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The Great Busk Returns to Richmond

A Weekend of Music, Art, and Immigrant Empowerment

Presented by Capaz+IT in partnership with Gallery5

June 5–28, 2025
Richmond, VA

After a ten-year hiatus, The Great Busk returns this summer for a powerful three-day celebration of roots music, visual art, and immigrant creativity. This dynamic street festival blends live performance, community storytelling, and cultural activism—raising vital funds for bilingual education and music access programs in our region.

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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

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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  • Eva Celda Padilla Stitt School for Newcomers

Providing alternative high school pathways for immigrant youth.

 

  • Music Orchard

Expanding access to music education in underserved K–12 schools across the region.

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Slide through this short gallery to meet some of our amazing newcomer students!

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Citrus Fruits

The Great Busk Sponsorships

Why Sponsor or Attend?

  1. Amplify your support for immigrant youth, bilingual learning, and access to the arts.

  2. Be part of a cultural experience that celebrates Richmond’s rich diversity.

  3. Reach over 2,500 attendees with online, print, and on-site visibility.

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Sponsorships start at just $200 — and 100% of proceeds go to education and arts access.

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All sponsors are offered these Sponsor Benefits:
(Please review each Sponsor Level below to review all of the benefit opportunities)

  • Recognition in Capaz+IT newsletters and event outreach

  • 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

  • Official sponsor of the Icon Main Stage

  • Prominent banner with logo/company name at main stage

  • Logo and Presenter credit on all event materials: print, web, press, and social media

  • Reserved 10' x 10' outdoor booth space at First Fridays (June 6)

  • Table with banner at the June 28th ticketed finale

  • 4 VIP tickets and table at the finale concert

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RISING STAR $2500 (2 available)

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  • Sponsorship of The Great Busk Event exclusive to your business category. 

  • Official sponsor of 1 of 2 outdoor performance stages. 

  • Banner placement at Outdoor Stage with Logo / Company Name

  • Logo on all marketing material including print, web, press release & social media.

  • Brochure / marketing material placement during June 6th First Friday Event

  • Table with banner placement at June 28th Ticketed Finale Competition.

  • 2 Complimentary Tickets & VIP Table at the June 28th event. 

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BREAK OUT $1000 (includes In Kind)

 

  • Logo on all marketing material including print, web & social media.

  • Brochure / marketing material placement during June 6th First Friday Event

  • 2 Complimentary Tickets to the June 28th event. 

 

ON TOUR $500

  • Logo featured in all event marketing: print, web, social media

  • Branded material distribution at June 6th event

  • 2 complimentary tickets to June 28th concert

 

LOCAL HERO $200

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  • Special social media shoutouts

  • Recognition in Capaz+IT newsletters and at the event

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If you're interested in getting involved, I’d love to connect and find a package that aligns with your values, goals, and budget. Thank you so much for considering this opportunity to uplift art, community, and education in one unforgettable weekend.

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Press & Participation Inquiries

Want to sponsor, perform, volunteer, or cover The Great Busk?
Contact: Carlos Bernate — carlos@capaz-it.org

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