CELESONG 2026: AN INTIMATE NIGHT OF SONG IN SUPPORT OF WELLSPRING HOUSE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 19, 2026) Gloucester, MA - - Wellspring House will present Celesong 2026—its most important annual fundraising event—on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. Doors open at 5:00 pm for an unforgettable evening that brings together music lovers, community champions, and supporters of Wellspring’s mission for a Nashville-style songwriters’ round featuring extraordinary talent and storytelling.

Wellspring House creates opportunity for families and young adults across the North Shore through stable housing, education, job training, and career readiness. Each year, more than 2,000 people turn to Wellspring for support to overcome barriers, build skills, and move toward stability and financial independence, one family, one job, and one home at a time.

Returning to the Celesong stage is nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Darrell Scott, joined by Beth Nielsen Chapman and Marcus Hummon. Between them, these legendary artists have earned inductions to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Grammy Awards, and Lifetime Achievement honors. Their music and storytelling have shaped generations, and together they bring uncommon depth, heart, and connection to every stage they share.

The evening will also feature an intimate live auction with a handful of carefully chosen items, including an exclusive Tim McGraw at Fenway Park package and a custom guitar signed by the night’s featured artists. Billy Costa will once again serve as emcee and bring his signature energy to the auction block, making it one of the most exciting moments of the evening.

“Celesong is a magical night for a powerful purpose,” said Melissa Dimond, President & Executive Director of Wellspring House. “It brings our community together to raise critical funds for Wellspring’s housing, education, and workforce development programs across the North Shore – and helps ensure we can keep removing barriers and creating pathways to opportunity for the 2,000+ people we serve each year.”

“The Celesong event for Wellspring is a winning night for all of us—the audience and the songwriters—and the real winners are the families who receive much needed assistance from the amazing work Wellspring does,” shared featured artist Darrell Scott. “I’m honored to bring exceptional songwriters to this event. In essence it is community helping community—good people helping good people—a magic night.”

“What an honor to be on stage with two of my favorite songwriters in the world,” said Beth Nielsen Chapman. “Especially to support this fantastic organization at a time when it’s harder and harder for young people and their families to afford housing, education and daily living expenses. Wellspring House provides these great services and opportunities for those in need, and I am delighted to be a part of this concert.”

Tickets are available to purchase at wellspringhouse.org/celesong2026. Early purchase is encouraged as space is limited. Tickets range from $100–$150.

Wellspring is grateful to the sponsors who have committed their support, including Legacy Sponsor Institution for Savings; Resiliency Sponsors: EBSCO and Quantum Surfer; Determination Sponsors: Albrecht Auto Group, Cape Ann Savings Bank, and New England Biolab; Strength Sponsors: Annisquam Landcare, Beacon Pointe Advisors, Beauport Financial Services, Brian Orr Pediatrics, Coldwell Banker, Corporate Legal Partners, F.L. Putnam Investment Management Co, Gorton’s, Salem Five Charitable Foundation, Sawyer Free Library, The Housewright Co., and W.T. Rich; and Community Sponsors: Elaine Quinn Interiors, Kristin Francoeur & Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, and Community Credit Union, along with a number of individual and family sponsors.

Event Details
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Location: Shalin Liu Performance Center (37 Main St, Rockport, MA)
Time: 6:15 PM – 9:00 PM
Tickets: wellspringhouse.org/celesong2026/

About Wellspring House
Established in 1981, Wellspring House helps more than 2,000 individuals and families each year across Massachusetts’ North Shore achieve employment and financial security through integrated services spanning housing stability, education, job training, and career readiness. With offices in Gloucester and Salem and community-based programming throughout the region—serving 20 cities and towns from Gloucester to Salem and Ipswich to Lynn—Wellspring combines crisis intervention with long-term support and career pathways to build sustainable futures and lasting economic mobility. (Wellspring House)