NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Three local venues will host concerts on three nights in November for the Music by the Pint Festival, which raises money and awareness for Soundscapes. The first two concerts of the festival include popular local bands, and the third features up-and-coming national recording artist Brandon Ray.
Music by the Pint Festival will kick off on Saturday, November 10 at 3 p.m. at Manhattan’s NY Deli & Pub with a show by local favorite Bobby “BlackHat” Walters and his band. The fun continues the next day at Cozzy’s Comedy Club, with a show at 3 p.m. by The Bill Miles Band and The Hobo Mariners. Both of the first shows are free to attend.
The Music by the Pint Festival concludes on Friday, November 16 with a concert by country artist Brandon Ray and opener DJ Ty Street at Boathouse Live at 9 p.m. “We work all week, in a smokestack town. ‘Til the freakin’ weekend comes rolling around!” Brandon Ray belts out on the chorus of this new track “American Way,” intermixed with infectious handclaps. The West-Texas native, who has opened for Taylor Swift, plays songs that are smothered in the American richness that he has soaked up crisscrossing the heartland. One part country, one part rock n’ roll, and all heart, the new songs sew together his wide variety of influences like a patchwork quilt. The Brandon Ray show costs $5 for general admission and $10 for VIP admission, and doors open at 8 p.m.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting Music by the Pint for a second time,” shares Lorain Cosgrave, owner of Cozzy’s. Mary Hisel, owner of Manhattan’s, agrees: “The best part about the event is helping the kids at Soundscapes.” More than 800 people attended the first Music by the Pint Festival, which was held in February. At the November festival, attendees can support the student musicians of Soundscapes by making a donation during the show. Official festival pint glasses will be available for a suggested donation of $10, and T-shirts will be available for a suggested donation of $15.
Soundscapes is a nonprofit organization that provides free after school and summer music education programs for at-risk and underserved Newport News youth. Soundscapes uses intensive group music study and frequent ensemble performance as tools to instill self-esteem, concentration, curiosity, and determination in some of the community’s most deserving children.
For more information on the Music by the Pint Festival, or to find out more about Soundscapes, contact Development Director Carol Minter at 757-273-6178 Ext. 5 or visit www.musicpint.com and www.soundscapes.org.
Soundscapes is a nonprofit, educational intervention program that transforms lives through music. For 325 at-risk and underserved 1st-10th grade students in Newport News, Soundscapes provides:
• Free orchestral instruments
• Free, high-quality music instruction by professional musicians for two hours after school every weekday
• Frequent public performances, including up to 25 concerts per year
• Critical life skills: self-confidence, teamwork, concentration, perseverance, improved executive function, and more!
Download press release here.
