual Fundraising Concert
- Tammy Reese
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
By Tammy Reese
On Monday, April 7, 2025, Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV) filled City Winery NYC with joy, soul, and purpose as they celebrated their 30th Annual Fundraising Concert, themed “Choose Yes!” The evening was more than just a milestone — it was a full-circle moment of recognition, reflection, and revitalizing community spirit.
Honoring the legacy of Founder Michael McElroy and longtime Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Tom Viola, the evening brought together a stunning lineup of Broadway stars, passionate supporters, and advocates for the arts.
The blue carpet was full of warmth and elegance, setting the tone for a night of celebration. The venue’s inviting décor paired perfectly with the prestigious occasion. Guests embraced one another with genuine smiles, heartfelt hugs, and excitement that lingered well into the performances.
(In photo: Allen René Louis and Broadway Inspirational Voices)
Inside, the choir delivered exactly what audiences have come to expect from BIV — a musical experience that felt like church in the best way. From the first note to the final standing ovation, the music was electric, healing, and deeply spiritual. Artistic Director and GRAMMY nominee Allen René Louis curated an unforgettable lineup that reminded everyone of the transformative power of the arts.
(In photo: Sarah Bareilles and Broadway Inspirational Voices)
(In photo: Leslie Carrara Rudolph, Paul Trenier, Dev, Jennifer Malenke)
The night included powerful song, and video, and speech tributes to this year’s honorees. Broadway/film/TV legend Phylicia Rashad presented Michael McElroy with the Founder Award, and Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose presented Tom Viola with the Inspiration Award.
(In photo: Virginia Woodruff, Adriane Lenox, Michael McElroy, and Phylicia Rashad, )
(In photo: Tom Viola, Ariana DeBose, Sarah Bareilles, Allen René Louis)
“Tom Viola was the person that shifted my awareness to understanding that this thing that I love most in the world, which is performing and art, actually was the vessel in which I could help other people.”- Academy Award Winning Actress Ariana DeBose
Standout performances from OG Broadway icons like Adriane Lenox and Virginia Woodruff had the room buzzing. Adriane’s interactive moment with the audience was especially touching — inviting them to chime in and become part of the performance made the moment even more magical.
Other incredible guests in attendance were Harry Lennix, Debbie Allen,Angela Robinson, Aneesa Folds, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Sara Bareilles, David “BS” Bradshaw, Seth Rudetsky, Avery Wilson, James Wesley, Marc Shaiman, Alex Newell, Shaina Taub, Angela Grovey, J. Harrison Ghee, Marcus Paul James, and more— each adding their own light and support to an already brilliant night.
(In photo: Tammy Reese, Angela Robinson, and LaKisa Renee)
(In Photo) J. Harrison Ghee)
(In photo: Tammy Reese, Ariana DeBose, and LaKisa Renee)
(In photo: Broadway Inspirational Voices)
Thirty years ago, in the midst of the HIV/AIDs crisis a group of Broadway actors lifted their voices to provide hope and healing in a time of despair. Out of this, BIV was born. In the decades since, BIV have continued to say YES to spreading hope, inspiration and transformation through their uplifting music and impactful arts education and outreach programs.
BIV’s ongoing mission continues to uplift communities across the country. The theme “Choose Yes!” honors the countless affirmations over the past 30 years that made this work possible — and encourages future generations to say “yes” to love, to unity, and to purpose.
This was truly a night to remember.
For more Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV) 30th Annual Fundraising Concert content/exclusive interviews with Michael McElroy, Sara Bareilles, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, and more, visit Tales From The Media.
Coverage Credit: Tammy Reese, LaKisa Renee, Broadway Inspirational Voices, Sub/Urban Photography
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