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Hampton to Host Benefit Concert for Arts and Youth Services

Families enjoying a fun-filled afternoon at the Hampton benefit concert supporting arts and youth services.

News Summary

Hampton is set to host a benefit concert organized by Soundscapes on June 1, featuring artists like United Souls and Bobby BlackHat. The event aims to raise funds for music programs amid funding cuts for arts and youth services. Proceeds will support Soundscapes’ free after-school programs, which serve low-income families. The concert will also include a raffle, food options, and a vendor market, fostering community support for local youth and arts initiatives.

Hampton to Host Benefit Concert for Arts and Youth Services

Hampton will be the site of a benefit concert organized by Soundscapes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing lives through music. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, from 2 to 5 p.m. at The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery. This family-friendly concert aims to gather community support as funding for arts and youth services faces significant cuts at federal, state, and local levels.

Concert Details

The concert will feature a lineup of talented artists including United Souls, Bobby BlackHat, and The Virginia Shellphish Coalition. Leading the house band will be Kelly Rossum, an international trumpet artist and associate professor at Christopher Newport University, who is also a member of the Soundscapes Board of Directors. In addition to live music, attendees can look forward to a raffle, a vendor market, and various food options.

Support for Local Programs

All proceeds from the concert will benefit Soundscapes’ free after-school music programs, which are crucial for many families in the area. Most of Soundscapes’ students come from low- and moderate-income households, and the organization provides its programming at no cost to families or on a sliding scale based on their financial situation. The concert serves as an important rallying point for community support, as Soundscapes relies heavily on donations and local backing to continue its services.

Background on Soundscapes

Founded in Newport News, Soundscapes has established itself as a community-centered organization that offers daily after-school programs, community ensembles, and summer camps aimed at nurturing musical talent and providing enriching experiences for children. The nonprofit’s commitment to making music accessible has positively impacted many local youths, preparing them for enhanced futures through creative expression.

This concert is particularly timely as various funding sources have faced cuts, necessitating grassroots efforts to sustain valuable services in the community.

Additional Community Updates

In related community news, the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center will be closed from June 16 to 27 for annual maintenance that includes cleaning tile floors and carpets. During this closure, active Frink Center pass holders may use the James City County Recreation Center.

Moreover, the James City County Recreation Center and the Frink Center will both be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Additionally, the Williamsburg Farmers Market has earned Gold Certification Status from the Virginia Farmers Market Association for the second consecutive year, recognizing its best practices in food safety and community outreach. The market boasts an average of 40 vendors and has been serving 1,000 to 1,500 visitors each market day since its inception in 2002.

On June 13, James City County will host a free seminar focusing on changes to the Qualified Personnel requirements for construction permitting. This informative event will take place at the James City County Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include lunch for participants.

This week, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services has announced the availability of $4 million in grants for suicide prevention and opioid addiction services targeting service members, veterans, and their families for Fiscal Year 2026, with applications accepted until May 31 at 11:59 p.m.

In business news, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce has added two new team members: Carter T. Whitelow as the Vice President of Government Relations and Sarah Muse as the Director of Marketing and Brand Management. Both professionals bring substantial experience from their previous roles.

Furthermore, Chesapeake Bank has welcomed Keith E. Gillespie as a Commercial Loan Officer focusing on the Peninsula market, leveraging his extensive banking background to manage commercial lending relationships and provide financial solutions to local businesses.

For those interested in attending the benefit concert, further details can be found at soundscapes.org/event/benefitconcert. This gathering of community spirit promises to be both an entertaining and meaningful event for all involved.