The Downbeat Foundation

05/19/2026

May Jam 2026 is officially in the books. What a day.

To everyone who attended, performed, volunteered, sponsored, donated, shared a post, bought a ticket, brought a friend, or simply believed in what we’re building… thank you.

What started as an idea to honor Ben became a full day of live music, student performances, community, and support for music education. Seeing so many people come together for this cause exceeded anything we could have hoped for in Year 1.

To our artists and student performers: thank you for sharing your talent and energy with us.

To our volunteers, crew, board members, family, and friends: this event does not happen without you. Period.

To our sponsors and partners: thank you for taking a chance on a first-year nonprofit event and helping us create something meaningful for local students.

Most importantly, thank you for helping us continue Ben’s legacy through music and opportunity for the next generation.

This was only the beginning.

More photos, videos, and highlights are coming soon.

05/11/2026

Let’s hear it for our May Jam sponsors! 👏👏

May Jam is in 5️⃣ days, have you gotten your tickets yet?

05/06/2026

🥁 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧

Brandon came into the program already playing drums for his church’s youth group.
Drums are his first love. Guitar is a close second, partly because his grandfather played. That connection matters to him.

He’s stretching himself in school band. Expanding his skillset. Starting to see that the more he practices, the more fun the instrument becomes.

He’s in that pivotal stage where the spark is there and the discipline is forming.
And when that clicks, everything changes.

Watching that growth unfold is exactly why this work matters.

This is what your ticket supports.
👉www.thedownbeatfoundation.org/mayjam

05/03/2026

🏆 Another Thank You to Our Legacy Sponsor: G.R. Sponaugle

As we continue preparing for May Jam, we want to give another shoutout to one of our Legacy Sponsors, G.R. Sponaugle.

For more than sixty years, G.R. Sponaugle has been building and supporting the infrastructure that keeps Central Pennsylvania running, from mechanical and electrical systems to large commercial and institutional projects across the region. Their commitment to quality work and strong community partnerships has made them a trusted name throughout our area.

We’re grateful for their support of The Downbeat Foundation and our mission to provide drum lessons, instruments, and musical opportunities for students across the greater Dauphin County community.

Sponsors like G.R. Sponaugle help us continue expanding the impact of the foundation and carry forward the legacy of Ben Smith, whose passion for music and community continues to inspire everything we do.

Thank you for helping us keep the rhythm going.

👉Share this and bring your crew on May 16th

Links in the comments

04/30/2026

Every great event needs a strong backbeat.

We’re grateful to recognize our Backbeat Sponsors who are helping bring May Jam 2026 to life and supporting music opportunities for local students.

The Merryman Family
Steven Geyer
Justin James McShane and McShane Family Aviation

Their support goes beyond this event—it helps us put instruments in the hands of students and keep the rhythm going for the next generation.

If you know them, take a moment to thank them. This is what community looks like.

04/29/2026

🥁 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬

This has been a breakthrough season for Jules.

She’s learning to read drum score while playing it. Handling 8th and 16th note grooves.

Exploring open-hand technique. Performing in her school’s pit band and helping bring live percussion back to the production.

But the biggest growth hasn’t just been musical.
It’s confidence.

You can see it in how she locks into a groove and stays there. Even when she makes a mistake, she doesn’t stop. She adjusts and keeps going.

That’s resilience.
That’s maturity.
That’s realizing you belong behind the kit.

This is what your ticket supports.
👉www.thedownbeatfoundation.org/mayjam

04/25/2026

🎶 The May Jam Lineup is Here 🎶

It’s official… and it’s going to be a full day of live music.

From start to finish, May Jam is stacked with incredible local talent, nonstop sets, and something for everyone. Whether you’re coming for a specific band or just want to discover something new—you’re going to find your sound.

🗓 May 16
📍 Royal Winery
🎵 Music all day. No gaps. Just great bands.

Bring your crew, bring the kids, grab a drink, and settle in—we’ve built this to be a day you don’t want to miss.

👉 Set times + event map in the comments

Let’s go.

04/24/2026

Thank you Good Day PA on ABC27 for having us into your studio to talk about our effort, impact and May Jam.

The Downbeat Foundation works to remove financial barriers around music, helping students build confidence and life skills. To help them reach more students, you can attend their upcoming “Ma…

04/23/2026

As May Jam gets closer, we want to again thank Enders Insurance for serving as a Legacy Sponsor.

Their leadership support is helping us fund real opportunities for students. Lessons. Equipment. Confidence. Community. When businesses like Enders invest in young people, it makes a lasting difference.

If you or your business needs trusted insurance advice, reach out to Enders and let them know you appreciate their support of The Downbeat Foundation.

👉www.thedownbeatfoundation.org/mayjam
👉www.endersinsurance.com

Share this and bring your crew

04/22/2026

🥁 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐧

Evan doesn’t just keep time. He plays full songs.

The Police. Kansas. Journey. Complex grooves. Dynamic arrangements. Musical feel.

He has an incredible ear. He hears something once and can pick it up without being shown. He locks into tempo. He feels the structure of the song.

Music gives him focus, expression, and forward motion. And what stands out most is the joy.

The steady progress. The confidence. The connection.

This is more than drumming.
It’s growth you can hear.

This is what your ticket supports.
👉www.thedownbeatfoundation.org/mayjam