People celebrate 2026 Summer Bash on June 5 on Capitol Street in downtown Charleston.
CHARLESTON – Thousands of Charleston residents and visitors gathered on Capitol Street for 2026 Summer Bash, a community celebration sponsored by local attorneys Michael Cary and Ryan Donovan.
The June 5 event featured nationally recognized performer Yung Joc.
Cary
Cary, who owns Cary Law Office, said Summer Bash is more than a concert.
Donovan
“It’s a celebration of Charleston itself,” he said. “Families, young professionals, college students and longtime residents filled the streets as local opening acts showcased West Virginia talent before Yung Joc took the stage.
“The event served as a reminder of what can happen when community leaders invest directly into the city they call home.”
For years, both Cary and Donovan have been committed to supporting local causes, events and initiatives designed to strengthen Charleston and improve opportunities for its residents. Their decision to serve as sponsors of the event reflects a shared belief that bringing people together is one of the best investments that can be made in a community.
“Charleston has given so much to me, my family, and my law practice,” Cary told The West Virginia Record. “This city has supported us from day one, and this event was our way of saying thank you. We wanted to create a night where people from every neighborhood and every background could come together, enjoy great music and make memories with friends and family.
“Seeing thousands of people smiling, dancing and enjoying themselves made every bit of effort worthwhile.”
Yung Joc performs at 2026 Summer Bash.
Donovan, a partner at Hissam Forman Donovan Ritchie, agreed.
“Charleston deserves events that make people proud to call this place home,” he said. “We wanted to create an experience that was accessible, exciting and memorable for everyone. The turnout exceeded our expectations, and it was incredible to watch people from all walks of life come together for a positive, community-focused event.”
Cary said these types of events show the city’s strength when people focus on what unites them rather than what divides them.
“At the end of the day, we’re all part of the same community,” Cary said. “If we can create opportunities that bring people together and showcase everything that’s great about Charleston, then we’ve accomplished something meaningful.”
Donovan said the event was ultimately about giving back to a city that has provided countless opportunities to both sponsors throughout their professional careers.
“Charleston has given us a lot,” he said. “Being able to reinvest in our community and create something that people genuinely enjoy is one of the most rewarding things we’ve had the opportunity to do.”
