2026 Foundation Oyster Roast Tickets On Sale!
Now in its 7th year, Eastern Shore Community College Foundation is hosting its annual Oyster Roast fundraiser on Friday, January 30th from 5:30pm-8:30pm. All proceeds fund scholarships and services for students. The event is held on ESCC’s campus, both outdoors under a tent with heaters, and inside the Workforce Development Building and Great Hall.
ESCC Foundation’s Oyster Roast has become a staple event in late January, tapping into the Shore’s rich oyster roast tradition with a cause that has lasting impact on local students. This is ESCC’s top fundraiser for scholarships and services to help local students enroll and complete their education and job training at ESCC.
Attendees will enjoy locally sourced oysters and clams roasted and steamed on site along with homemade clam chowder all provided by ESCC alumni Sylvester Martinez, veteran of Eastern Shore Events and Rentals. Wendell Distributing will provide local craft beer, plus wine and sodas. To round out the menu, Exmore Diner will feature BBQ and side dishes, served by ESCC’s own student ambassadors.
ESCC’s Oyster Roast will once again feature a Silent Auction with items donated by generous local and regional businesses and artisans. Highlights for 2026 include carvings by Billy Crockett, Peter Egan and others, golf packages, bourbon gift baskets, jewelry, wine baskets, specially handcrafted bird houses made by ESCC’s Core Construction Trades classes, unique gifts and services, and more.
In addition to a great menu, live music has become a staple at the event. In honor of ESCC President Dr. Daryl Minus and his affinity for jazz, our featured artist for 2026 will be the Russell Scarborough Jazz Quartet. Frequently performing in Hampton Roads and beyond as the Russell Scarborough Jazz Trio, the acclaimed drummer has added an extra member for this event, creating an all-star lineup of talent.
In addition to the world-class drumming of bandleader Scarborough, fans of jazz guitar will be delighted by performances by Eldon Sully and Jake Stith, anchored by sought-after regional bassist Dave Evans. This outfit represents some of the most impressive musicianship in the 757.
A great evening of food and music is planned. Executive Director of ESCC Foundation Patty Kellam explains:
“We are so appreciative of our sponsors, friends and business partners who support our Oyster Roast fundraiser. We also thank our businesses and artisans for donating to our silent auction this year. There are lots of great items to bid on.”
We hope the Eastern Shore community will join us for a great evening of local seafood, live music, and camaraderie to support Your Eastern Shore Community College so we can keep our classes accessible and available to all.”
Tickets are $75 each including beer, wine and soft drinks and can be purchased online. A limited number of tickets are sold, so those interested should move fast for availability. For more information or to sponsor, please contact Patty Kellam at 757-789-1749 or pkellam@es.vccs.edu.