Rock star, downtown Tampa school principal turns busy car lines into concerts

TAMPA, Florida. Justin Youmans, playing “Wonderwall” on his acoustic guitar, might look like a street musician, an itinerant troubadour, playing an Oasis hit on a busy Tampa street.

And yes, in a way, he is all of those things.

But Youmans is also principal at the Rampello K-8 Magnet School in the heart of downtown Florida.

It also makes the morning walk in the car much more fun for students, parents and teachers.

“For me, connections with my students, connections with my families are an important part of what we do,” Youmans said. “It helps build trust.”

Youmans is a self-taught guitarist who grew up in the 90s playing with Nirvana.

Now he plays for people who love and appreciate him for making the morning more bearable.

“The younger students will tell me, ‘Mr Youmans, you play the guitar very well.’ So, you know, it’s good for my ego,” he laughed.

The main rock star gives his concerts during the week, but usually comes out on Fridays.

But sorry, this is a private concert exclusively for those who call Rampello home.

This article was written by Sean Daley for WFTS.