Lynchburg VA center for arts, culture, and community building
G-Fest: A Farewell Festival
G-Fest: Celebrating Geoff Kershner’s Decade of Impact
Join us for G-Fest, a one-night-only, all-ages farewell festival honoring Geoff Kershner and his remarkable 10 years of leadership as CEO of the Academy Center of the Arts. This unforgettable evening will bring together some of the region’s favorite bands and artists for a celebration filled with music, community, and gratitude.
Live Performances by:
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Andrew Bev
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Paddy D Quartet
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Selah Vie
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Chamomile & Whiskey
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Sara Beck & Park Chisholm
Tickets: $15 | All proceeds directly support the performers.
A Decade of Impact
During his tenure, Geoff Kershner has transformed the Academy and left an indelible mark on our community:
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Grew the Academy’s impact by more than 400%
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Led the organization during a $30 million restoration and triumphant reopening of the Historic Theatre.
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Launched Academy in Motion, a mobile initiative expanding access to the arts across the region
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Opened The Music Hall in 2024, adding a state-of-the-art downtown venue to our campus
Not able to join us? You can still be part of the celebration!
Honor Geoff’s decade of impact by supporting the Academy through the Merryman Cultural Impact Fund. Your gift helps continue the work Geoff championed, bringing nationally recognized artists and transformative performances to our community, with a focus on artistic excellence and cultural enrichment.
G-Fest is more than a concert—it’s a farewell festival for the Academy’s CEO and a celebration of the Academy’s exciting future.
Ticket Access
Everyone deserves access to the arts! Our programs offer discounted tickets and class enrollment for those who qualify, including:
- Group Sales
- Senior Discount
- Educator & Military Discount
- Passport Program (WIC Participant)
For details on eligibility and how to apply these discounts, please click here or contact our Box Office:
Phone: (434) 846-8499
Email: boxoffice@academycenter.org
Visit: 519 Commerce St, Lynchburg, VA 24504
Hours: Mon–Fri, 12–5 PM & 1 hour before events
Related Links
Facebook Event Page: Coming Soon
Tickets:
General Admission: $15*
*Plus taxes and fees
For more information or to purchase tickets to this performance, contact our Bank of the James Ticketing Office at (434) 846-8499.
Sponsored By:
Know before you go:
Accessibility
Age Requirement
All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket for this event unless otherwise stated. All ages are welcome.
Camera Policy
Videography and audio recording during the performances are prohibited. Photography of the set on stage is allowed pre-show, post-show, and during intermission. But we do ask that you show our designers and visiting performers some love by crediting them (and by tagging us) in your social media posts.
Content Advisory
The Academy Center of the Arts offers a diverse selection of entertainment. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every guest or for all ages. Ticket buyers should take responsibility for making informed decisions regarding their purchases. We recommend visiting the official show website of each show you are coming to see at the Academy. If you ever have questions about the content or appropriateness of a show, please contact us at boxoffice@academycenter.org.
Doors Open
Unless otherwise noted, our lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to show time and house doors open 30 minutes prior to show time for seating.
Parking & Directions
Parking is available on-site and throughout downtown Lynchburg. Our parking map (linked below) shows all of the free public and paid parking available. In addition, street parking is also available on most streets.
Ticketing Policies
Ticketing purchases are non-refundable. By purchasing a ticket to an event at The Academy Center of the Arts, you are agreeing to our ticketing policy. View our full ticketing policy.
Volunteer
Want to volunteer and see this show for free? Contact Mele Thompson, mthompson@academycenter.org, for more information.