Christian recording artist Octavia will headline the final evening of the “Be Kind Concert Series” at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria on Thursday, May 28, at 6 PM in the church courtyard, located in the heart of Alexandria’s historic Garden District.
Known for her strong vocals, passionate worship style, and engaging personality, Octavia brings more than 20 years of musical experience to the stage. Her music reflects a deep-rooted faith and carries messages of hope, perseverance, and encouragement.
Guests can learn more about her music through Simply Octavia Music and her YouTube channel, @Simplyoctavia.
This outdoor concert series was created to bring people together through live music in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy an evening outdoors with neighbors and friends. Admission is free, and a love offering will be received during the concert to provide direct support for the artist.
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.”
Known locally for celebrating creativity through events such as the Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival, First United Methodist Church continues its commitment to fostering community through the arts with gatherings that encourage connection, hospitality, and kindness.
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.”