Remembering the Blues: African American Connection hosts annual ‘Affair to Remember’

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Ted Barnett and Sam Hardy remember growing up with the Blues. Whether it was the soaring, mournful laments of hymns at church, or the slow, swampy Delta blues they heard on the radio, it’s evident that the men have the Blues running through their veins.

Barnett and Hardy, along with a slew of other locals will perform many of their favorite Blues numbers at “An Affair To Remember” on April 10.

The event is hosted by the African American Connection for the Performing Arts, a local group that presents musical, comedic and dramatic performances throughout the year as well as community programs geared toward unity and connection.

This year’s event carries the theme of “Remembering The Blues” and will feature local vocalists and musicians performing some of the most beloved Blues tunes as Rome residents enjoy a catered meal and dance the night away.

“This is a night to pay tribute to the people in our community who have supported the Connection,” said organizer Willie Mae Samuel. “And what better way to remember these people and celebrate our community than by having our very own local talented people performing some wonderful old Blues music. We’re going way back to the Blues of the Mississippi Delta and coming up to some very popular hits.”

When asked how the Blues were a part of his life, Barnett, a Cave Spring resident, said he can remember the deep, swaying tones of an old spiritual at church or the sounds of such legends as Muddy Watters, Big Mama Thornton and Lead Belly.

And as he grew older, the powerful, soulful music became an even bigger part of his life.

“My wife and I have been married for 52 years,” he said. “When I first saw her and I wanted to meet her I went to her friend and I sang ‘Cupid, draw back your bow, and let your arrow flow straight to my lover’s heart for me,” Barnett sang, mimicking the soulful sounds of Sam Cooke. “It’s music that everyone can relate to. Everyone’s been in love. Everyone’s lost someone they loved. Everyone has had the blues at some point in their life.”

Barnett, along with Sam “Sweetpea” Hardy, Geneva Powers, Tracy McDew, Tanya Howard, April Ridley, Charles Moses and Oliver Robbins will be performing timeless Blues classics in the style of Sam Cooke, B.B. King, Muddy Watters, Big Mama Thornton, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and others. They’ll be backed by a band of local musicians consisting of Willie Ware, Oliver Robbins, Edward Daniels, and Richard Wright.

But as with each “Affair to Remember” event, the evening will also be about connecting the past to the present. Samuel said a portion of the black tie affair will be dedicated to remembering 19 AACPA members who have died since the organization’s establishment in 2006 as well as 11 current members. Another special presentation will be to recognize a handful of “unsung heroes” who have given their time, money and energy to assisting local youth.

But it all comes back to the Blues. “Teddy” (Barnett) and “Sweetpea” Hardy said they are more than happy to share the music they love with the community.

“When you get into the Blues it’s not just a sound,” Barnett said. “It’s a feeling. I get emotional every single time I sing those songs. That music means something. Those words mean something. You can’t help but feel it when you’re singing the blues. You can’t help but feel those emotions. I sang those songs to my wife. That’s how much they mean to me.”

“An Affair to Remember,” a presentation of the African American Connection for the Performing Arts will take place April 10 starting at 7 p.m. The public is invited to the black tie event.

Tickets are $50 and are available by calling Willie Mae Samuel at 706-622-7917, Jackie Jenkins at 706-204-6112 or Tanya Howard at 706-512-5656.

Source: Rome News

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