The Walker Art Center announced that St. Paul-born DJ, producer and entertainment entrepreneur DJ Skee will headline Avant Garden, the museum’s annual benefit, on Saturday, September 19.
The event, held at the Walker Art Center, blends the formality of a gala with the energy of a rave, according to organizers. The evening opens with a dinner, auction and fund-a-need program inside the Walker’s galleries before shifting into what organizers are calling “the Party,” a late-night dance event staged in the parking ramp adjacent to the museum. DJ Skee will deliver the headline set.
Proceeds from Avant Garden support the Walker’s artistic and educational programming. The Minneapolis institution is known for its rotating exhibitions, performance programs and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.
DJ Skee has built a career spanning music, sports, entertainment and technology. He has worked with artists including Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar and Post Malone, produced music for Michael Jackson, Chris Cornell and Nipsey Hussle, and contributed to soundtracks for “Fortnite” and “Halo.”
He has also worked with the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams, and became the first DJ to perform at an NFL game, a NASCAR race and a University of Michigan event. St. Paul has previously recognized him with an official “DJ Skee Day.”
Tickets are on sale now, with several tiers available. A Party ticket, which includes access to the late-night event beginning at 8:30 p.m., costs $150 per guest. Table packages for 10 guests range from $15,000 for a Silver Table to $25,000 for a Platinum Table, each including a cocktail reception, dinner and access to the Party. Guests can also add a reserved lounge with unlimited drinks near the dance floor for $7,500.
This year’s Avant Garden is co-chaired by Peter Lindahl and Susan Blaska Lindahl, with a host of committee members overseeing auction, sponsorship, table and party ticket planning.
