The North Stafford High School (NSHS) Band is hosting its annual fundraiser dinner February 7, featuring live music, homemade pasta, and a silent auction. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature the North Stafford Jazz Ensemble, made up of 24 student musicians from the school’s band program.

The fundraiser is organized by the NSHS Band Booster Organization, which is made of parents of band members. It aims to raise essential funds that will directly support the band program and be used to support purchasing music, equipment, and providing instruction.

140 students participate in NSHS’s band program across various ensembles. Students can participate in the Big Blue Marching Band, three concert bands, a percussion ensemble and the jazz ensemble.

The highlight of the evening will be a performance by the North Stafford Jazz Ensemble, a group known for its dynamic mix of musical genres. From smooth jazz to upbeat rock and roll, the  ensemble will showcase their talents with a wide range of musical styles to keep the audience entertained throughout the evening.

In addition to pasta dishes made and served by students, a silent auction will also be held, featuring a variety of items donated to support the cause.

Tickets for the event are $15, with free admission for children under 4 years old. Discounts are available for seniors, staff, military personnel, and small businesses through email.

On Saturday, February 1, local musicians and bands are gathering at Strangeways Brewing for the Eric Becker Memorial Concert benefiting the Fredericksburg SPCA. 

A member of Radar Theory, bandmate Johnny Boothe said Becker was known for being genuinely caring to everyone in his life. He “loved his friends, his family, and his wife Kathleen deeply,” Boothe said.

Becker and Boothe met in 2021 at an Adventure Brewery Open Mic night and decided to form a band called Radar Theory. 

In the fall of 2022, Becker noticed chest pain during a rehearsal and went to the hospital a few days later. He was diagnosed with cancer and began aggressive treatment immediately. Becker had several months of treatment and seemed to be doing well for a few months in 2023 before his cancer returned.  

Becker proposed to his girlfriend Kathleen in October and they married in November. After an illness and brief hospitalization, Becker passed away shortly after Christmas.

Booth said “Playing and writing music with Eric was a gift.  There’s a bond in creating something with others, sharing it with the outside world and risking the world telling you how awful it is.  But sometimes, they also tell you how it meant something to them. You take that ride together.” 

In 2024, Boothe and other local musicians joined and played live at a Celebration of Life honoring Becker. Afterward, they discussed holding a memorial concert in January to honor his memory and give back somehow. The concert was scheduled around Becker’s January 27 birthday. Strangeways was chosen for their support of the local music scene and for their ability to host live music and large crowds.

Eric’s wife, Kathleen, works at the Fredericksburg SPCA and supports animal rescues. 

The concert will feature six performers and bands: Emily Woodhull, Sarah Perrotto, Green Bean & The Rhythmic Meadows, and Richmond band Bucko. 

In addition to the live music, the event will feature raffles of gift card bundles from local breweries, wineries, and restaurants. Boothe said they were grateful for the generosity of local businesses. 

Boothe said honoring Becker by combining music with the SPCA just made sense. Becker was passionate about music, people, and animals. 

Boothe said he’s hoping for an excellent audience for Saturday’s concert. “Without them, we’re just up there on stage having band practice.  The audience is everything.” He hopes they recognize being part of the tribute to Becker and  “realize the impact they make every time they go out and support local music and local business.”

The Eric Becker Memorial Concert will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Strangeways Brewing. The brewery is located at 350 Lansdowne Road. Food truck Rosie’s Pizza & Doner Kebab will arrive at 1 p.m.

Donations can also be made to the Fredericksburg SPCA in Becker’s name.

Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.

This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.

St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.

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Acoustic guitar player Bailey Hayes is set to take the stage at Farm Brew Live near Manassas on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Performing outdoors at the YARD live music venue stage, Hayes is known for his solo performances that span a variety of musical genres, including country, classic rock, pop/soul, folk, and original compositions.

With over two years of experience entertaining audiences at breweries, wineries, pubs, restaurants, weddings, and more, Hayes brings an energetic and melodic vibe to his live shows. Farm Brew Live, located at 20109 Discovery Boulevard, will provide the perfect setting for music enthusiasts to enjoy an evening of live acoustic entertainment.