PRESENTED BY THE SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER FOUNDATION
Richard Leigh & Friends Memorial Scholarship Concert
Saturday, October 10th, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Grand Hall
Tickets: $40 per seat
Enjoy an evening with acclaimed songwriters while helping local students pursue higher education close to home.
Music with a Purpose
The Richard Leigh and Friends Memorial Scholarship Concert pairs a special evening of live music with support for local students. The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation presents the concert, and proceeds will support scholarships for students enrolled in programs at the Higher Ed Center.
Scholarships can help ease the financial burden of continuing an education and make it easier for students to stay on track toward their goals. By purchasing a ticket, guests help provide that support while investing in the future workforce of Southwest Virginia.
Three Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees. One unforgettable evening.
Richard Leigh will be joined by fellow songwriters Tony Arata and Roger Cook for an evening of live music in the Grand Hall. Guests will hear songs from their acclaimed careers and the stories behind them in an intimate setting that puts the writers and their work at the center of the experience.
It is a special opportunity to enjoy three celebrated songwriters together on one stage while helping create educational opportunities for students close to home.
Richard Leigh
Writer of “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”
Tony Arata
Writer of “The Dance”
Roger Cook
Co-writer of “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” and “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress”
Ticket and Event Details
Join us for the Richard Leigh and Friends Memorial Scholarship Concert on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Grand Hall at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. Tickets are $40 per seat and may be purchased online. Advance purchase is encouraged.
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Hall, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
Address: 1 Partnership Circle, Abingdon, Virginia
Tickets: $40 per seat, $1,000 to reserve a private table.
Proceeds from ticket sales will support memorial scholarships for students pursuing education at the Higher Ed Center.
For questions about tickets, contact Larry Foster at lf*****@******er.edu or (276) 619-4306
Honoring Legacies Through Education
At the heart of this concert are memorial scholarships that honor individuals whose legacies continue to hold special meaning for the Higher Ed Center and our community.
The memorial scholarships honor:
- Rachel Fowlkes
- Joe Johnson
- Bob Jones
- Bob Keene
- Sam Neese
- Pat Callebs
- David and Roberta Looney
Every memorial scholarship supported by this concert will be awarded to a student pursuing education at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center.
Through these scholarships, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation carries these legacies forward by creating opportunities for today’s students. Each ticket purchased helps a student continue their education at the Center and take another step toward reaching their goals.
Can't Attend the Concert?
You Can Still Support Students
You do not have to be in the audience to help create opportunities for students in Southwest Virginia. A gift to the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Foundation will support memorial scholarships for students pursuing education at the Higher Ed Center.
Every contribution honors the legacies behind these scholarships while helping students move closer to their educational and career goals.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
The Richard Leigh and Friends Memorial Scholarship Concert is made possible through the generous support of sponsors who share our commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students in Southwest Virginia.
Secure Your Tickets Today
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music and storytelling with three Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees. Purchase your tickets now to support scholarships for local students and enjoy a night of inspiration and celebration.