A new nonprofit, Hot Spot Collective, aims to bring the community together through live music and support working artists including investing in the next generation of performers.
The group will host live performances and plans to launch a range of accessible programs including master classes, youth education, financial aid for working musicians and a piano redistribution drive, hosted at community centers and venues across Waynesboro and Augusta County.
The nonprofit is offering a free outdoor concert next weekend to introduce the community to its big vision. The event will also celebrate 15 years of concert production by AB Garrod, Hot Spot Collective founder and longtime advocate for independent music in the region.
“Hot Spot Collective was born out of love for live music and a belief in its power to bring people together,” said Garrod.
“We’re not just hosting shows — we’re building something bigger: a stronger, more connected musical community here in Waynesboro.”
Launch event to host Punkadelick
The inaugural launch event is planned for Saturday, July 19, at 6 p.m. at Plaza Antigua in Waynesboro.
Punkadelick, a high-energy trio performing jazz, punk funk and soul, will offer a pay-what-you-will performance.
The band includes Grammy-nominated and award-winning artists including:
- Mike Dillon, a percussion legend who has toured with Les Claypool and Rickie Lee Jones
- Nikki Glaspie, a founding member of Beyoncé’s Suga Mama band and drummer for Grammy winning fusion group Snarky Puppy
- Brian Haas, the virtuosic pianist behind the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey and longtime collaborator with Mike Dillon
Founded in 2025, Hot Spot Collective’s mission is to uplift performance arts through artist aid, community events and educational outreach in Waynesboro and beyond. The nonprofit is operating in collaboration with Hot Spot Entertainment LLC, which manages for-profit event production, allowing Hot Spot Collective to stay focused on inclusive, mission-driven programming.
For more information, visit www.hotspotcollective.org.
Video: Punkadelick
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Crystal Graham
