(HAMPTON, Va.) – Hampton University, a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education and a leader among the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, has begun preparations for twin celebrations in 2018 – the University’s 150th anniversary of its founding as Hampton Institute in 1868, and a celebration of the unparalleled executive tenure of Dr. William R. Harvey, HU’s president for the past 40 monumental years.
“Celebrating a Legacy and a Legend of Excellence” is the theme of a combined series of events and observances in the coming year. The celebration, with planning and preparation led by Hampton University students, administrators, faculty, alumni, sponsors, and the Hampton community, begins this month.
“We look forward to celebrating with the global community, residents of the Commonwealth, and anyone who values educational excellence,” said Dr. William R. Harvey, Hampton University President. “As we embark upon the university’s 150th anniversary and my 40th anniversary as president of Hampton, we’ll reflect on the stellar achievements and undeniable progress that this university has accomplished.”
“We welcome the participation of businesses, organizations, and other partners who wish to support this once-in-a-lifetime observance,” Harvey said. “We look forward to producing leaders who will change the world in the next 150 years.”
About Hampton University
Rich in history and steeped in tradition, Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. Since its founding in 1868 as Hampton Institute by Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, this educational institution has consistently pushed the boundaries of its success.
At Hampton University, opportunity for success is the theme of every day, and success is the expectation of everyone. Our central keystone values are innovation, aspiration, and competitive success, and those values transform the lives of students, faculty, and the administrative leadership of our University.
HAMPTON, Va. (Aug. 25, 2017) — Brian Culbertson electrified concertgoers at the 2017 Hampton Jazz Festival, and he’s back! The international award-winning multi-instrumentalist returns to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Hampton University and Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey’s 40 years of unparalleled leadership.
This can’t-miss event will be at the Hampton University Convocation Center on Oct. 20, with doors opening in the evening and the show beginning at 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy live entertainment from Culbertson and special surprises throughout the evening. The festivities will honor both the 150-year legacy of the extraordinary institution and the decades of service of its visionary leader and president.
“He was mesmerizing at the 50th Hampton Jazz Festival,” said President Harvey. “There’s no doubt he will rock the house launching our Anniversaries’ Kickoff Celebration, the same way he left people buzzing in June.”
Heralding from the musically rich city of Chicago, Culbertson began his musical studies at the age of 8 on piano and quickly picked up several other instruments by age 12, including drums, trombone, bass, and euphonium. Inspired by the great R&B, jazz, and pop artists of the 70s like Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Chicago, David Sanborn, and others, Culbertson started composing original music for his 7th-grade piano recital and hasn’t stopped.
He has self-produced 17 solo albums, most of which have topped the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts, including 28 No. 1 smooth jazz radio hits. He has worked and performed with industry all-stars like Michael McDonald, Chris Botti, Ledisi, Barry Manilow, Herb Alpert, Natalie Cole, Chuck Brown, and Bootsy Collins.
Culbertson has received numerous awards, including being nominated for a 2012 NAACP Image Award and a 2012 Soul Train Award. He won the 2010 Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Best International Artist and the 2010 American Smooth Jazz Award for Best Keyboardist. In 2012, he founded the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, now in its 7th year.
Brian is always striving to push the boundaries of the jazz scene, which is evident in his latest album, Funk!. This new set is a throwback to the stanky P-Funk records from back in the day, combining infectious bass lines, greasy horn licks, sing-a-long hooks, and, of course, landing hard on the ‘One.’ This record is also a follow-up to his widely successful Bringing Back the Funk album from 2008, co-produced by the late Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Over the past few months, Brian has been back in the studio working on a very romantic album, Colors of Love. The album will feature 12 original tracks and is due out Valentine’s Day 2018. Fans can rest assured that, with 17 albums and counting, Culbertson always brings his very best – and brings out the best in others – in his broad-ranging musical endeavors.
Tickets for the Anniversaries’ Kickoff Celebration start at $50 for upper-level general admission, $65 for mezzanine level, $75 for lower level (no VIP), and $150 for floor (VIP reception access 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.). Tickets are available at the Hampton University Convocation Center and Ticketmaster. For more information, contact the Hampton University Convocation Center box office at (757) 728-6800.
