Town gears up for Saturday, October 15^th charity concert to be held in downtown Jamestown, NC

Jamestown, N.C. (October 2, 2011) — Jamestown Swing, a fully recognized 501c3 non-profit organization established in 2009 to raise funds and awareness for select charities through high profile special events, is on track to break attendance and fundraising records for its October 15^th charity concert benefiting YMCA “We Build Campaign”. This incredible group of volunteers and sponsors has proven what a spirit of giving and passion for music can do for the community.

Jamestown Swing President Will Ragsdale says, “”We really made an effort to raise the bar this year in terms of our approach, marketing, and fundraising efforts and as a result, are raising record funds for the YMCA. We’ve had a tremendous response from area business sponsors, media partners, and local residents. Jamestown Swing is one hundred percent volunteer run, therefore community support is crucial to our success.”

Jamestown Swing will donate 100% of the net monies raised through sponsorship and tickets sales of their October 15^th event to the Ragsdale YMCA’s “We Build People” campaign in Jamestown, NC. The YMCA’s goal is to include everyone, regardless of ability to pay full price. Contributions raised through the We Build People program support Open Doors scholarships which provide financial assistance on a sliding scale and keep membership and program fees affordable.

“We are happy to be chosen as the select charity by Jamestown Swing,” says Kevin Bottomley, Executive Director of the Ragsdale YMCA. “This year there are more corporate sponsors than ever and the event helps to cap off our annual fundraising efforts to provide financial assistance to people in need. We are excited to participate in this great event and look forward to the awesome entertainment lineup.”

The story and mission of the YMCA in Greensboro dates back to 1859 and is dynamic and growth oriented, one rich in development, service and innovation, determined to meet the needs of our community. The YMCA vision is to offer a warm and friendly environment radiating a feeling of belonging and caring where people of all ages, races, faiths, beliefs, and physical and financial abilities participate in worthwhile programs and meaningful experiences that make a positive difference in their lives. The YMCA of Greensboro has 6 branches and a summer camp under its umbrella. The Ragsdale YMCA in Jamestown is the latest association, opening in 2004.

For five years, the Ragsdale YMCA operated as a “non-facility” called the Jamestown Area Family YMCA. Executive Director Kim McKone and Associate Executive Director Terry Matthews used these years to build the YMCA’s programs. The Jamestown Area Family YMCA ran Summer Day Camp, After School programs, youth sports programs and Active Older Adult programs in cooperation with area churches. In May 2004, the YMCA opened the beautiful full-service facility, the Mary Perry Ragsdale Family YMCA.

YMCA programs build the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. Kids get the opportunity to learn in a nurturing environment, teens have a safe place to go, families are spending quality time together and those in at-risk communities are given the tools to succeed.

Area businesses and residents are rallying behind Jamestown Swing efforts to raise funds and awareness for the Ragsdale YMCA “We Build People” campaign. Elanor Ratterman, President of the Jamestown Business Association says, “Jamestown is a small town with a big, rich history. It has a great balance of small and big businesses, and they all have an excellent sense of community.”

That rich sense of community is evidenced by over 20 area corporations, small businesses, and media companies responding to Jamestown Swing’s call of action with financial aid and in-kind support for this year’s event benefiting the YMCA. Sponsors of the Jamestown Swing include North State Communications, Univar, Mitre Agency, RH Barringer, Dick Broadcasting, News & Record, Womack Publishing, Piedmont Triad Insurance, and Smart Choice.

Jamestown resident and business owner Jenny Ragsdale says, “The Jamestown Swing is an awesome, annual opportunity to showcase everything our town has to offer and raise much needed funding for the YMCA.” Ragsdale owns Wine & Design, a business which allows residents to uncork their creativity through art. Jenny and her staff will be offering face painting, free of charge, to patrons at this year’s Jamestown Swing.

Jamestown Swing’s Beach, Blues and Boogie themed music line-up will provide an awesome evening of fun and entertainment. The charity concert is headlined by Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, which the New York Times calls “the best funk band from New Orleans right now”. Supporting acts for this year’s Jamestown Swing include Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin and Legends of Beach. Tickets for the event are just $15 in advance or $20 on day of show, and can be purchased through the website.

For more information about Jamestown Swing, visit http://www.jamestownswing.com , become a fan on Facebook or follow @jamestownswing on Twitter. To learn more about YMCA We Build People, visit http://www.ymcagreensboro.org/ .

About Jamestown Swing

Jamestown Swing is an officially recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization established in 2009 with the sole purpose of marketing Jamestown, NC and raising money for good causes through high profile special events. In 2009, Jamestown Swing partnered with the YMCA “We Build People Program” to raise awareness and much needed funds for the program. Over the past two years the event has entertained thousands of people and raised thousands of dollars for the Ragsdale YMCA. www.jamestownswing.com

About YMCA “We Build People” Campaign

The YMCA’s goal is to turn no one away from programs or services due to an inability to pay. This is made possible by “We Build People”, the annual charitable-giving program of the YMCA of Greensboro. “We Build People” provides Open Doors scholarships and allows the YMCA to support important community service programs, and keeps memberships and programs affordable to everyone. http://www.ragsdaleymca.org

Save money by purchasing advance tickets to the Jamestown Swing!

Advance tickets for this year’s event are only $15.00, and with a line-up that includes artists such as Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, and Legends of Beach- that’s one heck of a deal!

Save time by purchasing advance tickets to the Jamestown Swing!

By purchasing advance tickets, you’ll be granted preferred access on the day of the event. No waiting in long lines at the event box office while your friends are inside enjoying the show!

Strengthen our community, one ticket at a time!

Jamestown Swing donates 100% of the net monies raised through sponsorship and tickets sales of the October 15th event to the YMCA’s “We Build People” campaign!

Thank you for helping to make a difference in our neighbors’ lives!

Jamestown Swing Announces Music Lineup for October 15 Charity Concert

Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin, and Legends of Beach to Perform

Jamestown, NC (August 25th, 2011) – Downtown Jamestown will surely be rockin’ on October 15^th as Jamestown Swing stages its third annual charity concert and street festival on Gannaway St. Anticipation is very high for this year’s show headlined by Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, recently wrapping up a smoking hot Summer tour. Tickets for the event are just $15 in advance or $20 on day of show, and can be purchased through http://www.jamestownswing.com .

In just 8 quick years, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk has grown from a chance side-project into what The New York Times calls “the best funk band from New Orleans right now.” An offspring with a direct lineage to their fathers in The Meters and The Neville Brothers, Dumpstaphunk is a recipe for creating a new standard for an entire genre. The band has received many accolades and awards such as “New Orleans Best Funk Band” by Offbeat Magazine and Gambit Weekly in 2007 and 2009. They also took home the trophy for Best Funk Award at the 2010 Big Easy Awards.

Doors will open at 3 p.m. for this all ages event. Attendees will be in for a special treat this year. The event’s theme of Beach, Blues and Boogie will provide an awesome evening of fun and entertainment. Supporting acts for this year’s Jamestown Swing include Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin and Legends of Beach.

Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin

Hailing from Greensboro, Bob Margolin played guitar in the band of Chicago blues legend Muddy Waters from 1973-1980 , touring worldwide and recording, and learning to play Muddy’s powerful music directly from him. In 1980, he started his own band and is still on the road and recording. Bob Margolin is also the Founder and Chief of A&R of Vizztone label group, winner of the 2008 Blues Music Award for Best Instrumentalist – Guitar, and is featured alongside Muddy Waters and The Band in The Last Waltz, the classic music documentary from film producer Martin Scorsese.

Legends Of Beach

Legends of Beach is composed of eight musicians including four former members of the beach music group the Embers. Lead singer Jackie Gore is the composer and original lead voice on the beach music classic, “I Love Beach Music”. Other former Embers are Gerald Davis, and Johnny Barker, who wrote the beach music classic, “Summertime’s Calling Me”.

Jamestown Swing is a non-profit organization that uses musical events to raise funds and awareness for select charities. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Mary Perry Ragsdale YMCA “We Build People” campaign. “We Build People” provides Open Doors scholarships and allows the YMCA to support important community service programs, and keeps memberships and programs affordable to everyone.

Presenting sponsors for the 2011 event are the Town of Jamestown, North State Communications, Plex, Univar, and Mitre Agency. “This event is shaping up to be our biggest and best ever,” said Will Ragsdale, president and co-founder of Jamestown Swing. “We have over 10 corporate sponsors signed up so far and expect an estimated attendance of over 2500. We believe that this year’s Jamestown Swing will effectively promote the Town of Jamestown, NC, provide a great evening of fun and entertainment, and most importantly raise a lot of money for a great cause.”

For more information about Jamestown Swing, visit http://www.jamestownswing.com , become a fan on Facebook or follow @jamestownswing on Twitter. To learn more about YMCA We Build People, visit http://www.ymcagreensboro.org/ .

About Jamestown Swing

Jamestown Swing is an officially recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization established in 2009 with the sole purpose of marketing Jamestown, NC and raising money for good causes through high profile special events. In 2009, Jamestown Swing partnered with the YMCA “We Build People Program” to raise awareness and much needed funds for the program. Over the past two years the event has entertained thousands of people and raised thousands of dollars for the Ragsdale YMCA. www.jamestownswing.com
About YMCA “We Build People” Campaign

The YMCA’s goal is to turn no one away from programs or services due to an inability to pay. This is made possible by “We Build People”, the annual charitable-giving program of the YMCA of Greensboro. “We Build People” provides Open Doors scholarships and allows the YMCA to support important community service programs, and keeps memberships and programs affordable to everyone. http://www.ragsdaleymca.org

The 3rd annual Jamestown Swing is happening Oct 15th.  Come out to share a drink with friends and enjoy great live music.   We’re so excited to be able to host this concert for another year, all to support the Ragsdale YMCA’s “We Build People Campaign.”

However, this event wouldn’t be possible without the support of awesome sponsors.  Local businesses have stepped up and said they believe in our mission and want to help us reach it.  One such local company is the upscale retirement home Pennybyrn at Maryfield.  We’re so grateful for their continued support.

Edward Cordick, Pennybyrn’s Director of Development and PR, is very proud of the amazing level of care and the wonderful benefits afforded their residents.

• Expanded in 2008, the new construction houses independent living apartments with all the comfort of a five star resort.
• Residents have access to an on-site spa, banking services, and physical recreation.
• Amenities abound to include a pool, billiard room, Irish Pub, and new putting green.
• Jamestown Golf Course offers free golf to all residents.  Assisted living care facilities were expanded also.
• Careful detail was given to making these houses feel like home to the seniors who live there.  24 hour care and personal touches make Pennybyrn “the place” in Jamestown to retire with ease.

Please join us in thanking Pennybyrn at Maryfield!

Jamestown, N.C. (August 18, 2011, 2010) — Jamestown Swing, a non-profit organization established in 2009 to market Jamestown, NC and raise funds and awareness for the YMCA “We Build People” campaign through high profile special events, has announced its 2011 charity event will be held Saturday, October 15^th from 3pm-10pm in downtown Jamestown, NC. The entire length of Gannaway Drive (from Main Street to Ragsdale Road) will be blocked off, turning downtown Jamestown into a gigantic concert venue.

Jamestown Swing President Will Ragsdale says, “My main goal of this year’s Jamestown Swing is to promote Jamestown and to raise money for a great cause.” Ragsdale is also a partner/co-owner of Mitre Agency, a brand design company with offices in Greensboro, NC and Austin, Texas and serves on the Jamestown Town Council.

The Jamestown Swing will donate 100% of the net monies raised through sponsorship and tickets sales of their October 15^th event to the Mary Perry Ragsdale Family YMCA’s “We Build People” campaign.

For five years, the Ragsdale YMCA operated as a “non-facility” called the Jamestown Area Family YMCA. Executive Director Kim McKone and Associate Executive Director Terry Matthews used these years to build the YMCA’s programs. The Jamestown Area Family YMCA ran Summer Day Camp, After School programs, youth sports programs and Active Older Adult programs in cooperation with area churches. In May 2004, the YMCA opened their beautiful full-service facility, the Mary Perry Ragsdale Family YMCA.

“We are so excited to be partnered with Jamestown Swing as we work to raise awareness about our annual campaign that provides financial assistance to people who cannot afford YMCA programs and services” said Kevin Bottomley, executive director of the Mary Perry Ragsdale Family YMCA. “This partnership will provide Jamestown with a festival it can be proud of and funds that will greatly benefit the youth and families we serve each year.”

The YMCA is volunteer founded, volunteer led and volunteer based. Unlike any other organization in the world, the YMCA brings together people of all ages, faiths, backgrounds and incomes.

Over the past two years the Jamestown Swing has entertained thousands of people and raised thousands of dollars in support of the Ragsdale YMCA. Current sponsors of this year’s event include Mitre Agency, Univar, Stonefield Cellars, Pennyburn and Newbridge Bank. Corporate and personal sponsorship information is available online at www.jamestownswing.com

The entertainment line-up for this year’s Jamestown Swing will be announced on August 23, 2011 and advance general admission ticketing will be available through the Jamestown Swing website.

About Jamestown Swing

Jamestown Swing is a non-profit organization established in 2009 with the sole purpose of marketing Jamestown, NC and raising money for good causes through high profile special events. In 2009, Jamestown Swing partnered with the YMCA “We Build People Program” to raise awareness and much needed funds for the program. Over the past two years the event has entertained thousands of people and raised thousands of dollars for the Ragsdale YMCA. www.jamestownswing.com

About YMCA “We Build People” Campaign

The YMCA’s goal is to turn no one away from programs or services due to an inability to pay. This is made possible by “We Build People”, the annual charitable-giving program of the YMCA of Greensboro. “We Build People” provides Open Doors scholarships and allows the YMCA to support important community service programs, and keeps memberships and programs affordable to everyone. http://www.ragsdaleymca.org

The street festival/block party will be held October 15, from 3 p.m.–10 p.m. The entire length of Gannaway St. from Main St. to Ragsdale Rd. will be blocked off, turning downtown Jamestown into a gigantic concert venue.

This year’s theme of Beach, Blues and Boogie will provide an awesome evening of fun and entertainment.  

2011 marks the third year of Jamestown Swing and we are excited about the event and our entertainment lineup.  Jamestown Swing is a non-profit organization that was established in 2009 with the sole purpose of marketing Jamestown, NC and raising money for good causes.  In 2009, we partnered with the YMCA “We Build People Program” to raise awareness and much needed funds for the program.  Over the past two years our event has entertained thousands of people and raised thousands of dollars for the Ragsdale YMCA.

Welcome to the blog,

Will Ragsdale – President, Jamestown Swing LLC