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!

Last year this event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The show this year was so meaningful because people were given the opportunity to once again come to the Historic Roxy Theatre to support the local talent.

This year marked the 20th year for the Arts Council to support the 40th 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 for the community support of the W.C. Handy Evening at The Roxy.

The prelude was presented by the band Still Here, which consists of Larry Freeman, Bryant Bond, William Nelson, Eric Goodloe, William Buchanan, Frankie Hubbard, Johnny Smith, Joel Frank, Leon Freeman and Harold Tisdale. Katerina Cole–Coffey did an outstanding job as emcee.

We appreciate the following entertainers for their participation: Jayne Wells, Alissa Young, Jeff Allen, Kelly Roberson, Deborah Price Berry, Dana Hill, Meletha Walker, Danyelle Hillman, Leon Freeman, Ally Oliver, Anna Beth Oliver, Sydney Medley, Suzanne Wigginton, Madison Carmack, Abby Peters, Bert Fowler, Ashley Cummings, Avery Guinn, Blaze Bishop, Mike Byrd, Brian Smith, Heather Carmack, John Pilati, Becky Franks, Jeff Baker, Rick Mathis, Debbie Nale and Hudson Copeland.

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

• Gold Sponsor Advertisers: Alabama Central Credit Union; Bank Independent; CB&S Bank; Clark Pulley; Community Spirit Bank; First Metro Bank; Russellville Water Board; Mayor David Grissom; and Rhett Bradford–State Farm Insurance
• Silver Sponsor Advertisers: Sinclair-Lawrence Insurance; Russellville Florist/Chase Sparks; Franklin Electric; Franklin County Chamber of Commerce; Franklin Free Press/WGOL Radio; Wood-Thompson Insurance; Probate Judge Barry Moore; David and Kim Palmer; and Troy and Brenda Oliver
• Bronze Sponsor Advertisers: Abstract & Appraisal/Wanda Myrick; Big Star; Dr. Alan Sherrill; Jeff Bowling, attorney; Susie Hovater Malone; Family Pharmacy; Hester Printing; William and Debbie Nale; Strickland & Barksdale CPA; Sibley Oil Company; Gault Signs; Judy and Raymond Horton; Tom and Linda Senter; William and Debbie Nale; Ann Epperson McDermitt; Tommy Quinn; and P.J. Winston.

The following board members of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council 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, Ann McDermitt, Tommy Quinn, P. J. Winston and Fletcher Scott along with consultants/volunteers Danny Joe Stowe, Hillary Malone Hall, Cheri McCain, Clyde Baker, Calvin Parmer and Andy Gault.

Special acknowledgement goes to the Alabama State Council on the Arts for its continued support of the Franklin County Arts and 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 the entire family can enjoy.

Susie Hovater Malone

President

Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council