Outstanding “one of a kind” event marks 76 years of publishing
If you were not there, you just should have been when The Roanoke Tribune rang out the end of its Diamond Anniversary celebration and in the beginning of its 76th year of “Making and recording Black History since 1939” as its current motto states.
Other slogans have included, Because we love you, we care what you read” and “The voice of the turtle shall be heard throughout the land,” from whence came Turtle-Talk editorials.
In similar vein, “The Roanoke Tribune – the heart of the community” was the theme of the Diamond anniversary which began April 18, 2014 with a grand celebratory banquet and dance in the Salem Civic Center’s main banquet room where the Multi-musical Showcase was also held Thursday evening (April 23). This grand event, as intended, showcased many of the Roanoke Valley’s finest choral groups and musicians with each adding new dimension to the musical spectrum.
Following a welcome by Tribune Associate Editor Stan Hale, MCs Pam Banks and Germaine Fletcher masterfully introduced the various participants starting with the magnificent Kingdom Life International Choir, always dynamically different, directed by Valerie Staten, an awesome sister.
The William Fleming/Patrick Henry Combined Youth Gospel Choir (some 40 strong) that followed really rocked the house! This grand, inspiring performance also included William Fleming Principal Archie Freeman, who left the keyboard to make an impromptu special vocal dedication to Tribune Editor Claudia Whitworth.
Closing out the program’s first half was Burnadette and “Victorious Praise” who, although four in number, would be perceived a choir if unseen. Burnadette followed with several solo renditions of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and “Louey” Armstrong favorites, all crowd pleasers.
Following intermission Elmo Coles got the proverbial ball rolling with his famous trumpet while introducing a youth trumpeter who is already quite sensational. Then there was jazz great Jane Powell who (literally) took the floor and the party was on! What a lady! She can captivate any audience and do no wrong whether singing, scatting or whatever it takes, She’s Got It! Some drove in from North Carolina just to hear her and if you’ve ever seen her in action, you’ll agree—she’s worth it!
Following Jane ironically (but not by design) came Denise Lewis, a new-comer on the scene. Yet, backed by her fantastic trio, she preceded to “bring the house down” with her unique renditions of old and new “torch songs” unheard of today. Of special note among her trio was her nephew, Devin Arrington, already in high demand among professional classical and jazz musicians throughout the area although yet a student at Patrick Henry High.
It was Roanoke’s beloved William Penn (quartet) that sealed the grand “Multi-Musical Showcase” of the most diverse performances by the most unique groups and individuals to ever grace the stage on one single ticket here in the Roanoke Valley. It will be long remembered by all fortunate enough to witness such a grand affair!
The Editors and staff of The Roanoke Tribune will be forever grateful to every participating group and individual performing in this Multi-Musical Showcase; for all who came out to share in this grand spectacular and to all who contributed in any way, great or small to its success.
Special love and appreciation also to Showcase Committee Members, Anita Wilson, Maxine Hunt, who were in attendance and Gardner Smith (posthumously) for their constant encouragement and assistance.
