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‘Summer Evening’ series celebrates quarter century
As we bask in the good feelings of another year’s memorable Main Street Fourth of July festivities, we also have reason to celebrate another Main Street event. This one is in Jackson County’s first county seat, and it will take place each Sunday in July this summer, just as it has for the past quarter century.
The Webster Historical Society’s “Summer Evening in Webster” series of entertainments will begin its 25th year this Sunday. Sylva storyteller Gary Carden, shown here during one of the first season’s performances, will bring some of his memorable characters to life again this weekend at the historic Webster Methodist Church.
According to Joe Rhinehart, keeper of Webster history, the programs are modeled after summer afternoon front-porch concerts performed by Western Carolina University founder Robert Lee Madison on flute and his wife, Ella, on piano. The Historical Society initiated the “Summer Evening” series in 1981 to honor the Madisons.
Webster Postmaster Mildred Cowan, who was then the Historical Society president, played the first concert on the Methodist Church’s restored Estey organ. From that beginning one score and five years ago, the series has stretched into a string of more than 125 programs that has spotlighted local talent like Carden, who has been featured four times through the years. Other memorable entertainments have been provided by Phil Stovall, Howard Allman and legendary Sylva author John Parris. Brothers Paul and William Stern will close this summer’s programs with classical selections on piano and violin.
Much of the credit for this July tradition goes to Rhinehart, who single-handedly lines up the performers and handles publicity each year, just as he does for the equally wonderful “Christmas Eve in Webster” concerts in the beautiful old church.
The Historical Society had a wonderful idea a few years back, and we appreciate Rhinehart’s efforts to keep the Madisons’ spirit alive.
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