Song Contest Winners Take the Stage for a Live Concert and Historic Recording

Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert on the front porch of historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center

Ashland has long inspired music in the hearts of those who stroll its picturesque streets—but now, the town’s unique charm will be immortalized in song. Join us for the Songs from the Center of the Universe concert on Saturday, September 27 at 11 AM on the front lawn of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, where the Ashland Song Contest winners will perform their original, Ashland-inspired anthems—live and on the record.

Bring your blanket or pull up a folding chair provided by the Center, and become part of history as Free Jambalaya professionally records each performance for distribution across all major streaming platforms and airplay on K101.2 POP Richmond. It’s a free celebration of music, community, and the stories that make Ashland sing.

Sarah Forti recording her Ashland Song Contest entry

🎤 Live Music from Ashland’s Brightest Songwriters
This hometown concert features the winners of the Ashland Song Contest, each of whom captured the spirit of Ashland through melody and lyrics. From laugh-out-loud tracks to soulful serenades, the lineup includes:

• Sarah Forti, whose humorous “Don’t Drive on the Tracks” warns:
  Please don’t drive down the railroad tracks, my friend /
  They won’t get you where you’re going, in the end /
  If you’re not driving a train…

• Kevin Fergusson, who sings of Ashland’s wonder in A Day and Night in Ashland:
  I saw the Center of the Universe on view, /
  Out here in the small and precious town of Ashland.

• Beloved local musician Victor Gottlieb, who says, “I got never-ending support and inspiration all the way through this fun contest.” Victor’s songwriting nearly became a full album dedicated to Ashland itself.

Vendors set up at historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center during the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert

✨ More Than a Concert—It’s a Celebration!
In true small-town style, the concert will be accompanied by:

• 🍽️ Farm-to-fork food trucks serving local eats

• 🛍️ Art, craft, and business vendors offering handmade and hometown goods

• 🎯 Lawn games and family-friendly fun
  
  

🚂 Arrive in style by taking Amtrak Virginia to the Ashland station—just steps from the concert—or crack open a cold one from Center of the Universe Brewing Company to toast to Ashland’s musical milestone.

Simultaneously, Ashland will welcome hundreds of Virginia Girl Scouts for Ashland Girl Scout Day, who will be exploring all the wonder the “Center of the Universe” has to offer—including this concert that adds melody to our history and helps share it with the next generation and beyond.

🎶 “We’re always delighted to discover how many people are inspired by Ashland,” says Louise Keeton, Director of Operations for Downtown Ashland Association. “It is our goal to provide a platform for these artists to be heard—not only in the Center of the Universe, but to pull everyone into our orbit. We’re so thankful to Free Jambalaya for bringing professional production to these original songs and sharing them with the world.”

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Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert
📍 Hanover Arts and Activities Center Lawn – 500 S Center St, Ashland
🗓️ Saturday, September 27, 2025
⏰ 11 AM – Free and open to all!

Ashland Fourth Fridays Grand Finale Promises a Picture-Perfect End to Summer

Crowds shop, picnic, and gather at Ashland Fourth Fridays

Three fabulous Fourth Fridays have brought music, movement, and magic to downtown Ashland—and now it’s time for the fourth and final celebration. On Friday, August 22 from 5 to 8 PM, the community is invited to gather on the lawn of Ashland Town Hall for the Ashland Fourth Fridays Grand Finale. It’s the perfect summer send-off, brimming with neighborly fun, local flavor, and the unmistakable charm of the Center of the Universe.

Ashland Dance Academy performs at Ashland Fourth Fridays

The evening begins with a show of hometown talent on the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion stage, where Ashland Dance Academy will perform a series of original dance routines. One highlight? A special interpretation of “You Already Know,” the winning anthem from the 2024 Ashland Song Contest, written and performed by the brilliant Ginny Ray. As the dancers step off the stage, the Downtown Ashland Association will take a moment to reveal the grand prize winner of the 2025 Ashland Song Contest. The newest anthem of Ashland might even be performed live for the very first time.

2024 Ashland Song Contest winner Ginny Ray

Music continues to take center stage as Kayla Atanacio, winner of Hanover’s Got Talent, shares her award-winning song with the crowd. Then, beloved local favorites The Generations Trio will return to the stage, filling the summer air with the smooth sounds of classic jazz standards and reimagined pop hits until the sun sets on this final Fourth Friday.

While the stage entertains, more than 30 local artists, food makers, and small businesses will set up around the Town Hall lawn and parking lot. Shoppers will find everything from handcrafted housewares by C.G. Elliot Woodworking to fragrant blooms from Breemar Flower Farm, original canvas art by Richard Harding, and handcrafted soaps from Tierrapy Soaps. These are the kinds of goods that feel good to buy—not just because they’re beautiful, but because every purchase supports a real person in our community.

Local partners are going above and beyond to add comfort and care to the festivities. Cornerstone Church will be handing out cold bottles of water to help everyone beat the heat, and ARC of Hanover will welcome guests into their sensory-friendly tent, filled with calming tools and textures. They’ll also be offering a free thrift table, where families can browse and take home donated treasures at no cost. "The Arc of Hanover and Thrift Store are so pleased to be able to join in the festivities of this last of the 'Fourth Fridays,” says Diane Gallegos, Co-Executive Director/Mission, The Arc of Hanover. “We'll have our Mobile Sensory Tent for guests who may need a break from what can be an overwhelming environment, and we'll also have several rummage bins with items like what you would find at the quarterly Free Community Yard Sale events at our Thrift Store.”

Shaken Not Spurred’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese

As always, Ashland’s food scene is ready to impress. While local farm-to-fork favorites like The Caboose Market & Café, The Iron Horse, Ash & Olive, and The Henry Clay Inn offer unbeatable dinner views of trains rolling through the heart of town, the Downtown Ashland Association is also bringing in crowd-pleasing food trucks to keep everyone fueled right on site. Shaken Not Spurred will serve up gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, Farmview Creamery will offer their signature cool treats, and Mama Vicky’s Lumpia and Filipino Cuisine will delight with savory BBQ skewers and sweet or savory lumpia made with care and tradition.

Families will want to pop into downtown shops like Take Away, which is staying open late for after-dinner browsing. Over at Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys, little ones can paint Breyer Horses for free and marvel at the detailed model train displays. For those in the mood for a little fright with their fun, RED VEIN Escape is open for immersive games, plus they’re offering their Spirits of Railroad Avenue Haunted History Tour, a guided ghost walk through one of the oldest—and spookiest—corners of Ashland.

Celebrity guest photos at 110 Thompson

And don’t miss the festivities at 110 Thompson Street, home of the now-iconic “Welcome to the Center of the Universe” mural. Just after the Ashland Dance Academy performance, families could find free snacks, face painting, and photos with a special celebrity guest. Past stars have included Glenda the Good Witch, Lelio, and Stitch—so you never know who might make a surprise appearance to help say goodbye to summer.

Although this will be the final Fourth Friday of the year, it’s only the beginning of a bustling calendar of community events. Things kick off again on September 27 with the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, and continue all the way through Ashland Train Day on April 25, 2026. Vendors who want to be part of the magic all year long are encouraged to become Downtown Ashland Association Silver Sponsors—and reserve their spot at events throughout the seasons. Learn more at ashlandvirginia.com/sponsor.

As summer winds down, the community is coming together one last time to celebrate all that makes Ashland shine. Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, the shopping, or simply to soak up the small-town joy—there’s a place for you at the Ashland Fourth Fridays finale. Find maps, parking, and more at AshlandFourthFridays.com

Ashland Vendor Season is Back

Photo of the massive crowds on Ashland Train Day taken by Rick Kidd

Downtown Ashland Association is proud to announce the return of highly anticipated vendor events, inviting locals and visitors alike to Shop Ashland First, savor regional flavors, and celebrate small businesses — all while enjoying free live entertainment in the Center of the Universe.

With vendor events that welcome more than 40,000 guests in person annually and reach millions of viewers regionally and internationally through TV, radio, print, and online platforms, this year’s lineup is bigger, brighter, and more business-friendly than ever before.

“Whether you're a shopper looking for the perfect handcrafted gift, or a vendor ready to amp up your work, Ashland is the place to be,” said “Coach” Antonio Miller, Executive Director for the Downtown Ashland Association. “Our vendor fairs are a celebration of what makes Ashland unique: small-town charm, big creative energy, and a community that loves to support local.”

From summer nights filled with live music and local eats, to festive holiday markets and Ashland’s world-famous Train Day, there’s truly something for everyone — and a space for every kind of maker, artist, and foodpreneur.

2025–2026 Downtown Ashland Vendor Events:

📅 August 22, 5–8 PM — Ashland Fourth Fridays Finale

Close out summer with live performances, local shopping, food trucks, and family fun at Ashland Town Hall. Highlights include Hanover’s Got Talent winner Layla Atanacio, the Ashland Song Contest grand prize reveal, and interactive entertainment like Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys Breyer horse painting, and model trains or Ashland Haunted History Tours outside of RED VEIN Escape.

Apply to vend

📅 September 27, 11–4 PM — Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert

Celebrate the music of Ashland at a free outdoor concert featuring live recordings by Free Jambalya. Vendors enjoy a one-of-a-kind crowd — and a booth fee of just one bag of Halloween candy!

Apply to vend

📅 October 25, 3–7 PM — Off the Rails Beer Festival

Craft brews, local wines, and even better vibes await at this beloved boozy bash. Arts and crafts vendors and food trucks will set up shop to serve up the perfect pairings.

Apply to vend

📅 November 22, 2–5 PM — Grand IlluminAshland

Kick off Light Up the Tracks with a holiday market, live performances, carolers, and a dazzling community tree lighting. Start your season with sparkle — and shop small while you’re at it.

Apply to vend

📅 December 6, 11–4 PM — England Street “Christmas” Market

In partnership with Thrill of the Hunt, this vintage-inspired market begins in Ashland Town Center, making it the perfect starting point for your local holiday shopping crawl through the Center of the Universe.

Apply to vend

📅 April 26, 10–4 PM — Ashland Train Day

An international draw and family favorite, Ashland Train Day boasts 20,000+ attendees and a marketing reach in the millions. Vendors get front-row exposure at one of the region’s most exciting and well-loved festivals

Apply to vend

💼 Vendors: Secure Your Spot All Season Long

Apply to be considered for any or all upcoming vendor events — or skip the application process entirely and guarantee your space by becoming a Downtown Ashland Association Silver Sponsor.

Silver Sponsors enjoy perks like:

• Reserved 10x10 space at all vendor events

• Logo and sponsorship credit across Downtown Ashland Association’s website and promotions

• Marketing that reaches millions

• Even a static ad on the Ashland Theatre screen!

“Being a silver sponsor doesn’t just guarantee you a booth — it makes you a part of something bigger,” Miller adds. “You’re helping us make Ashland a thriving hub for creativity, commerce, and connection.”

Your Whistle-Stop Guide to Ashland Fourth Fridays: July 25 Edition

Ashland Fourth Fridays in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

All aboard for an unforgettable evening in the Center of the Universe! 🌍 From toe-tapping tunes and local eats to creative treats and mystery guest sightings, Ashland Fourth Fridays on July 25 from 5–8 PM at Ashland Town Hall Lawn is the perfect summer celebration for all ages. Here’s your guide to the night’s highlights—you’ll want to save this one for your pre-party planning! 🗓🎈

Hanover’s Got Talent winner Hannah Armpriester.

🎸 Let the Music Play
Kick things off at 5 PM sharp with a high-energy showcase from the talented students of Ashland Dance Academy. Tap, jazz, ballet—they’ll be bringing the moves and the sparkle to the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion stage. 💃
Then settle in for an instrumental jam session like no other, as The Blue Guitar performs from 5:15–8 PM with dynamic covers of your favorite pop, R&B, rock, and jazz hits. It’s the kind of summer soundtrack you’ll want to hum all the way home.
Stick around for a grand finale performance by Hanover’s Got Talent soaring singing winner Hannah Armpriester. 🎶🌅

🚚 Savor the Flavor
Ashland’s farm-to-fork restaurants stay packed on Fourth Fridays—and for good reason! If you’re looking for a delicious detour, stop by our visiting food trucks offering everything from crepes to Filipino cuisine and dreamy ice cream delights. 🍨🍴 Come hungry and leave with a happy heart (and a full belly).

And don’t forget to raise a glass to style—Shaken Not Spurred will be serving up marvelous mocktails and retro flair from their converted horse trailer beverage truck. ✨ It’s a sip-and-stroll experience like no other! 🍹🐎

🎨 Local Treasures & Artistic Pleasures
This is your moment to shop small and shine bright! ✨ Browse handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, woodwork, fresh flower bouquets 💐, and all the handmade magic Ashland has to offer. You'll find treasures you won't be able to resist—and won’t be able to find anywhere else.

While you shop, cool off with a complimentary water bottle from Cornerstone Church, who will be spreading kindness and hydration across the lawn. Stop by Downtown Ashland Association’s Cool Zone and mist off July heat.💧💛

🎭 Get a Little Spooky…
For those craving a little mystery, RED VEIN Escape is offering immersive escape room games just steps away from the main lawn. 🔍 Their haunted halls are also the jumping-off point for the Ashland Haunted History Tours, where you can take a spine-tingling stroll through the town’s past. 👻 It’s thrills, chills, and clues—if you dare.

📸 Star Sighting Alert!
Who’s that posing for selfies on Thompson Street? 👀 You’ll have to come see for yourself! Our mystery celebrity guest will be on hand at 110 Thompson Street for photo ops and fan fun. Strike a pose—it might just be your most iconic Fourth Friday moment yet! 🌟📷

Rantrak outside of Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys at Ashland Fourth Fridays

🚂 Tiny Trains & Painted Ponies
Stop by Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys for a double dose of delight! Outside, the incredible team from Rantrak will be running their magical model train display—a miniature world that’s sure to wow railroad lovers of all ages. Inside, young creatives can paint their own Breyer Horse model, a neigh-borhood favorite that’s sure to spark imagination. 🐴🎨

🌳 Make It a Picnic Party
Bring a blanket, round up your crew, and spend the evening surrounded by music, movement, and community. Whether you're enjoying live performances, shopping for local gems, or just lounging in the summer sun, Ashland Fourth Fridays is the place to be. 🧺🌞

See you on the lawn, July 25 from 5–8 PM!
You never know what you'll discover—but we do know it’ll be marvelous, musical, and Center of the Universe-level magical. 💫

Deadline Extended for the Ashland Song Contest

Art takes time—and great songs often take just a little more. That’s why Downtown Ashland Association and acclaimed music producers Free Jambalaya are harmonizing with consuming creative schedules. The deadline for the Ashland Song Contest has been extended from July 27 to Sunday, August 10, inviting musicians of all ages and genres to find their muse in Ashland, Virginia, and turn that inspiration into song.

The Ashland Song Contest is only in its second season, but music has always been part of Ashland’s heartbeat. From the rhythm of trains echoing through town to the melodies spilling out from front porches and open windows, creativity lives in every corner of the Center of the Universe. Local events like Ashland Fourth Fridays offer a perfect excuse to soak it all in every fourth Friday through August. Live music under the stars, the laughter of neighbors shopping on the Town Hall Lawn, the scent of something delicious drifting from a downtown kitchen or farm-to-fork food truck. It’s not just atmosphere. It’s fuel for your next great lyric.

“There’s something about Ashland that brings out every genre,” says Downtown Ashland Association Executive Director “Coach” Antonio Miller. “Last year, we heard hip-hop, folk, gospel, and indie rock all telling their version of Ashland’s story. From Mauice Taylor’s ‘Train Reaction’ to Aidan Hamilton’s ‘Ashes & Dirt,’ each track from Songs from the Center of the Universe showed us how this town speaks to people in different ways.”

The first season of the Ashland Song Contest ended with a standing ovation—and a star. Thirteen-year-old Ginny Ray stole hearts with her original song “You Already Know,” earning a professional recording session, airplay on K101.2 POP’s nationally syndicated Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharron Lizzy, and a chance to perform at Ashland’s signature events. Now, the stage is set once again.

Entries are open at AshlandFourthFridays.com, and the winner will be announced live at Ashland Fourth Fridays on August 22 at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. One song will get the grand prize, but every qualified Ashland-themed submission becomes part of Songs from the Center of the Universe volume 2 - and the town’s growing musical legacy.

If you’ve ever felt Ashland’s charm tug at your creativity—or if the Center of the Universe has a hold on your heart—this is your chance to sing it out in the Ashland Song Contest.