To the Editor:

On behalf of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council, I want to thank all the performers, sponsors and supporters of the W.C. Handy Evening at the Roxy with the Great Pretenders. It was a huge success! 

Each year The Great Pretenders Show seems to grow. It’s wonderful how the Roxy provides a venue that our local talent can use to perform. We have a lot of outstanding local talents, and we are so pleased to have this program for them. 

Also the Arts Council is so appreciative how the community comes together to support the W.C. Handy Evening at The Roxy.

The prelude was presented by the band Still Here consisting of the Rev. William Freeman, Wash Bates, Bryant Bond, William Nelson, George West, Eric Goodloe, William Buchanan, Ryan Freeman and Larry Freeman. 

Katernia Cole-Coffey did an outstanding job as emcee. 

The entertainment was professional, and our area is blessed with so much talent. We appreciate the following for their participation: Sydney Medley, Jayne Wells, Alissa Young, David Phillips, Konner Bendall, Dana Hill, Meletha Walker, Danyelle Hillman, Kassidy Willis, Jacob McCarley, Blaze Bishop, Ashley Cummings, Leah Nix, Grant Freeman, Jacob Green, Adam Green, Jeff Allen, Becky McDougal, Heather Carmack, Suzanne Wigginton, Gene Grubbs, Jimmie Rowe, Rick Mathis, Ronnie McDougal, Hudson Copeland, John Pilati and Buford Parker.

This show would not be possible without the following sponsors/advertisers: 

• • Gold Sponsor Advertisers: Bank Independent, CB&S Bank, Clark Pulley, Community Spirit Bank, First Metro Bank, Russellville Electric Board, Russellville Water Board, Valley State Bank, Alabama Central Credit Union, Burns Nursing Home, Mayor David Grissom and Rhett Bradford State Farm Insurance. 
• • Silver Sponsor Advertisers: Sinclair-Lawrence Insurance, Troy and Brenda Oliver, Russellville Florist/Chase Sparks, Franklin Electric, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Probate Judge Barry Moore.
• • Bronze Sponsor Advertisers: Abstract & Appraisal/Wanda Myrick, Franklin Free Press/WGOL Radio, Susie Hovater Malone, Campbell’s Vision Center, Wood-Thompson Insurance, Gary and Barbara Cummings, Family Pharmacy, Hester Printing, William and Debbie Nale, Strickland & Barksdale CPA, Sibley Oil Company and Gault Signs.

 The following board members of the Franklin County Arts & Humanities are to be commended for their volunteer work and dedication to supporting the continued upkeep and coordination of events at the Historic Roxy: Debbie Nale, Judy Horton, Wanda Myrick, Brenda Oliver, Chase Sparks, Tom Senter, Jamie Medley, Ann McDermitt, P. J. Winston, Danny Joe Stowe, Cheri McCain and Fletcher Scott. 

The Arts Council takes pride in the restoration of the Historic Roxy Theatre. We want to present quality, wholesome programs the entire family can enjoy. The community’s support was evident Thursday night, as almost 200 attended and enjoyed the outstanding entertainment. 

Thank you for your continued support of the Roxy. 

Susie Hovater Malone

President

Franklin County Arts & Humanities Council