May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Scientific research proves music is not just entertainment. Read this great article from the National Library of Medicine:
Music, mental health, and immunity

Enjoy these Free musical programs in May from Norfolk Arts grantees:
I Sherman Greene Chorale
Free Spring Concert with the Norfolk State University Concert Choir
Watch the livestream at welcomeshiloh.com

Primeplus Senior Center
Primeplus Senior Centers’ mission is to encourage and support seniors in the Hampton Roads area in their pursuit of social, emotional, physical, financial, and intellectual wellness. They offer more than 50 different physical fitness and wellness courses five days a week. In addition to physical wellness, Primeplus offers a variety of classes to stimulate the mind and soul such as art and music classes, dance lessons and playing bridge and mahjong.
May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30: 9am every Tuesday tune in to the Primeplus Senior Center Facebook Page to enjoy a live music session with a local pianist:
Tuesdays with Steve – A Free virtual program via Facebook Live
Primeplus provides programs for seniors 5 days a week!

Virginia Children’s Chorus
“Minstrels of Spring”
Saturday, May 14, 4 p.m.
Celebrating their 30th Year of Song!
Talbot Park Baptist Church, 6919 Granby St. Norfolk
Tickets: $12 adults, $7 students & seniors (60+)
Contact the VCC office:
vccinfo@verizon.net or call (757) 440-9100

Tidewater Winds Concert Band
May 14, 2-3pm, 24th Street Stage Virginia Beach
Free family concert: Pinocchio
Your whole family will enjoy this sneak peak of “Pinocchio” performed by Tidewater Winds and theatrical partners, Rainbow Puppets!

The Boys Choir of Hampton Roads
FREE 🎼You are cordially invited to attend the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Spring Concert of Norfolk Arts grantee, The Boys Choir of Hampton Roads.
🗓Sunday, May 22, 2022, 4:00 P.M.
New Horizon Presbyterian Church, 913 Covenant Street, Norfolk

Brain research shows the arts promote mental health
Read this great article: via The Conversation

Enjoy these Free Art Classes in May:
The Muse Writer’s Center.
May 21st, 1-3:30pm:
Comics For Young Writers
In-person at the Muse Writer’s Center.
For children ages 8-12, this free, one-day workshop will be filled to the brim with exciting comic-making exercises. Students will be given flexible prompts and art supplies to make their imagination and creativity take flight.
May 14, 1-3:30pm
Comics for Teens
This one-off workshop will provide flexible, exciting prompts and art supplies to teens aged 13-17 for making comics.
The Muse strives to create, welcome, and celebrate a diverse community of writers, highlight underrepresented voices, and embrace the power of words to offer thoughtful and provocative commentary on diversity in our society.
Tuition assistance is always available.
+Free Virtual writing class for Adults: May 24th, 5-7pm

Find additional programming in support of mental health in Hampton Roads during the month and throughout the year:
Rumi Friendship Association
To build a peaceful society through education & dialogue initiatives, to create a platform that brings people from all walks of life together to find solutions our community is facing and to support the poor and vulnerable people through promoting solidarity & philanthropy. Visit their website to find activities throughout the year.

Tidewater Arts Outreach
TAO’s mission is to bring joy to older adults and those living in isolating circumstances and enhance their well-being through creative engagement with the arts. They match local artists with opportunities to share their creativity and compassion in support of Hampton Roads adults. Programs are scheduled throughout the year in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. They regularly seek volunteers and artists for paid programming opportunities.

Tidewater Youth Services
The TYS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 1991 to support the Tidewater Youth Services Commission in its efforts to help at-risk and court involved youth become contributing and productive members of the community.
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