Roots and Branches concert celebrates musical traditions

Apr. 28—All types of music came to life on the Temple Theatre stage Tuesday night as the City of Sanford's Public Arts Program and the Arts Council of Moore County hosted a night of music at the "Roots and Branches: Celebrating Our Ongoing Musical Traditions" concert.

"The City of Sanford Public Arts Program showcases the history of our community," said Liz Whitmore, program liaison. "With this concert, the program offers yet another opportunity to explore and honor our rich heritage, this time focusing on musical performance."

Several special guests were in attendance including North Carolina First Lady Kristin Cooper and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.

"I'm so excited to be here in Sanford celebrating our ongoing musical traditions," Cooper said. "The kids (W.B. Wicker Choir) were really excited to be singing. It's great to see the arts back — it's been a couple of years. It's great to have everybody back where they need to be."

In addition to the W.B. Wicker Elementary School Choir, directed by Hannah Kaufman, the concert featured a variety of special entertainment. The highlight of the evening was the Brooklyn Art Song Society with musicians from PhiloSonia performing "Songs from the Bleeding Pines" by composer David Ludwig and librettist Ray Owen, a member of the Arts Council of Moore County.

Whitmore was pleased with the turnout and the special guests attending the event.

"We are honored to have the governor's wife here and Elaine Marshall for the Roots and Branches concert," she said. "The City of Sanford partnered with the Arts Council of Moore County, and we've worked closely with Ray Owen. We hope this is a concern that will fill hearts and bring joy to everyone."

The region's rich musical heritage was also showcased by Chatham County's well-loved Bluegrass Experience. Contemporary gospel and jazz group Together-N-Unity Choir hailing from Cumberland, Moore and Richmond counties performed under the direction of Roderick Brower.

Mayor Chet Mann said the city was honored and thrilled to have Cooper and Marshall in attendance for the event.

"I also want to thank Rep. John Sauls," Mann said. "He has been one of the biggest champions of the arts in Sanford and Lee County. I just wanted to thank him for his ongoing support. Some of the real talent I'd also like say that you to includes Ray Owen, who wrote "Songs from the Bleeding Pines" and Chris Dunn — these folks are from the Arts Council of Moore County thank you for your participation."

Mann went on to say that the city and the state of North Carolina worked to prioritize the public arts program. He noted that the city spends roughly $12.60 per resident on the arts — for items like the murals, metal sculptures and more.

"Tonight, we've got a great collaboration to celebrate between the Arts Council of Moore County and the city of Sanford," Mann said.

Mann then described the concert as the first half — the W.B. Wicker Choir, bluegrass group and gospel choir as the "Roots" — and the second half — Songs from the Bleeding Pines — as the branches.

Marshall, who once served in the North Carolina state Senate, then spoke about the event.

"I'm delighted to be here, and this is not my first time in Sanford by any stretch of the imagination," she said. "Before I became secretary of state in 1996, when I served in the North Carolina senate, Sanford and Lee County were in my district. I've always admired the work of the people of Sanford and Lee County. You have preserved the Depot, you've renovated the hotel, this Temple Theatre has survived and been renovated. In a lot of towns, those things have become blight — but not in Sanford. You have picked yourselves up by the bootstraps and have added to the value of the community."

She said in her role as secretary of state, she sees the LLCs and companies being formed in the area.

"I can tell you that Lee County is on fire," she said to hearty applause. "Great things are going to happen in Lee County and people are going come here not just because of the location, but because of the quality of life here. What we're doing tonight adds to that."