(Photo credit: Destiny Grace)

Opera Parallèle has announced the details of its annual benefit event, “Boum!” taking place on March 14.

Mezzo-soprano, activist, and current San Francisco Opera Adler Fellow Nikola Printz previews the upcoming world premiere of “Birds and Balls,” singing the lead role of Billie Jean King. Printz is accompanied by pianist Keisuke Nakagoshi.

This year Opera Parallèle and General and Artistic Director Nicole Paiement chose to honor three trailblazing women who have “followed in Billie Jean King’s footsteps–defying expectations and making significant contributions to their fields.” This year’s honorees are Anna Deavere Smith, award-winning stage, film, television actress and playwright; Teresa L. Johnson, newly elected President of the Bar Association of San Francisco and co-leader of the Legal Alliance for Reproductive Rights; and Dominique Crenn, three-Michelin-starred chef/owner of French cuisine restaurant, Atelier Crenn.

The evening kicks off with a pre-event reception for “Boum!” sponsors with the artists and honorees at 5.30 p.m. The main celebration commences at 7 pm, where guests will enjoy themed cocktails, wine, and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Michael Tate will serve as the emcee for the live auction. Benefit Co-Chairs for Boum! are Marylene Delbourg-Delphis and Alan Olejniczak.