In the one year he has been a department head at Utah State University, Craig Jessop has been a study in constant motion, inaugurating several new projects and revitalizing longstanding programs and traditions. At the center is his love of the university — as he said when he was hired, he’s an Aggie to the core.

Acknowledging the scholarship support he received during his student days at USU, Jessop set about to increase scholarship support for today’s students and in 2008 launched the “Midsummer Night’s Magic” concert series. The intent was to raise scholarship dollars, and the intent remains the same as the series returns in 2009 under a new name — “At the Performance Hall.” All proceeds go directly to scholarship needs in USU’s Department of Music in the Caine School of the Arts.

A series of six concerts are planned, and all are presented during the month of June on Monday evenings, with one added Friday night event. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at USU’s Manon Caine Russell Kathryn Caine Wanlass Performance Hall. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door, in advance at the Caine School of the Art Box Office in the Chase Fine Arts Center, Room 139B, online (http://boxoffice.usu.edu) or call (435) 797-8022.

The series spotlights the talents of USU music faculty members, friends of the department and invited guests, Jessop said. All artists donate their time and talent so that all proceeds can go to the scholarship fund. Last year, several students were recipients of the scholarship money raised during the inaugural season.

The schedule for summer 2009 includes Larry Smith and the Jazz Kicks Band June 1, The Fry Street Quartet June 8, the Texas Children’s Choir in a guest appearance Friday, June 12, AirFare and Friends June 15, guest vocal artist Sam Payne June 22, and the Lightwood Duo June 29.

“This is great, summer entertainment,” Jessop said. “The series provides an exciting mix of artists, music styles and genre. We want our guests to experience the beauty of the architecture and unmatched acoustics of the Performance Hall. It is a beautiful venue for this relaxing, informal summer series. We invite everyone to join us.”

For information on the “At the Performance Hall” series, contact the department of music, (435) 797-3015.