But that was not quite the case in Durham last week. Some programs were postponed because of the weather. Yet, before the weekend was over things were back to normal.
Sunday I attended the music in the galleries concert at the Ackland Museum of Art in Chapel Hill. The program normally takes place each Third Sunday, but this month was a special Christmas concert.
The featured singers were a group called Cantari, some of whom are in the Chapel Hill Community Choir. A sizable crowd gathered for the concert, which featured a number of traditional holiday songs. From "The Holly and the Ivy" to a rendition of "Silent Night," Christmas was definitely in the air.
The group took a brief intermission after the first part of the show and people were still arriving to hear them sing. Maggie Guerrero and Luke Werner attended the concert together. The two recently moved to the area from Madison, Wisc., and decided that coming to the museum would be a good way to explore the area.
Joan and David Ontjes of Chapel Hill actually sing with the Chapel Hill Community Choir, so they usually follow Cantari to support their shows. The Ontjes said this was their first time attending the music series at the gallery, adding that they did not even know about it until this show.
After the concert, many people took the time to see the art work in the various rooms in the gallery.
This is the last week in 2009 and it has been filled with wonderful fundraisers, community outreach programs and local entertainment. I began the year in January celebrating in Chapel Hill with Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos at the Twelfth Night Gala at the Carolina Inn.
In February, I was off to the Winterfest Tour of France 2009 at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club. The event was a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Durham. From the silent auction, live auction and the miniature Eiffel Towers on the dinner tables, there was the feeling of France in the air.
The next month, the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill had a fundraiser at the Carolina Club at UNC Chapel Hill. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" was the title of this program and it was designed especially for women to get pampered, shop, and of course have fun during March Madness.
By April, leaves were on the trees and crops were growing well. It was not surprising that I went to opening day of the Durham Farmers Market. The farmers market celebrated its 10th anniversary this year by focusing on community outreach.
In May, the Durham Leaders in Literacy Breakfast was held at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club for the Durham Literacy Center. During this program, the community learned how many lives were impacted by the center, designed to help people improve their reading skills.
June marked the halfway point of the year. Among several other interesting programs taking place throughout the area, I made time to attend the Circle of Success Awards for the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Research Triangle Park and was emceed by Debra Morgan, WRAL anchor.
In July, the American Dance Festival held its inaugural gala at the Durham Performing Arts Center Skyline Lounge. The gala featured a light dinner, along with live music. Proceeds from the gala benefited the American Dance Festival Scholarship Fund, provides money for students to attend the summer festival.
In August, I was very fortunate to attend the opening for the Ruth Russell Williams exhibit at the N.C. Central University Art Museum. Along with the opening of the exhibit, art lovers got a chance to meet Williams in one of her rare public appearances.
The Top of the Table Design Challenge, sponsored by National Association of Catering Executives, took place in September. The program served as a major annual fundraiser with proceeds benefiting the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle.
The 25th Anniversary celebration for the African American Dance Ensemble was commemorated in October at the Carolina Theatre of Durham. The AADE was founded in 1984 as an outgrowth of the Chuck Davis Dance Company while in residence with the American Dance Festival.
Angela Ray is an actress, author and motivational speaker. For comments or tips on future events, e-mail her at Angela@mahoganydime.com.
