COMMUNITY Coles shows musical range

Contributed Report

The Hanover County Black Heritage Society and the Pamunkey Library System welcomed Donald Coles, local recording artist, to the Mechanicsville Library on Friday, March 24. Coles, also a visual artist, featured his created portraits at the library throughout January and February and culminated the Art Gallery with “Music at Midday” Program.

“It warmed my heart to see so many people not only coming out to enjoy the Art Gallery, but also the Musical Program. When I was playing the music, I looked up and it was standing room only,” expressed Coles.

Having played with many bands and musicians over the years, Coles shared some of his musical inspirations: “Ella Fitzgerald, Lester Flatts, Wes Montgomery, Chet Atkins, and everything Motown.” Accompanying with his guitar, harmonica and banjo, Coles performed selections from a variety of genres, including jazz, gospel, bluegrass, country and rhythm and blues with his natural smooth tenor voice ranges.

With music and laughter as a common love language, the sense of community was tangibly present throughout the full and standing room only program at the library.

“You name it and I will play it; I love entertaining,” said Coles, as he also shared humorous anecdotes and comedic talents in between songs. From lyrical ballads to catchy melodies, some of the selections included “Spain (I Can Recall)”; “Since I Fell for You”; Lovely Day”; “What a Wonderful World”; “Happy”; “Never Wanted Nothing More”; “Purple Rain”; “I Write a Song” and “Tennessee Whiskey.”

Jaime Fawcett, executive director of the Hanover Museum of History and Culture; Patricia Hunter-Jordan, president of the Hanover NAACP; and supervisor W. Canova Peterson and his wife were among the captivated audience members, as they were delightfully observed rocking, swaying and clapping to the music in rhythm. Hanover musicians in attendance were: Joshua Allen, Mabel Carter, Henrietta Doswell and the New Jewels, Carolyn Johnson and Brenda Gatling of The Echoes, Jessi Johnson Peterson of the Virginia Repertory Theatre, and The Soul Seekers of Mechanicsville. Vicinity and Richmond musicians also present were: Glennroy Bailey, Alvin Campbell, Kevin Gaines and Marsha Meekins.

“They were gracious enough to allow me to be me. Artists and performers love their freedom to create art,” conveyed Coles. He concluded the program with an unforgettable and resounding rendition of “Midnight Cry,” an all-time favorite personally requested by Mary Randolph Waddy, a Hanover County Black Heritage Society board member.

Sue Randolph, president of the Hanover County Black Heritage Society, commented, “I had the opportunity to assemble with so many other spectators and was graced with the presence of Mr. Donald Coles as we were captured and moved by his awesome music.”

The Hanover County Black

Teen counselors prepare for 4-H summer camp

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Recently 25 teens from Powhatan, Goochland and Hanover counties traveled to Jamestown 4-H Educational Center to participate in an overnight training. These teens put in a lot of time and effort to attend 4-H camp as teen counselors. In addition to this kickoff training, the teens will meet monthly to prepare for camp. If you know a child ages 9 to 13 who would like to attend the camp the week of July 17, register at the link, https://forms.gle/Wi7gjwmMxsngocKd6. Note boys spots have filled quickly and they will be placed on a wait list. Bring on the girls!

Heritage Society thanked the Pamunkey Library system for their continued community collaboration and members look forward to continued programming throughout the year. They also extended much appreciation to the positive feedback from the community, for their attendance, many who reported that the library had run out of parking spaces! Additional appreciation goes to Wanda Day Lewis of Alpha Images Photography; Phyllis Winston-Hollaway, Hanover County Black Heritage board member; and the Friends of the Library volunteers who provided the light refreshments.