Walton Arts Center to host blood drive with live entertainment and virus antibody screening

Courtesy, Walton Arts Center

Walton Arts Center will soon host a two-day blood drive featuring live entertainment and COVID-19 antibody screening for donors.

The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on July 28-29, is a partnership with the American Red Cross and will include performances by violinist Miho Sakon and pianist Tomoko Kashiwagi, local harpist Beth Stockdell, a screening of recorded performances featuring the Artosphere Festival Orchestra, Voice Jam Festival and more.

“While we aren’t presenting shows, this is a very tangible way for us to support local musicians, thank the blood donors and help fill a very important need in our community at a time when blood is in such demand,” said Jennifer Ross, director of programming at the arts center.

Performers will work from the balcony, and blood donations will take place below in the Walker Atrium to maintain social distance.

As part of the blood drive, the Red Cross will screen blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Donors should receive results of the antibody screening between 7-10 days after the drive via the Red Cross Blood Donor app or via the portal at redcrossblood.org.

Advanced reservations are recommended.

Donors will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Hand sanitizer stands will be provided, and temperature checks will be required upon entry.

The full schedule of entertainment is listed below.

For more information, visit waltonartscenter.org.


Entertainment schedule

Tuesday, July 28
10 a.m. – Best of Artosphere Festival Orchestra Screening
10:30 a.m. – Miho Sakon, violin with Tomoko Kashiwagi, piano
12 p.m. – Best of VoiceJam Screening
1 p.m. – Beth Stockdell, harp
2:30 p.m. – Best of Artosphere Festival Orchestra Screening

Wednesday, July 29
10 a.m. – Best of Artosphere Festival Orchestra Screening
10:30 a.m. – Christian Serrano, cello
12 p.m. – Best of VoiceJam Screening
1 p.m. – Candy Lee, singer/songwriter
2:30 p.m. – Best of Artosphere Festival Orchestra Screening