I was honored to have been a part of yet another amazing Lakewood event last night at Grace Presbyterian Church's Christmas Variety Show, and it was truly an event to remember! Grace's Pastor Lynn Anderson and her wonderful family (and their extended church family!) all worked hard to provide an eclectic, fun, and inspirational evening for all!
Though I'm not a Grace member, I was a Boy Scout at Troop 512 at that church in the 1960's, so it was a delight to return last night in my old 512 uniform (I am still a Scouter) and be a part of their variety show. To call it a variety show could not have been more appropriate! The St. Edward Trash Talkers (the elite garbage-can percussion group) played for, and with, the outstanding ELEVATED Hip Hop Dance team. Pastor Lynn's children and husband, Dr. A.C. Anderson (aka Dr. Bouzouki) wowed the crowd with terrific m.c. work, dance and song. (and Pastor Lynn played excellent flute, as well!) The chancel choir, under the superlative direction of Dr. H.Leslie Adams on the piano, provided choral selections and soloists to inspire everyone there. Lakewood Music Educator Peter Hampton, and his gifted brother and percussionist Tim, provided an amazing selection of marimba and piano music followed by Peter's outstanding vocal/piano contemporary presentation of "Silent Night". The incredibly talented Marquise Williams presented an outstanding Hip Hop solo presentation, while I concluded the evening with a musical saw, banjo, and guitar sing-a-long.
We've been hearing so much negativity regarding some events that have affected our city lately that I think that it's very important that we recognize the thousands of wonderful people who continue to work so hard to make Lakewood the amazing, inclusive, and eclectic city that it is.
Congratulations to Pastor Lynn and Grace Church for pulling off yet another memorable evening in the history of Lakewood, Ohio!
Back to the banjo!