PRESS RELEASE Media Contact:
For Immediate Release: Anna Frances Gardner
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 770-813-3388
Council for Quality Growth Announces Entertainment & Performances for the 37th Four Pillar Tribute
A Cultural Tribute to Egbert Perry and His Journey from Antigua to Atlanta on October 1, 2026
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – The Council for Quality Growth is pleased to announce the cultural and opening tributes for the 2026 Four Pillar Tribute, taking place on October 1, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The 37th Four Pillar Tribute, presented by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, and Norfolk Southern, will honor Egbert Perry for his decades-long contributions to Atlanta and his lasting impact on the city’s business, civic, and cultural communities.
The main performance of the evening will be a Cultural Tribute by NEXT Atlanta, citywide platform that amplifies Atlanta’s creatives. Led by Founder and CEO Faith Carmichael and working with artists of color and mission-driven organizations, NEXT Atlanta creates performances, exhibitions, public art, storytelling, and cultural experiences that elevate artists, connect communities, and help partners advance their missions through the power of art. The founding of NEXT has a special tie to this year’s Four Pillar recipient. In 2009, groups of artists would gather in salons where art and ideas could spark change. Egbert Perry served as their first patron. His support helped that exchange of ideas grow into what NEXT is today, a cultural brand consultancy with national relevance and global aspirations.
At the Four Pillar Tribute, three NEXT artists have been selected to pay tribute to Egbert Perry and recognize his decades-long commitment to elevating Atlanta’s artists and creating more opportunities for dialogue, art, and communities to come together and initiate social change. The Cultural Tribute, titled “Building Community through Art” is a curated combination of film, literary, and musical talent that have been carefully selected to honor Perry and his contributions to Atlanta’s art and cultural scene. Artists include:
- Jon Goode, a NEXT 2014 Literary Artist, is an Emmy Award-winning poet, author, and storyteller whose work has appeared on HBO, TV One, and BET. Known for his powerful presence on stage and page, Goode is the bestselling author of Conduit, Mydas, and Black Curio.
- Kenny Banks Jr., a NEXT 2022 Musical Artist, is a jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader whose gospel- and blues-infused style brings expressive depth and inventive clarity. A 2019 American Pianist Award Finalist, his performances reflect creative freedom, musical curiosity, and a deep sense of community.
- Bria Anai, a NEXT 2025 Musical Artist, is a singer-songwriter whose voice carries striking emotional clarity. A 2015 American Idol Semi-finalist and classically trained vocalist, Anai blends soul, R&B, and pop to spark connection, reflection, and shared healing.
The evening will begin with a special Opening Tribute, titled “A Celebration of Home,” that featured both the PanSonics Steel Band and the Caribbean Dancers of Atlanta. This performance honors Egbert Perry’s Caribbean roots and the heritage that has remained a meaningful part of his journey. Through both music and movement, the tribute will bring the spirit and sounds of Antigua and Barbuda to Atlanta, celebrating where Perry’s story began. PanSonics Steal Band is an Atlanta-based ensemble led by Musical Director Vere Henry. Their expansive repertoire spans calypso, reggae, gospel, jazz, and more, celebrating the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean. The Caribbean Dancers of Atlanta is also an Atlanta-based performance known for authentic Caribbean dancing, stilt walking, and dynamic performance. The group has shared their high-energy artistry that brings the color and movement of the islands to celebrations with Atlanta for more than 20 years.
The Council for Quality Growth looks forward to celebrating Egbert Perry’s legacy, which spans from Atlanta to Antigua and Barbuda. More than 1,200 business, civic, and philanthropic leaders from across the region and state are expected to gather at the Georgia World Congress Center on October 1st. The Council is incredibly proud to continue its annual tradition of recognizing extraordinary leaders in our region and state by adding Egbert to its prestigious list of Four Pillar Award honorees. Sponsorship information is now available at www.FourPillarTribute.com.
Press are invited to attend the event with prior RSVP to Anna Frances Gardner at ag@councilforqualitygrowth.org.
Read past press releases here: https://www.fourpillartribute.com/read-the-press-releases/
About the Four Pillar Tribute:
For 37 years the Council for Quality Growth has paid tribute to an outstanding individual in the metro Atlanta region who exemplifies the Council’s mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth through an annual leadership tribute gala that recognizes the ‘Four Pillars’ of leadership – Quality, Responsibility, Vision, and Integrity.
The Four Pillar Award and Tribute is an unparalleled honor that allows the opportunity for the metro Atlanta region and State of Georgia to celebrate the recipient’s significant contributions to quality of life, community leadership, and economic development. The gala and award have come to be known as the highest honor bestowed for the contributions. The event provides a platform to align the honorees’ impacts on the region and the state with the Council’s ambitions and serves as a beacon of inspiration to perpetuate our economic prosperity. More information about the annual Four Pillar Tribute can be found at www.fourpillartribute.com.
Past recipients of the Council’s Four Pillar Award can be viewed here: https://www.fourpillartribute.com/about-the-award/
About the Council for Quality Growth:
The Council for Quality Growth is a trade organization that works to ensure continued growth and economic success for generations to come by providing advocacy, information, and education to its members. In its 41st year, the Council is committed to the mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth and is proactively involved in the formulation of policy and legislation critical to the growth and development industry. The Council addresses, head-on, strategic economic planning, infrastructure needs, and tough quality-of-life issues throughout the metro Atlanta region and state. For more information, please visit http://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org.
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