The 2024 Dream Awards

An Evening of Entertainment Excellence

Article & Photography By Sheryl Aronson

On Sept. 29, Harrison Entertainment Group presented the 2024 Dream Awards, honoring arts, music, communication and media legends. The grand celebration was held at the Aliante Casino Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas and was hosted by the spirited duo of Earl Turner and Kelly Clinton-Holmes. The illustrious honorees such as Jeffrey Osborne, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Ray Parker, Jr., Bubba Knight, Little Anthony, Sherry Gordy and the Whispers, and special guest Smokey Robinson graced the red carpet.

Gordy received the Jimmy Payton Visionary Award that evening and has been active in the Las Vegas community as a CEO, producer, host, real estate broker, philanthropist and entrepreneur. As the daughter of legendary music mogul Berry Gordy, she has learned to apply her skills in creating successful entertainment shows.

She commented on what receiving this award meant to her. “I’m humbled to be seen as a visionary,” she said. “I wanted to produce my comedy show in Las Vegas. The idea for “Tickle Me Tuesdays Comedy Jam and Dinner Show” was born. I also brought forth “Take the Stage” at Club Tequila and “Stage 2 Stage,” which gave new talent a place to be seen. I wanted to honor my father and the legacy he created with a variety show that would allow local talent to have a venue to perform and hopefully help launch their careers.”

Throughout the evening, the audience was enthralled with dynamic performances from Evelyn “Champagne” King, Little Anthony, Christine Shebeck, Paris Red, Grady Harrell and Michelle Johnson. Bubba Knight, Ray Parker Jr., and the trio of Jeffrey Osborne, Smokey Robinson and Johnny Gill also gave surprise impromptu performances.

An outstanding evening highlight touched everyone’s hearts when Mable Buckner, CEO of Harrison Entertainment Group, presented songstress Darcus Speed Gates with a proclamation from the City of Las Vegas. The beloved Gates shed tears of joy and gratitude as her two grown children stood proudly by her side.

The grand finale of the 2024 Dream Awards exploded with star power when the honorees, presenters and special guest performers lit up the stage singing “Shining Star.”  Imagine your dream concert: Evelyn “Champagne” King wailing into the mic, Jeffrey Osborne vocalizing his soulful voice behind her, Bubba Knight crooning away, while Little Anthony adds his falsetto.  

Would you be dreaming or are you in the audience of the Dream Awards, dancing the night away? 

The 2024 Dream Awards recipients included:

• Excellence in Media Award: John Katsilometes
• Icon Award: Jeffrey Osborne
• Jimmy Payton Visionary Award: Sherry Gordy
• Las Vegas Entertainer & Producer Award: Billie Cole
• Las Vegas Entertainment Award: Ken Young
• Lifetime Achievement Award: The Whispers
• Living Legend Award: Bubba Knight and Little Anthony
• Luminary Award: Ray Parker Jr.
• Vanguard Award: Evelyn “Champagne” King