Experience an afternoon of live music and storytelling at the Hinson Amphitheater as nationally recognized PBS artists and local performers celebrate America 250 and Ohio’s musical heritage.

As part of the City of New Albany’s America 250 celebration, residents are invited to an afternoon of music, storytelling, and connection at the PBS concert series Songs at the Center – LIVE! on Sunday, August 16 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater.

Reflecting the format of the nationally televised PBS series seen on more than 400 stations nationwide, the performance will celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday and Ohio’s contributions to America’s musical history by going beyond the music to share the stories and inspiration behind each song.

The lineup consists of these Ohio-based artists:

Join us for a memorable concert celebrating creativity, community, and the spirit of Ohio and America 250!

Bios:

Eric Gnezda is the creator and host of the PBS series, Songs at the Center, which is broadcast on more than 400 stations nationwide. Eric has entertained at such notable venues as Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, and was awarded the Ohioana Citation for Music Composition. Earning an Emmy nomination, Eric co-wrote “Unfinished Bridges,” which was recorded by Rock Hearts and went to Number One on the Bluegrass charts. His ballads, “Daddy’s Wheels,” and “Separation” were deemed two of “the greatest songs ever recorded” by Detroit-area DJ, Phil Maq. Also an author, Eric’s memoir, Stories at the Center: A Memoir of Miles, Music and Meaning, was recently released by Sunbury Press.

Shaun Booker is a 2024 International Blues Challenge Finalist. Top 5 in the world! For 13 years Shaun has continued a whirlwind career as an international touring singer-songwriter. She has traveled and performed in more than 16 countries throughout Europe and in Colombia, South America. She has appeared on three episodes of Songs at the Center, including the Black History Celebration. Shaun claims she doesn’t just sing the Blues, but insists, “I am the Blues.” Shaun is a second-generation descendant of “The Great Migration,” and cousin to the late James Chaney, one of three civil rights workers murdered during Freedom Summer near Philadelphia, Mississippi. “A born activist,” she says, Shaun first sang at her grandfather’s church and has never stopped—sinceage 3.

Ukrainian violinist Arkadiy Gips was a featured performer on two of Madonna’s world tours, and was a guest soloist on Grammy Award-winning songwriter Janis Ian’s pandemic music project, “Better Times Will Come.” The virtuoso immigrated to Ohio from Kiev in 1994, and continues to play concert halls around the world, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. A graduate of the Rostov Music Conservatory, Arkadiy is one of our country’s most respected and popular musicians, and he complements his love for ethnic music with his eclectic tastes in country, folk, jazz, and original works.

Alice Peacock is a singer-songwriter and recording artist known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. With seven albums to her name, Alice’s work spans major label releases and independent projects, including her self-titled album Alice Peacock, which features the popular duet “Bliss” with John Mayer. Her music has been featured in numerous TV shows (Dawson’s Creek, Smallville, What I Like About You, The Ghost Whisperer) and films (Because of Winn Dixie, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!) as well as in national ad campaigns, including Hershey’s Bliss chocolate. Beyond her musical achievements, Alice is dedicated to social causes. A former trustee and board member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (whichoversees the GRAMMYS) she has advocated for artists’ rights, testifying with Lyle Lovett before the Senate Judiciary Committee on their behalf.

Jesse Powers engages her audiences with infectious energy, sharing clever lyricism with hilarious and soul-gripping stories. She awakens and entertains. She often shares her music at country-wide spiritual gatherings and in the Unity and Centers for Spiritual Living communities, appearing at the VISTA conference, the CSL Minister’s Conference, and SOAR. In 2025, she was awarded two Positive Music Awards for her songs, “Let It Slide” (with Chad Warren) and “LetThe Light Come Through.” She has collaborated with several new thought artists, including Gary Lynn Floyd on “Resolve To Evolve” and Eddie Watkins, Jr. on “From Fear To Faith.”

Lil’ Red & The Rooster (Jennifer Milligan and Pascal Fouquet) are Memphis Blue Challenge Finalists. Splitting their tours between the U.S. and Europe, the award-winning international couple, Jennifer Milligan, of Ohio, and Pascal Fouquet, of Normandy, France, have been writing and touring together since 2010. Touching and refreshing with bite and humor, their original songs come from their love for those old jazzy blues and post-war rhythm & blues. They’re warm and inviting and their music is inspired and innovative. Backed by a deep-in-the-pocket rhythm section (complete with washboard), blues with a spirit full of hope and joy, they may inspire you to get up and boogie!  

 Erica Donahoe co-directs the New Albany Plain Local Schools Orchestra program, which serves over 400 students. Erica is a nationally recognized composer of music for young string orchestra students. Ms. Donahoe has compositions published with Alfred Music, Wingert-Jones Publications, Carl Fischer Music, Grand Mesa, Excelcia Music Publishing and Randall Standridge Music. Her music has been performed at the American String Teachers Association National Convention as well as the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Erica is also an avid performer and has played with the Pikes Peak Philharmonic, the MacLean Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra, and the New Albany Symphony Orchestra. In recent years, she has had the privilege of sharing the stage with Andrea Bocelli, Itzhak Perman, Renee Fleming and Josh Groban.