PORTSMOUTH, Va. – Live music is hard to find these days during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, on December 12, there will be a virtual holiday music festival featuring local musicians. It’s also a fundraiser to help the homeless of Portsmouth.
Olde Towne Arts and Music has created fundraisers before, but this year, owner Christopher Cushna had to get creative. He’s invited many local musicians to send in videos of them performing holiday music. The festival will feature musicians like Karl Werne and the duo “AA Batteries,” as well as students taking virtual music lessons.
“As much as we’re excited about raising money for Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless, we’re also excited to bring musicians together and to celebrate the season. It is really about community,” said Cushna.
Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless has continued providing emergency shelter needs during the pandemic. In addition to providing a place to sleep, they also serve meals and give clothing and toiletries to the homeless.
“Our goal is to provide people with a warm and safer place to sleep at night, a hearty meal, and hope that they can better their lives,” explained Dr. Darlene Sparks Washington, the Executive Director of Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless.
Related: Local musicians create tribute for Sentara Albemarle Medical Center staff
The virtual music festival is open to the public. It will give viewers the option to donate online. The music festival will be on Facebook live from 2-7 p.m. on Saturday, December 12.
Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless also accepts donations of much-needed supplies.
