Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council, Inc. 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!

This year marked the 22nd year for the Arts Council to support the 42nd annual W. C. Handy Music Festival. Each year, the Great Pretenders show seems to grow. We have a lot of outstanding local talents, and we are so pleased to have this program for them. The Arts Council is so appreciative of the community support of the W. C. Handy Evening at The Roxy.

Chase Sparks did a great job serving as emcee. To start the program, a prelude was presented by the band Still Here Gospel Group. The band consisted of Rev. Johnnie Smith; Bros. Larry Freeman; Bryant Bonds; William Nelson; Eric Goodloe; Willie Buchanan; Frankie Hubbard; Joel Franks. Their outstanding performance was in memory of Rev. William Freeman; Bro. Jack Freeman; and Bro. Wash Bates.

We appreciate the following entertainers for their participation: Terry Benton; Aleya Lane; Kandi Parker; Meletha Walker; Mazie Vandiver; Jeff Allen; Keylee Mayfield; Caroline Sparks; Chris Williams; Kinfolk Trio—Michael & Sera Rice; Kassidy McCorkle; Mary Lindley; Ariel Cothrum; Garrett Booth; Sydney Medley; Dana Hill; John Pilati; Lucas Shepherd; Buford Parker; and Gunner Lane.

This show would not be possible without the following sponsors:

Gold Sponsor: Alabama Central Credit Union; Bank Independent; CB&S Bank; Clark Pulley; Community Spirit Bank; First Metro Bank; Russellville Water Board; Mayor David Grissom; and Valley State Bank
Silver Sponsors: Sinclair-Lawrence Insurance; Russellville Florist & Gifts/Chase Sparks; Farmhouse Table Cafe; Franklin County Chamber of Commerce; Wood-Thompson Insurance; Strickland & Barksdale, CPA; Bedford, Rogers, Bowling & McReynolds, P.C.; Jamie Sumerel; Green’s Dependable Hardware.

Bronze Sponsors: Probate Judge Barry Moore; Maggie J’s Boutique & Gifts; Franklin Free Press/WGOL Radio; Abstract & Appraisal/Wanda Myrick; Susie Hovater Malone; Hester Printing & Graphics; Troy & Brenda Oliver; Gault Signs; Judy & Raymond Horton; Campbell Vision Center; Hillary Malone Hall; Erica & Brandon Cothrum; Jamie & Jeremy Lane; Franklin County Times; Yogi’s Convenience Stores; Main Street Media/Gunner Lane.

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: Judy Horton; Wanda Myrick; Brenda Olive; Chase Sparks; Jamie Lane; Erica Cothrum; Gunner Lane; Fletcher Scott-Honorary; Advisory Committee: Hillary Malone Hall; Danny Joe Stowe; Clyde Baker; Calvin Parmer; Debbie Nale,
Special acknowledgement goes to the Alabama State Council on the Arts for its continued support of the Franklin County Arts & Humanities Council and the Historic Roxy Theatre.

The Arts Council takes pride in the restoration of the Historic Roxy Theatre and it is our mission to present quality, wholesome programs that the entire family can enjoy.

Sincerely,

Susie Hovater Malone, President
Franklin County Arts & Humanities Council, Inc.