Editorials - 08/01/02

Webster programs are gift to county

One local series of events makes July afternoons even more special by adding extra entertainment - like music, drama, tributes and literary readings - to that provided by nature. It all happens in Webster, and these great shows are absolutely free.

While it may sound too good to be true, an argument we've heard from several who were in attendance this past Sunday when Phil Stovall brought down the house, Summer Evenings in Webster sparkle year after year.

Sponsored by the Webster Historical Society under the amazing leadership of Joe Rhinehart, each year's series of lectures and concerts seems better than the last. And every event concludes with a reception on the lawn of the historic Webster Methodist Church to give those in the audience a chance to meet and compliment the performers.

Classically trained vocalist Stovall, who began his musical career as one of the legendary Harry Cagle's "Country Cousins" band, thrilled listeners this past Sunday with his power and virtuosity. Whether singing solo or with one of his duet partners - Linda Haggard and William Martin - Stovall's baritone rocked the church's rafters and amazed a crowd that spilled over into the churchyard.

One highlight came when Haggard joined Stovall for a selection from Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess"; another when the two teamed for "All I Ask of You," from Andrew Llloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera."

Accompanied by Linda Stewart of Webster, Stovall and Martin performed several operatic pieces, including Bizet's "Les Peschers de Perles."

Stovall, who titled his program, "My Songs," told listeners that not only was he performing his favorite songs, he was singing them with his two favorite duet partners. He and Haggard have performed frequently together over the years, and Stovall and Martin have sung together since their college days at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

"It sounded like New York City," said more than one of those who attended Sunday's show.

For those who haven't yet attended a Summer Evening performance, the final event of the 2002 season is this Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at Webster Methodist Church. Howard Allman and Julie Van Leuven will perform A.R. Gurney's bittersweet "Love Letters."

Hats off to Rhinehart and the Webster Historical Society for caring enough to assemble such an outstanding series of programs for all of us to enjoy.

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