Voices to the Heart - Tappahannock Rotary Club

“Voices to the Heart” – a Musical Soiree Fund Raiser by Tappahannock Rotary

“Voices to the Heart,” a showcase of local vocal talent, was a resounding success on Saturday, February 20th in the Old Beale Courthouse and performed to a sold-out house. Organized by the Tappahannock Rotary Club, president Wright Andrews, coordinated by Rotarian Michael Faulkner, Executive Director of the Ledwith-Lewis Free Clinic (formerly the Tappahannock Regional Free Clinic), assisted by Ron Geiger, Bill Croxton, Joe Johnston, John Gregory, Fred Woodard, Norman Wood, JoAnne Ruffa and Joe Wolfinger, the event was emceed by singer and Rotarian Emerson Hughes. The evening performance was deemed an outstanding success and follows in the footsteps of the last two years’ successful community entertainment programs Keys to the Heart in 2014 featuring keyboard artists and Strings to the Heart in 2015 with stringed instrument local talent.

The show presented fifteen performers, individually and in groups. Vocalists from the Tappahannock area offered diverse and inspired renderings of their favorite pieces, which ranged across a wide variety of musical traditions and demonstrated the incredible pool of talent within our very own community. While the talent was exceptional, it was the passion and professionalism of the participants that engaged the audience in this warm and lively community event. The three musical sessions were separated by progressive flights of selected wine tastings and culinary delights.

Kathy Hughes provided musical accompaniment for many of the evening’s vocalists. Bekah Hughes-Davis performed “Habenera” from Carmen and “Someone Like You.” Pastor Hyung IL Moon sang “Ideale” and “L’ultima Cansone” both by Francesco Paolo Tosti. The Fox Sisters sang “Jesus Christ is the Way” and “A New World” from the songs of a New World Musical. Damian Muller performed his own compositions, “A Common Prayer” and “Extraordinary Grace.” Leslie Park, accompanied by her sons Caleb and Judson, contributed “The Last Rose of Summer” and “Danny Boy.” Rev. Rodney Gordon performed “Caro mio ben” by Giuseppe Giordani and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” from Cinderella. Kelly Wright, accompanied by her husband Rob, sang “Our Love is Here to Stay” and “Autumn Leaves.” Janie Mitchell, accompanied by Marcellus Dungee sang “The Wind Beneath My Wings” and “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” Andrew Magruder performed “Sunshine on My Shoulder”, by John Denver and “Not While I’m Around” from the musical Sweeney Todd. Three young RiverStars, Kelsey Henry, Colette Haynie and Vivian Reinhardt, sang “What I Did for Love.” At the end of the evening, Emerson Hughes led the performers in a finale of “Sing”.

Aside from entertainment, the main purpose of the evening was to raise funds for four local organizations, as well as for the Tappahannock Rotary Club to disperse into local and international projects. At the conclusion of the splendid evening, Wright Andrews, President of the Tappahannock Club, presented oversized $1,000 checks to Lisa Andrews on behalf of the Ledwith-Lewis Free Clinic, to Darryl Williams on behalf of the Essex County Homeless Organization, to Lisa Medlin towards the Essex County Little League and to Sydney Trent for the RiverStars Youth Theater Group.

The Tappahannock Rotary Club “Voices to the Heart” was supported by corporate and private sponsors including Barbour Printing, WRAR/WNNT, Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, Anonymous Donor, EVB Bank Tappahannock, Dr. Richard & Margaret Lewis, Ron & Penny Geiger, Michael Faulkner and Michael Rawlings, Riverside Hospital, Gilchrist Eyecare, Bill & Carole Croxton, Emerson & Kathy Hughes, Wright & Lisa Andrews, David & Margaret Broad, Tommy & Anne Newman, Joe & Ginevra Wolfinger, Bud & Carol Smith, IC & Carla Smith, Carl & Julia Strock, Dr. Lewis & Ann Wilkins, Joe & Pat Johnston, Mac & Boo Garrett, John & Barbara Frazier, Karin Andrews, Esther Desimi, Dr. Charles & Linda Gilchrist, and Dr. John & Betty Gregory.

With additional private and corporate sponsorship the club’s financial goals for the event were well surpassed, but above all this event showcased local talent in an exceptional social setting enjoyed by the many guests and supporters. “It was an exciting and fun-filled evening of quality music for both the performers and the audience and earned the Rotary Club many accolades for encouraging artistic excellence in our county,” reflected Rotarian Emerson Hughes.

At the conclusion of the evening Wright Andrews, President of the Tappahannock Rotary Club remarked, "We are indeed very fortunate to have Michael Faulkner as a member of our small community! After “Strings to the Heart” and “Keys to the Heart” the last two years and this year's “Voices to the Heart,” Michael has surpassed himself in his role as executive director of the successful Ledwith-Lewis Free Clinic. In addition to tonight's Rotary events, Michael's creative mind, his energetic drive and his organizational skills have also given us a series of top class events that keep bringing this community together again and again with great pride and spirit. A truly remarkable talent! "

Rotary “Voices to the Heart” showcases Tappahannock talent from left to right: Kathy Hughes - accompanist, Janie Mitchell, Marcellus Dungee - accompanist, Kelly and Rob Wright, Damian Muller, Leslie Park, Wendy Fox-Williams, Kimberley Fox-Knight, Wanda Fox-Miller, The Reverend Rodney Gordon, Andrew Magruder, Pastor Hyung Il Moon, Bekah Hughes-Davis, Emerson Hughes – emcee for the evening performance, and Wright Andrews – President of the Tappahannock Rotary Club. Not shown: RiverStars Youth Theater Group Kelsey Henry, Colette Haynie and Vivian Reinhardt.