“Reach Out” is a bold new CD compilation by artists and supporters of Tidewater Arts Outreach.

Nationally-recognized singer/songwriters have donated their music to help spread TAO’s message of healing through the arts. All proceeds from CD sales benefit the organization. The CD release date is October 21, 2009, and the CD release celebration is a concert by Randall Bramblett at 37th and Zen (link to the concert info).

The CD is available through TAO for $15 each. Please email TWartsoutreach@cox.net for more information or to reserve your copy.

TAO gratefully acknowledges the contributions of each of these artists, as well as the work of Hunter Hughes, the artwork of Debi Stadlin, Levi Tarr’s layout expertise and the efforts of board members Pamela Getty, Kelly Murphy and Cindy Mackey, without whom this CD would not be possible.

Hunter Hughes has partnered with FestEvents to create a special, Sunday evening listening room at Waterside through September.

The free concerts run from 6-8 each Sunday night the lineup includes Robbin Thompson, Mercy Creek, Kevin So, Bobby "Blackhat" Walters, Stephen Bennett, Bill and Pam Gurley, Joanna Lind, Grant Austin Taylor with Holly Road, and more.

The cozy atmosphere features a music-centric focus that allows patrons to really hear the artists. And the icing on the cake: TAO board members, artists, and supporters are serving beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and lite fare, all for tips and proceeds to support our charitable work of bringing a variety of arts experiences to isolated and underserved individuals throughout Hampton Roads.

Kelly Murphy is coordinating volunteers who are able to show up on a Sunday evening and serve patrons during the 6-8 pm concerts. From all accounts, the shift is busy but fun and goes by quickly. You will be helping out for a worthy cause! If you have time to give, and want to be a part of this end-of-summer series that raises funds for TAO, please email us at TWartsoutreach@cox.net, with a Sunday night that is favorable for you. Please include a phone number.

Please go to FestEvents (www.festevents.org) to view the complete schedule, which will be updated as several "to be announced" concerts become finalized. Thank you!

$11,105 grant from The Norfolk Foundation allows TAO to purchase office furniture and equipment, and program percussion instruments

Tidewater Arts Outreach can add one more name to its list of regional public and private funders: The Norfolk Foundation. The Norfolk Foundation recently announced its spring grant awards, and Tidewater Arts Outreach received a full award of $11,105 to outfit an office with three workstations (furniture, PCs, fax, phone, printers); purchase congas, djembes, bongos, and hand percussion instruments; and purchase a small PA system for programs and concerts. The grant, the largest ever received by TAO to date, will allow TAO to relocate to office space in Ghent.

“We are delighted that The Norfolk Foundation has partnered with us in such a significant way,” said MaryAnn Toboz, TAO director. “We’re simply amazed at all that has transpired in the past year. The board has worked with dedication and perseverance to ensure we grow in the best possible way. More than 200 artists share their talents, compassion and creativity through TAO. The Sea Level Festival, house concerts and other fundraisers generate critical operating support as we anchor TAO for stability and grown. Week in and week out, this grassroots, volunteer-driven entity is bolstered by the enthusiasm and generosity of many, many people in the community.”

The Norfolk Foundation is a regional community foundation and is southeastern Virginia’s largest grant and scholarship provider. Since its founding in 1950, it has provided more than $107 million in grants and scholarships to improve life in southeastern Virginia.

Other funders continue to show their support, as they have since 2005. Recently, TAO was awarded $2,500 from The Business Consortium for Arts Support and $3,000 from the Virginia Beach Foundation. And we hope to hear about more local and state arts commission and foundation awards in the near future.

A full list of funders is on the TAO home page. Their support is a significant and vital contribution to our work, and we all owe them thanks for supporting our mission and our programs.

As of July 1, TAO’s business address will be The Blair Building, 809 Brandon Avenue, Suite 204, Norfolk, 23517.