LITTLE ROCK — Friends of Mosaic Templars Cultural Center brought Ramsey Lewis to the Clinton Presidential Center for its Sept. 17 black-tie fundraiser featuring a performance by the internationally renowned jazz artist.
The evening began with a VIP reception in Cafe 42 with music provided by the Ed Lawson Combo. Guests then went upstairs to a dinner, catered by the cafe, which included filet mignon.
Cathie Matthews, director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and Nathaniel Noble of the Mosaic Templars Building Preservation Society greeted guests.
Pamela Smith of KATV,Channel 7, presented Lewis, who performed with the other two members of the Ramsey Lewis Trio. Their program included an eclectic, earpleasing selection of songs such as “Wade in the Water,” “Betcha by Golly Wow” and a medley of gospel numbers that included “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” “Blessed Assurance,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” and “This Little Light of Mine.” Climaxing the performance was a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Martie North, chairman of the event, gave acknowledgments after Lewis’ performance.
Volunteers included Erma Glasco Davis of Hot Springs Village, president of Friends of Mosaic Templars Cultural Center; Heather Register Zbinden, the museum’s interim director; and Trey Berry, deputy director for museums of the Department of Heritage. Other volunteers and guests included Dorothy Mitchell Barnes, Melba and Don Marshall, Gwendolyn Zeigler, Rosalyn Zeigler, Gerry Rayford, Constance Sarto and J.E. Bush IV, Julia Lawson, Evelyn Rose, Faye Miller Thomas, Sandra Brown, Levanna Wilson, Linda Gilliam, Alice McKay, Mary Ragston, Betty Ward, Colette Honorable,Melanie Hillard, Katrina Owoh, Janet Tate, Vernita and Judge Marion Humphrey, Dr. Garry Glasco, Ann Wead Kimbrough, LaVerne Paige, Teresa and Kenneth H. Brown, Quanita M. “Key” Fletcher and Lottie Shackelford. Out-of-town guests included Suze and Earl Babbie of Hot Springs Village; Theresa Tate of Beaumont, Texas; Aaron Van Wright of Pine Bluff; Rocky Dallas of Lakewood, Wash.; and Marilynn Davis of New York.
Friends of Mosaic Templars Cultural Center was established to develop and implement strategies to raise funds to support the center.
High Profile, Pages 40 on 09/26/2010