Hempstead Hall going “unplugged”

By submitted, 09/9/20 9:04 AM

HOPE – Hempstead Hall presents a new virtual event, “HH Unplugged” featuring local artists Bitsy Carter and Jeff Smith in an acoustic concert on October 2 at 7:00 pm on all of Hempstead Hall’s digital sites. To replace two of their biggest annual fundraisers, the Junior Auxiliary of Hope will be selling sponsorships to this online experience.

“This concert may be billed as ‘unplugged,’ but it’s going to be an electrifying performance,” said Amanda Lance, Director of Hempstead Hall & Workforce Development for the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. “It’s thrilling to be able to bring entertainment to our area through innovative methods. Any chance we have to help our community partners, such as JA of Hope, makes an event even more special.”

“The Junior Auxiliary of Hope enhances the lives of children and youth in our community today, because healthy, safe children become productive, caring adults of tomorrow,” said Mary Berry, Junior Auxiliary of Hope President. “COVID-19 has severely limited our opportunities to fundraise to support our mission. It’s been encouraging to work with Hempstead Hall to find a way to supplement the loss of our typical in-person fundraisers.”

JA of Hope members will be selling sponsorships to the virtual concert ranging from $100 up to $1,000. To register as a sponsor, please complete the form available on HempsteadHall.com by September 28, or contact any JA of Hope member. Forms may also be emailed to Hope.JA.president@gmail.com or mailed to P.O. Box 81, Hope, AR 71802-0081.

Being regulars on the local music scene, Carter and Smith were the obvious duo for such an acoustic performance. Smith’s band, South Down Main, recently headlined the “NOT The Watermelon Festival Concert CONCERT,” which was a largely successful virtual event produced by Hempstead Hall to benefit the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce. “I had such a good time doing the last virtual concert, it was a no-brainer to come back for this one,” said Smith. Added Carter, “any opportunity to explore a new library of songs and expand my repertoire, I’m game.”

The pair promises to light up the digital screens with a signature spin on classic and modern favorites. “Jeff and I enjoy being part of this community and are thankful to Hempstead Hall and JA of Hope for the chance to give back to it,” said Carter.

“Finding creative ways to serve our community is a staple of JA and the partnership with Hempstead Hall for this concert is one way we are reimagining our process in the ‘new normal,’” said Berry.

The concert will be streamed live on Hempstead Hall’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and HempsteadHall.com from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday, October 2, 2020, and the performance will available to view after the live broadcast.

For any questions about Hempstead Hall, please contact Amanda Lance at amanda.lance@uaht.edu or 870.722.8565, or follow Hempstead Hall on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the most up-to-date announcements.