Academy Center of the Arts

09/23/2025

🚨 LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN 🚨
We’re just ONE WEEK AWAY from An Evening with Melissa Etheridge! 🎶 Don’t miss your chance to experience the rock icon live on stage at the Historic Academy Theatre, October 1 at 7:30 PM.

From Grammy-winning hits to powerful new work, Etheridge’s voice and presence remain unforgettable. Secure your seat now before they’re gone!

🎟️ Tickets: $48–$107
https://academycenter.org/event/melissa-etheridge/
📍 Historic Academy Theatre

Academy Member Presale begins Monday, May 5, 2025. Remaining tickets will be released to the public on Friday, May 9, 2025. All sales begin at 10 AM EST.

09/22/2025

🎶✨ G-Fest: Celebrating Geoff Kershner’s Decade of Impact ✨🎶

Join us for a one-night-only farewell festival honoring Geoff Kershner and his remarkable 10 years as CEO of the Academy Center of the Arts! 🎉 Enjoy live performances from Andrew Bev, Paddy D Quartet, Selah Vie, Chamomile & Whiskey, and Sara Beck & Park Chisholm.

📅 Date: November 16
📍 Venue: Academy Center of the Arts
🎟 Tickets: $15 | Proceeds directly support the performers

Can’t make it? You can still celebrate Geoff’s legacy by giving to the Merryman Cultural Impact Fund, helping us continue bringing nationally recognized artists and transformative performances to our community. 💙

09/17/2025

✨ Our Silent Auction is officially OPEN! ✨
Now’s your chance to bid on incredible artwork, experiences, and more — all while directly supporting the Academy Center of the Arts, your nonprofit home for the arts in Lynchburg. 🎨

But don’t wait — bidding closes September 20 at 6:15 PM EST! Every bid helps sustain our mission and bring more arts to our community.

Start bidding today and make an impact ➡️ https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/academy2025/auction

09/17/2025

✨ Our Silent Auction is still OPEN! ✨
Now’s your chance to bid on incredible artwork, experiences, and more — all while directly supporting the Academy Center of the Arts, your nonprofit home for the arts in Lynchburg. 🎨

But don’t wait — bidding closes September 20 at 6:15 PM EST! Every bid helps sustain our mission and bring more arts to our community.

Start bidding today and make an impact ➡️ https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/academy2025/auction

09/16/2025

🎤 Comedy fans, this one’s for you!
Catch Henry Cho live at the Historic Academy Theatre on April 24, 2026. From The Tonight Show to Comedy Central specials, Grand Ole Opry member Henry Cho has brought his signature clean comedy to stages nationwide—and now he’s bringing the laughs to Lynchburg!
📅 Friday, April 24, 2026

📍 Historic Academy Theatre

🎟️ $49.75 – $89.75
Get your tickets now for an unforgettable night of comedy!

Presale Begins: Thursday, September 18th at 10:00AM | Presale Ends: Thursday, September 18th at 10:00PM

Use Code: GOLF

Public Sales Begin: Friday, September 19th at 10:00AM

09/15/2025

📢 JUST RELEASED: Tusk – The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute comes to the Historic Academy Theatre on January 22, 2026!

Experience the timeless hits and hidden gems of Fleetwood Mac brought to life by five masterful musicians who have toured together for over a decade. From Stevie to Lindsey, Christine to Mick, and John—TUSK captures every detail with note-perfect precision and unmatched stage presence.

🎶 Don’t miss the ultimate Fleetwood Mac experience!
📍 Historic Academy Theatre
📅 January 22, 2026 | 7:30 PM
🎟️ $25–$57 https://academycenter.org/event/tusk-the-classic-fleetwood-mac-tribute/

09/08/2025

The Academy Is Strong. The Future Is Bright.

We’re searching for a dynamic, visionary leader to guide the Academy into its next chapter, as Geoff Kershner will step down as Academy CEO on December 31, 2025.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

The Academy seeks a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as our next Chief Executive Officer, This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to build on our already strong foundation and shape the future of a thriving cultural institution and champion the arts in our community and beyond.

Explore the CEO Position & Apply Today https://academycenter.org/ceosearch/

09/05/2025

✨ Our 2025 Academy Gala Silent Auction is LIVE! ✨

Our silent auction for the 2025 Academy Gala is officially live! Explore an extraordinary collection of original artwork from more than 30 regional artists. This is your chance to add meaningful pieces to your collection while directly supporting local artists and the Academy’s mission. See the artwork in person during First Friday tonight, then head to the auction site and start placing your bids. Join us in celebrating the Academy’s 120th anniversary by taking home a masterpiece that will last a lifetime. Bidding is open—don’t wait to claim your favorite piece!

Bidding closes on September 20 at 6:15 PM

Start your bidding now
https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/academy2025?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9.5.25GalaEmail-GalaSilentAuction&utm_content=version_A

09/02/2025

🎉 Viva la Cultura: Hispanic Heritage Celebration 🎉

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us at the Academy Center of the Arts on Thursday, October 17!

✨ 7–9 PM | Open Mic Forum – music, poetry, dance, and stories from our community
💃 9–11:30 PM | Latin Dance Party with DJ Ed spinning salsa, bachata & more
🌮 Local vendors serving authentic Latin & Spanish flavors all night

This FREE event is all about connection, joy, and honoring the richness of Hispanic culture. Bring your friends, your best moves, and your spirit of celebration—let’s make it a night to remember!

📍 Joy & Lynch Christian Warehouse Theatre
🗓 October 17 | 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM

¡Nos vemos allí! ✨

08/27/2025

We’re looking for an instructor to teach an Intermediate Oils Painting class this fall!

When: Tuesday evenings, October–November

Format: 6-week session

Level: Intermediate students (already familiar with oils basics)

If you enjoy working with dedicated students and have experience teaching oils painting, we’d love to connect with you. This is a great opportunity to share your expertise, inspire creativity, and help artists continue developing their skills.

Interested or know someone who is interested? Tag them below and contact Kelli Johnson, Director of Education for more details! [email protected]

08/26/2025

✨ Luther Re-Lives ✨
Saturday, September 6 | 7:30 PM | Historic Academy Theatre

Experience the magic of Luther Vandross like never before with William “SMOOTH” Wardlaw, whose voice, presence, and passion capture the essence of the legendary icon. Backed by a full 8-piece Vegas-style band, this show brings the lights, the choreography, the soul—and the unforgettable music of Luther.

🎶 More than a tribute, it’s a celebration of timeless love songs, smooth grooves, and unforgettable memories.

🎟️ Tickets: $15–$58 | academycenter.org

08/20/2025

✨ 2025 Gala: A Legacy in Motion ✨

📅 September 20 | 5:00 PM | Historic Theatre
For 120 years, the Academy has set the stage for creativity, connection, and community in Central Virginia. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with art, performances, dinner, and dancing across our iconic venues. This milestone celebration honors our rich legacy while embracing an exciting future in the arts for generations to come.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, whose generosity makes this evening possible:
Platinum Sponsors

• • • • • • Pat Merryman • •

Gold Sponsors

• Randall & John Watts • Ula & Alan Kauppi • Runk & Pratt

Silver Sponsor



Bronze Sponsors

& Curt Baker • Dodson Pest Control • Kimball & Leslie Payne •