By VICKI BROWN
vbrown@lowcountry.com
The Colleton Museum and Farmer’s Market in Walterboro presented its Soul Celebration on Feb. 26 to celebrate Black History month.
Museum Director Matthew Mardell coordinated with community leaders to produce the musical event.
“The virtual event was outstanding,” said Mardell. “Due to the pandemic, it was a closed event so the only people who attended were the performers and staff running the event. But, Facebook Live had about 50 people tune in consistently,” he said. According to Mardell, the video of the event has more than 850 views. To date, there have also been about 100 comments and 1,300 interactions, said Mardell.
The event lasted about one hour and there was some serious talent on display. “I’m really proud of the team, Eartha Cunningham and Christie Slocum, for pulling together the performers, and Ian Dillinger and Scott Grooms for all their work with the technology, cameras and sound to get a great broadcast out,” said Mardell. “And then the performers were just superb - a really impressive range of talents.”
The performers were Deidre Moss-Pinckney and Josh Broughton, who gave a musical performance. Jaoan McLauren also presented the Black Anthem.
Lisa Stephens welcomed the virtual crowd, which was followed with a prayer given by Pastor Gregory Clayton of Sandhill Baptist Church. Additionally, Brandon Williams sang two solos, one being “Precious Lord,” which he dedicated to renown leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..
Leila Williams followed Williams by reading a poem.
An enthusiastic praise dance was also performed by Joan McLauren, Queen Ellison, Janet Smith, Henrietta Stephens and Dorothy Smith. Additionally, Mahoganee and Andre Amiger gave a musical performance, as well as Deandre Hicks.
The Bells Dancers then gave a praise dance, with Mardell closing the evening with remarks.
The event was presented live on the museum’s Facebook page and can still be viewed by those who wish to see it.
