How the Gathering Began

The 4th of July home party began in the year 2001 as an inspiration of Fran, RB, Sherri & RW Smith, on RW's birthday, to share something they dearly love....great music and the company of friends.

As is tradition, the party has always benefited a nonprofit organization with artists from all over performing and donating their time to raise funds for the worthy endeavor. RB has since passed away and in his memory the tradition continues. It’s a family affair...loads of fun, picnic style.

Azurat is a total labor of the heart encompassing what the Smith’s love...good friends, the arts, education and community building.  

EVERYONE, the Smith family, guest artists and non-profit's volunteers, donate their time and talents to make the home-party a success.

Click here to learn how to prepare.

Past non-profit beneficiaries of the home-party are:

 

  • The Front Porch
  • Earl Hamner Theatre
  • Rockfish Valley Community Center
  • Boxerwood Gardens Education Association
  • The Charlottesville Jazz Society
  • The Bridge Performance Arts Initiative
  • The Piedmont Council for the Arts
  • Rapunzel's Further Ado Foundation
  • The Virginia Organizing Project
  • SongSharing
  • The Artisans Center of Virginia
  • Live Arts Lattehouse


Click here for a list of artists and performers who have participated.

Contact us for information or to learn how to get involved.