University of Virginia employees and alumni can take advantage of discounted prices to attend the Celebrate 250 Grand Gala, Charlottesville’s 250th birthday and community celebration, on Nov. 11 at the John Paul Jones Arena.

Designed as the culmination in a yearlong celebration of the founding of Charlottesville, the gala will feature Kool & The Gang, a Grammy Award-winning band known for its unique sound of jazz, rhythm and blues, funk and pop.

Also performing will be 180, a popular local band well known for rock ’n’ roll. The evening will also include performances from the Charlottesville High School Chorus and the CHS Jazz Band. Popular U.Va. a cappella groups are expected to perform as well. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

U.Va. employees and alumni can join University President Teresa A. Sullivan at the pre-concert VIP reception starting at 5:30 p.m. in the East Terrace Foyer of the John Paul Jones Arena. Guests will enjoy dinner-style food and beverages and entertainment from local performers. VIP reception tickets include concert admission.

Discounted tickets are $24 for the concert and $118 for the concert and VIP reception. To receive the discount, employees and alumni must enter the code VAKOOL when purchasing tickets through the Ticketmaster or John Paul Jones Arena websites. Discounted tickets are also available at the JPJ box office.

Group tickets can be purchased by contacting celebrate250@gmail.com.

U.Va. is a sponsor of the gala. For information on Charlottesville’s 250th celebration, visit celebrate250.com.