Our Host & Partner
The Great Busk Returns to Richmond
The Great Busk Returns to Richmond
A community celebration of roots music, immigrant creativity, and educational equity.
Presented by Capaz+IT in partnership with Gallery5
After a ten-year hiatus, The Great Busk returns to Richmond this summer for a powerful three-day celebration of roots music, visual art, and immigrant creativity. Presented by Capaz+IT in partnership with Gallery5, this dynamic street festival blends performance, community storytelling, and cultural activism—raising vital funds for bilingual education and music access programs across the region.
At the heart of The Great Busk is a community-centered street music competition, where performers from all backgrounds compete for four hours of professional recording time and a spot on the main stage. But this event is more than just a concert—it’s a revival of community spirit and creative expression.
Festival Highlights
Great Busk Launch at The Gold Lion
Thursday, May 1 —
Unveiling of Alfonso’s official event poster, live music by DJ Justin, and poetry by Chef Noori of Mantu.
Pre-Game Mixer at Gallery5
Thursday, June 5 — A panel discussion on The Art of Music, plus a soft opening of the visual art series New Bodies / Nobodies.
The Great Busk Competition & First Fridays Block Party
Friday, June 6 —
Live music, immersive art, and performances fill Broad Street as part of Richmond’s First Fridays.
Finale Concert at Gallery5 (Ticketed)
Saturday, June 28 — A culminating concert featuring Plena, Chawash, Yeni Nostalji, and the top three Busk performers.
Supporting Education Through the Arts
All proceeds from The Great Busk benefit:
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All proceeds benefit both the Eva Celda Padilla Stitt School for Newcomers, a Capaz+IT program offering bilingual education, career pathways, and a safe, empowering space for immigrant youth and Music Orchard Richmond, providing quality, inclusive and accessible music education to students in public schools.​​​​
About Eva Celda Padilla Stitt School for Newcomers:
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The Eva Celda Padilla Stitt School for Newcomers seeks to provide expedient and meaningful paths to a high school diploma for newcomer students who are finding it challenging to achieve success in a traditional school environment.
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Mastery-Based academic program built to provide students with the knowledge and critical thinking necessary to build solid careers in a 21st century work environment.
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Growth-minded English as a Second Language program that promotes learning beyond the classroom
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Job skills and digital skills courses that value the real learning that takes place on the job and promote goal setting and career advancement as guiding principles of a life beyond school.
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Community-Engaged learning that pushes students to expand their sense of belonging beyond their language, encouraging immersion and participation.
About Music Orchard Richmond:
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Music Orchard Richmond (MOR) seeks to enrich student learning through inclusive access to high-quality music education in the Greater Richmond, VA region. In May of 2023, MOR underwent a strategic re-alignment after a series of conversations between MOR’s new Executive Director and more than 30 community leaders, school music teachers, and principals about challenges regarding music education. MOR has since devised its two core programs: In-School Residencies to provide schools with professional Teaching Artists to coach under-resourced music programs and teachers, and After-School Programming to give curious students access to music classes, free lessons, and instruments.
Slide through this short gallery to meet some of our amazing newcomer students!
The Great Busk Sponsorships
Why Sponsor or Attend?
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Be part of the comeback of a beloved Richmond tradition Align your brand with community, creativity, and education
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Support immigrant families and bilingual learning
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Reach new audiences through web, print, and on site recognition
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Connect with over 2,500 expected attendees, families, artists, and students.
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Amplify your impact through a tax-deductible, values-driven investment
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All sponsors are offered these Sponsor Benefits:
(Please review each Sponsor Level below to review all of the benefit opportunities)
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Recognition in Capaz+IT & Gallery5’s newsletters and all event outreach
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Special social media shoutouts and acknowledgment at events
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ICON $5000 (1 available)
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Exclusive Presenter-Level Sponsorship of The Great Busk
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Official sponsor of the Icon Main Stage
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Prominent banner with logo/company name at main stage
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Logo and Presenter credit on all event materials: print, web, press release, newsletter and social media.
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Reserved 10’ x 10’ outdoor booth space at First Fridays (June 6th)
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Table with banner at the June 28th ticketed finale
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4 Complimentary Tickets & VIP Table at the June 28th event.
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RISING STAR $2500 (2 available)
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Sponsorship of The Great Busk Event exclusive to your business category.
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Official sponsor of 1 of 2 outdoor performance stages.
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Banner placement at Outdoor Stage with Logo / Company Name
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Logo on all marketing material including print, web, press and social media.
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Brochure / marketing material placement during June 6th First Friday Event
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Table with banner placement at June 28th Ticketed Finale Competition.
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2 Complimentary Tickets & VIP Table at the June 28th event.
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BREAK OUT $1000 (includes In Kind)
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Logo on all marketing material including print, web & social media.
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Brochure / marketing material placement during June 6th First Friday Event
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2 Complimentary Tickets to the June 28th event.
ON TOUR $500
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Logo featured in all event marketing: print, web, social media
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Branded material distribution at June 6th event
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2 complimentary tickets to June 28th concert
LOCAL HERO $200
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Special social media shoutouts
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Recognition in Capaz+IT newsletters and at the event
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Sponsorships are tax-deductible. In-kind donations are welcome at $1,000+ level.
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Press & Participation Inquiries
Want to sponsor, perform, volunteer, or cover The Great Busk?
Contact: Carlos Bernate — carlos@capaz-it.org
Stay Connected
Thank you to our partners and collaborators
