Description: William “Chan” Hall is a smooth jazz recording artist based in Richmond, VA.  Hall has extensive training on keyboard and percussion instruments since age of 15.  He is influenced by the great Marcus Johnson, Bob Baldwin, and Joe Sample.  Chan has performed throughout the Eastern U.S. and has shared the stage with one of his idols, Herbie Hancock. 

Description:  The Portsmouth Jazz Experience brings great music to the local region one note at a time. This group wowed the audience in 2021, and we are looking forward to the return of Vontrelle’s amazing vocals, along with some of this area’s most talented musicians.

Description: 

Allen Hudson and the Halfmoons bring great music to the local region.

Halfmoons:
Nate Levine • Guitar, Brian Slingerland • Drums
Elijah Jackson • Bass Guitar, Carlin Field • Keys
Jamie Anderson • Vocals, Jeena Anderson • Vocals

Description: Blue Cowbell features amazing blues, vocals, along with some of this area’s most talented musicians all in one place.

Description: 

The 2022 First Friday Concerts in the Courtyard season presents the Wampler Brothers Band. The core band is Bill Wampler on mandolin and/or guitar, Mark Wampler on bass, John Westbrook on guitar and/or harmonica, Jerry Hopkins on guitar or mandolin and Jay Shenk on viola- and they all sing.

They play mostly a form of bluegrass. It’s not traditional bluegrass and not really contemporary bluegrass. They like to call it Swampgrass. They also play an acoustic set when They play some CSN or Jackson Browne etc.

Description: 

VEER Award nominee in the Bluegrass/Americana category. Formed in 2016 out of Norfolk, VA, the members of Saint Juliens Creek Revival were brought together through the local bluegrass music picking circles. Recognizing a mutual love of traditional music and three-part harmony, they soon branched off to explore their own sound, and Saint Juliens Creek Revival was born.

The varied backgrounds of its members provide a unique combination of musical styles that is both contemporary and steeped in tradition, with influences ranging from Appalachian ballads to European gypsy jazz to Rock & Roll, performed with an upbeat, bluegrass-style implementation.

Description:  Latin Jazz Conspiracy offers a variety of traditional and contemporary styles ranging from bolero, samba, cha-cha, salsa, bossa nova, and more.  These energetic, world-class musicians will power-up a dynamic performance that compliments the exhibit Soul Finger Project. 

Description: West African culture comes to life as Tidewater African Cultural Alliance and Atumpan Dance Theatre combine their collective skills in traditional West African music, song, and dance.  The performance is a passport to Ghana and Guinea West Africa, allowing visitors to travel to the Gold Coast and Niger River Valley on a flight of movement and music.  Visitors can join in the experience by learning traditional Ghanaian and Malinke dances while also becoming part of the percussion orchestra.

Description: The Rhythm Project is a world percussion ensemble dedicated to nurturing self-esteem through individual, and cooperative achievement.  Founded in 1996, the program was started in Portsmouth, VA by the Virginia Arts Festival.  The All-Stars, 2009, 2010, and 2019 are Virginia International PANFest Grand Champions have earned international acclaim and collaborated with many prominent artists. 

Description: Local singer-songwriter Lena Klett, recognized by her soulful sound, composes unique blends of folk-rock, blues, jam and reggae, and is often compared to great artists such as Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, and Susan Tedeschi.