By The 2nd Annual Evening of Performance is designed to celebrate the city's diversity and provide the PHRC with an opportunity to further educate citizens about the services that the commission offers.
"We were so thrilled with the success of last year's event at Paducah Tilghman Auditorium that we've kicked it up a notch by holding this year's celebration at the Carson Center," says Human Rights Commissioner Bernice Belt, the event's co-chair. "This is an excellent time for everyone in the community to come to our beautiful performing arts center and celebrate the many talents of our citizens."
Friday's entertainment includes three featured performers: pianist Malissa Heath, violinist Lee England, pianist George Donaldson and the NIA Dancers of Paducah.
Nia, in Swahili, means purpose. The NIA Dancers perform liturgical, interpretive dance. The group, founded by Rose Lowery (middle of photo), has danced in churches, for conferences and throughout the community for more than 20 years. Donna Harris (to the right of Lowery) has been with the group for the past 16 years. "Choirs are blessed to sing, and we're blessed to dance," she says. "We choreograph our dances together. It's more to us than performing — it's a ministry."
Here's a look at the other fantastic performers:
Miki Abraham. A natural entertainer since the age of 3, Miki Abraham writes music, sings, plays guitar and recently played a leading in role in Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats. She won the part of Little Orphan Annie in the Market House Theatre production when she was just 7. Today? The home-schooled sophomore hopes to become a director. Abraham has won numerous competitions and often sings with her dad, Richard.
Scytha Towneley Abraham. A natural entertainer since the age of 4, Scytha Abraham taught herself how to play the guitar — beginning with a guitar that had just one string! "My wife said we've got to get her a real guitar," dad Richard recalls. "I was worried that all the other strings might jinx her talent!" That certainly wasn't the case! Townley has won numerous competitions, scholarships and awards. Today she's a psychology major at WKCTC.
Susan Andrey. Also known SuSu the Clown, Susan Andrey will perform her human statue piece in the Carson Center lobby before the show and during intermission. Andrey has been a mime for seven years, and is also a community advocate who works with children from high-risk backgrounds. "Most of my studies have been in theatre dance and social work," Andrey says. "That led to the work I do as a performing artist today."
Nicholas Cofield.
Just 10 years old, Nicholas Cofield took right to the piano just three years ago and is already a shining star. He played three pieces perfectly during his very first lesson and now plays at churches, various organizations and even with the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Philharmonic from time to time. "He practices an hour to an hour and a half each day," says dad Harley Cofield. "Sometimes we hear him at 2 or 3 in the morning when he can't sleep!" Nicholas is a fifth grader at Carrier Mills Elementary in Carrier Mills, Ill.
Angels of Praise and Worship Ministry. This praise and worship dance group, from First Missionary Baptist Church in Metropolis, consists of girls 12-21 years old. "Each time we do a new dance, we continue to grow," says Ilisha Fitzgerald, who comes home from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to practice with the group each weekend. "We perform at our church and other churches. We love making people proud."
God Story Youth Workshop Dance/Drama Team. From The Potter's House Baptist Worship Center in Smithland, God Story Youth Worship Dance/Drama Team mixes a bit of hip hop with worship dance. The group, made up of girls 12-19, has been together a year, performing at the church and in the community. "We express God's love through dance," says Kanley Hadfield, the group's leader. "We are blessed to share the message of God through music and dance."
The Grace Notes.
These Southern Gospel/Bluegrass singers have performed together for the past six months. Amy Perdue, Jami Diprete, Janet Bloomingburg and Laurie Whitnel make up the group, write their own songs and play old-time favorites, as well. "Singing is important to each of us individually, and we have our own unique talents," Whitnel says. "But when you put us together, we just blend. Not just our harmony but also our personalities. Now we're more like sisters." The group peforms at Downtown After Dinner on June 21.
Paul Hadfield. Paducah Tilghman High School teacher by day, musician by night and weekend — Paul Hadfield has written and played music for years. His music is influenced by Bob Dylan, Robert Lee Castleman and Tom Petty, among others. "Some of my songs I've lived, others I've dreamed, but they all say a little something about me," Hadfield says. "I hope you can take something from them, too."
Debera Lee. Writer Debera Lee has written poems for 30 years. "I write about everyday life, and the ups and downs," she says. "I also appreciate that God has blessed me with. Poetry is an incoming voice from God that leads me to do the things I should do."
Terry McKinney. Musician Terry McKinney has played guitar since he was 10 years old. "I'm a self-taught person who enjoys the guitar and any kind of music," McKinney says. "I just do it for myself. I sit down, play for an hour and I know it's going to be a time of enjoyment."
Sarah Parsons.
The beautiful Sarah Parsons began writing poetry in 1985 and is now working on her third book. "I don't hold things in — I write about them, good or bad, in the form of poems," she says. "My first poem was a love letter. And it just went on from there. I write what God gives me."
Here's the piece she'll read Friday night:
I'll Not Turn Back
I'll not turn back into this world of sin
For only God and I know where I've been
When I think of the price that Jesus paid for my sins
I shudder to think that I would go back where I've been
I'm a witness to God's patience and love
I'm a witness to his chastisement to the ones He loves
He let me hurt for a while
And then He opens His arms and welcomes me with a smile and says, "I forgive you, my child."
Thank you, Lord.
St. Mary's Elementary Choir.
Led by Susan Piper, the St. Mary's Elementary Choir is so dedicated, that the students are excited to perform even though school is out for the summer! The children in the choir may be small, but they'll wow you with their big voices!
Raised to Praise 1 and 2.
The Raised to Praise Liturgical Dance Ministry of New Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church features 10 young gals, ages 7-21, who exalt the name of the Lord through anointed dance. "We are bound together in Godly and sisterly love that respect, and we uplift and encourage one another at all times," says Advising Coordinator Monica Clark. The group's Ministry leader is Barbara Patterson. Rev. W. G. Harvey, Sr. is founder and pastor.
Sons of Thunder.
This praise/step group, from Rocky Ford Church, is based on the Knocks on Wood group that Patrick Saddler started at Cooper-Whiteside Elementary School. Now called Sons of Thunder, the group is famous for its drumming and stepping. "They are a testimony that you can be young and praise the Lord through all your gifts and talents," says Pastor CT Shackelford. "They love performing because it is a gift God gave them. They travel and they have fun!"
Christina Starks. Singer Christina Starks has performed since she was 3. A regular featured singer at New Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church, Starks also sings at weddings, funerals, other churches and a few clubs including the Renaissance Restaurant in Paducah. "I like the freedom of it all," she says. "I like making people feel good. All-out performing is something I love to do."
Kendall Isaiah Washington.He's a vocal powerhouse in a small package! Young Kendall Isaiah Washington, 11, has shared the stage with gospel superstars such as Vickie Winans and even performed at the Apollo Theater. Washington regularly competes in talent shows — including winning the Coca Cola Talent Search for his age category in Mayfield in 2004. He performs at his own church, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, along with other churches and telethons.
WC Young Next Level Dance Ministry.
This group, founded by Rose Lowery, consists of girls, 4-12 years old, who have aspirations of becoming NIA Dancers once they're old enough! Like the NIA Dancers, the girls perform liturgical and interpretative dances, sharing God's message and love.
WhoSoEver.
Christian group WhoSoEver has played together since September 2007. Most of the members play every Sunday at MCC Paducah. Friday night's performers include Kim French, Betti Kern, Linda Green and Leslie Stratager — accompanied by LowerTown's own Ike Erwin. "What I love about this group is our dedication and determination for the mission, through praise and worship, to spread the news that God loves all people," French says. "Everyone in the group walks the walk in hopes that the light of Jesus can be seen through the music and in our everyday lives of loving our neighbors."
Women's Reader Theatre.
The Women's Reader's Theatre of Washington Street Baptist Church debuted December 2007, performing dramatic readings at Washington Street with plans to perform throughout the community. "Our purpose is to address, from a Biblical standpoint, God's grace and expectations on our lives," says Rev. Bernice Belt. "There's no particular gender, age, race, ethnicity or denomination — it's just about God's grace and expectations of us."
