A.P. Anderson Award

for Outstanding Contributions to Arts and Culture in Minnesota

The annual award is named for Dr. Alexander P. Anderson, who invented the process for creating Quaker Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat cereals. An educator, botanist, writer and naturalist, Anderson built the Tower View Estate, which today is stewarded by the Anderson Center who operates the historic site as a hub to develop, foster and promote creative endeavors and the exchange of ideas.

The Award Ceremony and Gala will be held Thursday, June 5th.

The A.P. Anderson Gala is an annual signature event for the Anderson Center at Tower View. Taking place outdoors on the Anderson Center’s Rooftop Deck, the Gala combines the A.P. Anderson Award ceremony program with a fundraising benefit for the venerable non-profit arts institution featuring a silent auction, live music, and a gourmet plated dinner.

We invite you to join us for this creative black tie event. Valet parking is included in your ticket purchase.

You don't need to attend the Gala to participate in our online silent auction. Many items can be shipped to you anywhere in the United States. Take a look at the travel packages, experiences, gift baskets, jewelry, and artwork we have to offer. We'll continue to add new items until bidding opens two weeks prior to the A.P. Anderson Award Gala.

Get Your Tickets Here

Auction - Register and Bid Here

2025 A.P. Anderson Awardee

Gary Hines

The Anderson Center at Tower View in Red Wing, Minnesota, will honor Gary Hines, producer/director of the musical group Sounds of Blackness, with the 2025 A.P. Anderson Award for significant contributions to the cultural and artistic life of Minnesota. The award ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The A.P. Anderson Gala is a signature event for the Anderson Center at Tower View. Taking place outdoors on the Anderson Center’s Rooftop Deck, the Gala combines the A.P. Anderson Award ceremony program with a fundraising benefit for the venerable non-profit arts institution featuring a silent auction, live music, and a gourmet plated dinner.

“Gary Hines exemplifies outstanding arts leadership in Minnesota through his lifelong dedication to music, cultural preservation, and community engagement. As the founder and musical director of Sounds of Blackness, a three-time Grammy-winning ensemble, Hines has profoundly shaped Minnesota's music landscape, championing genres that celebrate the African American experience,” says Dobby Gibson, who nominated Hines for the award.

“In addition to leading Sounds of Blackness to the highest level of musical achievement, Hines has supported many, many musicians in our state and beyond through collaborations, speaking and teaching engagements, mentorships, and his positive example,” says Stephanie Rogers, Executive and Artistic Director of the Anderson Center. She continues, “Sounds of Blackness has also toured extensively in Greater Minnesota, reaching every corner of our state.”

Hines’ musical expertise spans genre and includes Pop, Hip-Hop, Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, Latin, Rock, Blues, Reggae, Ragtime, Classical and Gospel. He has worked with the biggest names in music, including Quincy Jones, Prince, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Patti LaBelle, Dolly Parton, and Danny Glover. Gary has performed in every major city in the U.S. and toured Africa, Europe, South America, and the Carribean with Sounds of Blackness.

Hines has also conducted countless Music Workshops, Seminars, Lecture-Demonstrations and Master Classes about the history, impact and evolution of African-American music and culture. His honors and awards include three Grammys, the International Time For Peace Award, Minnesota Music Academy Awards, Minnesota Music Hall of Fame Award, Distinguished Citizen Award, Golden Scroll For The Promise of Greatness Award and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from his Alma Mater Macalester College, St. Paul. The self-titled Sounds of Blackness album won a 2012 NAACP Image Award.