The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County and the White Family Foundation are accepting nominations for the fourth annual LeRoy White Soul & Conscience Award, a $5,000 prize given each year to a musician whose life or art contributes to and connects the community.
Musicians may apply on their own behalf or be nominated by a member of the community. The deadline is Friday, May 22, and the winner will be announced at the alliance’s Raise Up the Arts event on June 24.
The award honors LeRoy White, a longtime Newport musician who died in 2021. White moved to Newport in 1977 and performed with the local bands Channel One, Kahn and White, and the History of Jazz before developing his own sound, which he described as “Ethnic, Urban, New Age with Soul and Conscience.” He carried that sound across the country on his Soul & Conscience Tour, performing in every state, and remained deeply connected to Newport until his death. He was known for bringing his music to concerts, parades and unexpected venues, often in pursuit of peace and amity among people.
“LeRoy left a powerful legacy of unity, goodwill, and wonderful music,” ACA President Terry Dickinson said in a statement. “The ACA is very pleased to recognize his lengthy and significant contributions to Newport County by offering this award of $5,000 in his memory to a musician who exemplifies LeRoy’s character.”
Previous recipients include Chelley Knight, Chase Ceglie and Greg “Greggy Good” Ferreira.
More information about the nomination process is available at newportarts.org or by emailing newportarts@gmail.com.
