First United Methodist Church of Alexandria continues its new “Be Kind Concert Series” on Thursday, April 23, at 6PM in the church courtyard, located in the heart of Alexandria’s historic Garden District.
This three-part outdoor series is designed to bring the community together through live music in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy a spring evening outdoors.
The concert series grows out of the church’s broader vision of creating healing, welcoming spaces where strangers become family and the community becomes a masterpiece of God’s grace.
Kelly Pepper, who helped shape the initiative, describes the vision in simple terms,“As a Garden District neighbor, I’m proud of the church’s history of using the arts to bring people together. ‘Be Kind’ reflects that spirit of creating space for connection, conversation, and kindness in the heart of our community.”
The series is designed to create space where all voices are welcomed, belonging is nurtured, and connection leads to healing. Senior Pastor Reverend Kennon Pickett adds, “At FUMCA, we are committed to inspire positive change by creating opportunities for neighbors to feel supported and uplifted, every individual is empowered to belong, and strangers come together as a caring community—building a world shaped by kindness and connection. That is simply what the ‘Be Kind’ series aims to do.”
Up next in the series is H.B. Smith, with special guest Lisa Spann. Known in the music world as H.B., Henry Benson Smith, Jr. has been performing since high school, beginning with gospel and country alongside his parents before expanding into jazz in dinner clubs. He spent much of the 1970s on the road in the thriving R&B nightclub scene and has continued his musical journey through session work both locally and in Nashville with his son, Alex. His music is available on all major streaming platforms, including Unfinished Business by H.B. Smith.
Accompanying H.B. is Lisa Spann, a lifelong vocalist and entertainer whose musical journey has taken her from church choirs to rock bands and stages across Louisiana. She has performed with numerous groups over the years, including Kamikaze—winner of the 1994 Battle of the Bands at the Monroe Civic Center—and has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including H.B. Smith. One of her most memorable moments was singing “Happy Birthday” nose-to-nose with Morgan Freeman while holding his hand at Squire Creek. Known for her versatility and love of connecting with audiences, Lisa brings energy, experience, and a deep passion for music to every performance.
Known locally for celebrating creativity through events such as the upcoming Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival, which opens on Friday, March 18, 2026 at 6pm, First United Methodist Church continues its commitment to fostering community through the arts with this new outdoor gathering experience.
Admission is free, and a love offering will be collected during the concert to provide direct support for the musicians.
The “Be Kind Concert Series” is sponsored in part by the Nell Shehee Foundation’s Operation Kindness initiative, promoting kindness and service through acts of generosity and civic engagement.
“It’s ok to be kind.”