Do not miss this concert, because ... You Never Know What's Gonna Happen at a Bobby BlackHat Show! Bobby BlackHat is an award-winning recording artist, songwriter, harmonica player, and Virginia's "Blues Ambassador." His special guests include:
Sharon Rae North has taken her talents across the U.S. and internationally, sharing and showcasing her vocal style, subtle confidence, and combination of seriousness and playfulness during shows. Her last EP, Sincerely Yours, produced by Big Dog, had singles charting globally. The project made the initial ballot for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, and two of the five songs were Billboard contenders. She has opened for many national acts, including Bob James, Joe Sample and the Jazz Crusaders, Patti LaBelle, Four80East, and many others.
Trumpeter, flugelhornist, and vocalist Rob Zinn has carved out quite a career as an internationally recognized independent smooth jazz artist and composer. His last three albums, Anything Can Happen (2023), Walk The Walk (2018), and Yesterday Again (2016), were all critically acclaimed. Rob has worked with double Grammy winner Paul Brown at the helm on projects but also collaborated with producers Greg Manning, Roberto Vally, Jeff Canady, John Cassidy, Dennis Johnson, and Adam Hawley. Rob’s songs have charted in the top 50 in prominent outlets, and his songs have received airplay at over 125 smooth jazz stations in 154 countries. His latest single, "Until I Met You," hit No.1 in Spain this year.
M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio performs traditional Piedmont blues. Jackie Merritt is a multi-instrumentalist (harmonica, bass, uke, and bones). Miles Spicer contributes guitar and vocals to the band. Resa Gibbs, lead vocalist and percussionist, is known for her warm, soulful, heartfelt sound. The likes of Archie Edwards, Etta Baker, and Cephas & Wiggins have influenced their style of music. This band can raise the roof with old-fashioned house party tunes, make you laugh with their witty originals, and then weep with blues ballads!
The Elliott String Ensemble comprises skilled young musicians specializing in performances with string instruments such as violins, violas, and cellos. The Ensemble showcases students aged 8 to 18 and performs various music, ranging from classical compositions, bluegrass, and fiddle tunes to contemporary arrangements of popular songs and film scores. Known for their adaptability, the Elliott String Ensemble typically provides elegant, refined music, creating a memorable auditory experience for their audiences. Danielle Weems Elliott directs the Ensemble and will perform in the Diamonstein Concert Hall lobby at 5 p.m.
Join the City of Newport News to celebrate city native and “First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald during the 27th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival. During April, the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center and CNU's Ferguson Center for the Arts will be alive with incredible national artists, all honoring Ella’s wide-ranging and ageless talents.
