Benefit Concert 2026: Music, Community, and a Cause Worth Supporting

Sunday evening, something special filled the air at PAA.

Students, families, friends, and fans gathered together for a night of live music and a whole lot of heart, all in support of the Ellis-Johnson Fund and the Music Studio program that has become one of PAA's most unique and beloved offerings.

The fundraiser came together from the visions of Emily and Mia, two PAA juniors, and students in the Performance & Production class.

The audience was treated to performances from local musicians and current PAA students across multiple classes, including Performance & Production and Music Theory & Guitar. Jesse performed alongside students from his classes, supporting them through most of their songs. Tina Cooper from Cooper's Cafe also graced the stage with her voice. And then there was the freshman boy band. Yes, you read that right. A group of freshman boys took the stage and absolutely delivered. Loved every single moment of that.

Jesse brought the house down with not only his professional band, but another that came to support student music opportunities, performing several terrific songs that had the crowd fully engaged. And the night was made even more special when prior staff member and one of the program's own founders, Kevin Brusett, stepped up and shared his incredible voice. What a gift.

One of the songs Jesse performed, "Needs," was the very first song he performed here as a student in the studio program. The studio program was life changing to Jesse, and to numerous other students throughout the years. It met needs and fed students' creativity and need for expression that other subjects and classes just touched on. Many studio program alumni have gone on to work professionally in music, as musicians and producers. For Jesse, coming back to teach in the program that meant so much to him is an incredible opportunity and joy.

This program has been a part of PAA for a long time, and for good reason. It is special. And nights like this one are a beautiful reminder of why it matters and why this community shows up to support it.

Thank you to everyone who came, gave, and made the evening everything it was. The Ellis-Johnson Fund is stronger because of you, and so is the music program that blesses our students every single day.