Empowerment Awards 2025 | healcenterforthearts

Empowerment Awards

Sunday, November 16, 2025
3:00 – 5:00 PM
The Grandel Theater, 3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO

"Jazz & Generosity"

The Empowerment Awards is a celebration of the people whose vision and commitment keep the arts alive in St. Louis. For HEAL, this year is especially meaningful as we mark 10 years of empowering youth through music, mentorship, and creativity.

This year’s theme, Jazz & Generosity, brings the community together to honor leaders who have opened doors, removed barriers, and invested in opportunities that change lives. Guests are invited to wear shades of blue in recognition of HEAL’s decade of impact and the spirit of generosity that continues to shape the next generation.

Celebrate with us. Lift up the arts. Empower the future.

An Afternoon of Music and Celebration

In true HEAL tradition, the Empowerment Awards will feature live performances that showcase the power of music to inspire and connect. From our talented student ensembles to special guest artists, the afternoon will be filled with the sounds of jazz, blues, and soul that reflect the heart of St. Louis.

Full performance details will be announced soon!

Add the Empowerment Awards to your calendar and be part of this unforgettable celebration. Download the event file below to save the date on Google, Apple, or Outlook calendars with just a click.

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Honoring Community Champions

We are proud to recognize Marsha Hines Evans, a powerhouse vocalist and lifelong arts advocate whose extraordinary career and mentorship continue to inspire new generations, along with Freddie Washington, a community leader whose dedication has created meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive through the arts.

Marsha Hines Evans

Marsha Hines Evans is a powerhouse vocalist whose career spans decades in St. Louis and beyond. She began as a background singer with Tina Turner, later leading Marsha Evans & the Coalition, a band that became a Soulard institution. Known for her dynamic stage presence and unwavering commitment to young artists, she has preserved blues and jazz traditions while inspiring countless performers to find their own voices.

Freddie Washington

Freddie Washington is a celebrated jazz saxophonist whose music has shaped the sound of St. Louis. Starting out as a teenager in Gaslight Square, he later toured nationally with Mongo Santamaría before returning home to nurture the city’s jazz culture. With a soulful tone and steady mentorship, he has guided rising musicians, built community through performance, and earned recognition as one of St. Louis’ great cultural leaders.