Dionne Warwick at the Arts Center

This year, in place of the biennial Wine Auction and Celebration, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is hosting one of the biggest names in the recording industry to help raise funds for its education and outreach programs.

A benefit gala featuring singer Dionne Warwick will take place Saturday. The gala will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception and live auction. At 8:30, Warwick and her six-piece band will take the stage at the Wallace Theatre.

During the 1960s, Warwick recorded some 20 best-selling albums with the songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, hitting the charts 30 times with singles such as "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?," "This Girl's in Love with You" and "Reach Out for Me."

"It was a wonderful time," said Warwick, who started her music career singing gospel. "I guess I had the right sound at the right time."

This month, Warwick released an all-new gospel album titled "Why We Sing." And this summer, Warner Music will release "Dionne Warwick and Friends," which was recorded last summer in São Paulo with several Brazilian artists.

Tickets are $225 for the Warwick benefit gala and concert. A limited number of concert-only tickets are available for $135.

Reservations may be made by calling 843-686-3945, ext. 239.