Riverside Theatre to Honor Cissy Houston at 4th Annual Women of Excellence in the Arts Event, 4/26

In celebration and recognition of women who have made a difference in the world through their chosen art form, The Riverside Theatre today announced it has selected Dr. Cissy Houston as the recipient of the 4th Annual Women of Excellence in the Arts Award. This year's event will take place at the Theatre (91 Claremont Ave., bet. 120th & 122nd St.), on Friday, April 26, starting at 7:00 p.m. (preceded by a special reception at 6:00 p.m.), where Houston will discuss her book, "Remembering Whitney." Co-Chairs for this very special evening are R&B singers Chuck Jackson and Smokey Robinson!

"Cissy Houston is a celebrated and incredible talent whose experiences and contributions to the arts are immeasurable," said Robin Bell-Stevens, Executive Director of The Riverside Theatre. "The Riverside Theatre is honored to have her participation in this year's event and we look forward to her sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with us on April 26."

Dr. Cissy Houston is a Grammy-winning soul and gospel singer, and mother of late superstar Whitney Houston. She gained fame as part of the Drinkards, a family gospel group, and revolutionized the "Background Industry" as the founder and leader of Sweet Inspirations, a well-respected vocal group who provided background vocals for such artists as Luther Vandross, Wishbone Ash, Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, and Elvis Presley. She later enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist. Dr. Houston grew up in Newark, New Jersey, where she raised her family and still lives in the area.

The Riverside Theatre was founded on the belief that the arts can be a transforming power in peoples' lives. The Theatre has presented a diverse range of programming including original music, dance productions, film premieres, musicals and plays. Since its founding in 1960, the Theatre has become well known for exposing audiences to arts from many cultures, and to supporting emerging artists of all disciplines.

Tickets to attend The Women of Excellence in the Arts event honoring Dr. Cissy Houston are $45, with limited availability. The ticket price includes a copy of Cissy Houston's book, "Remembering Whitney." For more information and tickets, please visit www.TheRiversideTheatre.org or call (212) 870-6784.

The Riverside Church (www.theriversidechurchny.org) is an interracial, interdenominational and international church built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1927. The 1,200-member Riverside Church in Morningside Heights has a rich tradition of providing a forum for important civic and spiritual leaders. Past speakers include: The Rev. DR. Martin Luther King, Jr., President William J. Clinton, the Dalai Lama, Fidel Castro, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.