Chautauqua tea promises to entertain

By JULIE NELSON
Staff Writer

The first year of the Great American Brass Band Festival marked the first year of The Chautauqua Tea.

The Chautauqua Tea ``began the first year of the Brass Band Festival to create awareness of activities enjoyed in our town 100 years ago when brass band concerts flourished around the country and when chautauquas (cultural and entertainment events) traveled from town to town,'' said Rosemary Hamblin of The Tea Leaf. The restaurant has often hosted the event as well as furnished the food.

In past years, the tea has consisted of performances from local people. Poems or other selections have been read, instruments played, and songs sang. Talents such as Paul Cantrell, Mrs. Tweetie Minor, Mrs. Robert Bright Sr., and many others have contributed to the entertainment for the tea. This year will be no different.

Cantrell, a retired English professor at Centre College, will give this year's program at the tea as he has every year. Also this year, the musical group ``Four Sentimental Reasons'' will perform. The musical group consists of locals Janelle Dishman on piano, Rody Jackson on stand-up bass, Joe Anderson on drums, and Mack Jackson on tenor saxophone. The band will be performing Civil War tunes such as ``My Old Kentucky Home,'' ``When Johnny Comes Marching Home,'' ``Battle Hymn of the Republic,'' ``Dixie,'' and several other selections. They will also be performing later that night at The Combs Center for the Antique Show Preview Party.