Lionel Richie Wows Santa Clara University Crowd at 60th Annual Gala

The legendary entertainer put on an energetic performance that had the audience singing and dancing along.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Legendary singer Lionel Richie headlined Santa Clara University's 60th annual Golden Circle Theatre Party, a major fundraising event for the Jesuit university. Richie, 76, delivered an electrifying performance filled with his hit songs from the 1970s and 80s, captivating the crowd of 2,100 with his showmanship and energy despite acknowledging he's not as young as he once was. The production featured elaborate staging with laser lights, a giant video screen, and even flame jets. The event raised over $75 million for the university since it began six decades ago.

Why it matters

The Golden Circle Theatre Party is a longstanding tradition for Santa Clara University, bringing together the school's community to raise critical funds. Lionel Richie's headlining performance helped make this year's event a major success, demonstrating the continued drawing power of classic entertainers even decades after their commercial peak.

The details

Richie performed a string of his biggest hits including "Hello," "Dancing on the Ceiling," "You Are the Sun," "Brick House," and "All Night Long." The production was one of the largest the event has ever had, with elaborate staging elements like laser lights, a giant video screen, and even flame jets that required last-minute approval from the fire department. Despite acknowledging his age, the 76-year-old Richie proved he's still a top-notch showman, jumping around the stage and engaging the enthusiastic crowd.

  • The 60th annual Golden Circle Theatre Party took place on Saturday, January 25, 2026.
  • Lionel Richie is currently 76 years old.

The players

Lionel Richie

A legendary singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s as a member of the Commodores and as a solo artist, known for hit songs like "Hello," "Dancing on the Ceiling," and "All Night Long."

Santa Clara University

A private Jesuit university located in Santa Clara, California that has hosted the annual Golden Circle Theatre Party fundraising event for 60 years.

Rev. Walter Schmidt

A former president of Santa Clara University who helped launch the Golden Circle Theatre Party in the 1960s.

Fess Parker

An actor known for his roles in the TV shows "Daniel Boone" and "Davy Crockett" who performed at the first Golden Circle Theatre Party in the 1960s.

Rosemary Clooney

A popular singer and actress who performed at the first Golden Circle Theatre Party in the 1960s.

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What they’re saying

“I know what you're thinking. How is Lionel Richie doing what he's doing on that stage? The man has got to be 200 years old. I'll let you in on a secret. Adrenaline is a wonderful thing. I'm in pain. But once the crowd comes out, I turn into somebody else altogether.”

— Lionel Richie

The takeaway

Lionel Richie's energetic and crowd-pleasing performance at Santa Clara University's 60th annual Golden Circle Theatre Party demonstrated the enduring appeal of classic entertainers, even decades after their commercial peak. The elaborate production and enthusiastic audience response highlighted the continued importance of the university's longstanding fundraising gala.