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Fresh off a magical night at the Kimmel Center, the 2025 Mazzoni Center Honors featured a thrilling lineup of performances—but few were as electric and unexpected as Adam Weiner’s take on Melba Moore’s genre-defying hit, “Read My Lips.” Performing live at Marian Anderson Hall, Weiner—frontman of the rock-and-soul powerhouse Low Cut Connie—delivered a high-voltage tribute that honored Moore’s bold legacy.
Watch the performance:
A Grammy-Nominated Anthem
Originally written by Sam Lorber and Madeline Stone, “Read My Lips” was a groundbreaking moment in Melba Moore’s career, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Known primarily for her success in R&B, disco, and Broadway, Moore shattered expectations by stepping into the rock arena—a move that both challenged industry norms and expanded her artistic identity.
By performing this track, Adam Weiner bridges the past and present. Known for his charismatic stage presence and fearless musical style, Weiner infuses the song with raw energy and emotion. His interpretation pays homage to Moore’s versatility while showcasing how her music continues to inspire artists across genres.
About Mazzoni Center Honors
The Mazzoni Center Honors is an annual benefit event that celebrates LGBTQ+ trailblazers and cultural icons who have contributed to the arts and to visibility. Held in Philadelphia at the prestigious Marian Anderson Hall within The Kimmel Center, the 2025 event marked its third year and honored the one and only Melba Moore.
From her early Broadway roles in Hair and Purlie to her R&B and gospel accolades, Moore’s career has long been a symbol of creative freedom, Black excellence, and LGBTQ+ allyship. The evening served not only as a tribute to her artistry, but as a fundraiser for one of Philadelphia’s most essential LGBTQ+ institutions.
The Mission Behind the Music
All proceeds from the event support the Mazzoni Center, a lifeline for LGBTQ+ individuals in the Philadelphia area. With services ranging from gender-affirming health care and HIV treatment to mental health counseling and legal advocacy, Mazzoni Center provides holistic, affirming care to those who need it most.
You can support their life-saving work by donating directly at:
www.mazzonicenter.org/donate
Rocking the Legacy Forward
With each passionate note of “Read My Lips,” Adam Weiner did more than cover a song—he honored a legacy of bold reinvention. As Melba Moore once crossed into rock music to defy expectations, Weiner crosses back to celebrate that same courage and creative fearlessness.
The Mazzoni Center Honors continues to be a space where generations of talent collide—where music meets mission, and where tribute becomes transformation.
Watch the performance:
A Grammy-Nominated Anthem
Originally written by Sam Lorber and Madeline Stone, “Read My Lips” was a groundbreaking moment in Melba Moore’s career, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Known primarily for her success in R&B, disco, and Broadway, Moore shattered expectations by stepping into the rock arena—a move that both challenged industry norms and expanded her artistic identity.
By performing this track, Adam Weiner bridges the past and present. Known for his charismatic stage presence and fearless musical style, Weiner infuses the song with raw energy and emotion. His interpretation pays homage to Moore’s versatility while showcasing how her music continues to inspire artists across genres.
About Mazzoni Center Honors
The Mazzoni Center Honors is an annual benefit event that celebrates LGBTQ+ trailblazers and cultural icons who have contributed to the arts and to visibility. Held in Philadelphia at the prestigious Marian Anderson Hall within The Kimmel Center, the 2025 event marked its third year and honored the one and only Melba Moore.
From her early Broadway roles in Hair and Purlie to her R&B and gospel accolades, Moore’s career has long been a symbol of creative freedom, Black excellence, and LGBTQ+ allyship. The evening served not only as a tribute to her artistry, but as a fundraiser for one of Philadelphia’s most essential LGBTQ+ institutions.
The Mission Behind the Music
All proceeds from the event support the Mazzoni Center, a lifeline for LGBTQ+ individuals in the Philadelphia area. With services ranging from gender-affirming health care and HIV treatment to mental health counseling and legal advocacy, Mazzoni Center provides holistic, affirming care to those who need it most.
You can support their life-saving work by donating directly at:
www.mazzonicenter.org/donate
Rocking the Legacy Forward
With each passionate note of “Read My Lips,” Adam Weiner did more than cover a song—he honored a legacy of bold reinvention. As Melba Moore once crossed into rock music to defy expectations, Weiner crosses back to celebrate that same courage and creative fearlessness.
The Mazzoni Center Honors continues to be a space where generations of talent collide—where music meets mission, and where tribute becomes transformation.
