BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The much anticipated Bill Withers Memorial was held at the Intermodal Gateway in Beckley on Saturday.
Several local acts convened for performances at the event – which took place in conjunction with the Sweet Treats and Rhododendron Festival celebrations – and raised funds to benefit United Way of Southern West Virginia, as well as the finalization of a Bill Withers statue designed by Pastor Fred Hightower to be displayed in downtown Beckley.
Local musician Matt Mullins – known for his work with his own band, the Bringdowns, as well as The Boatmen – served as both a performer and as musical director for the event.
“Yesterday was something special,” Mullins says of the event, which featured a number of local performers – including Lords of Lester, Drew Bailey Lawrence, Mia Bailey, Aristotle Jones, and the Beckley Children Theatre Ministry, among others – along with various vendors, art, and beverages. The music of Withers, as well as a documentary on the three-time Grammy Award winner.
The Sweet Treats People’s Choice award winners were also named, with 3rd Place going to Beckley Children Theatre Ministry, 2nd Place to Raleigh County Community Action, and the 1st Place Prize being awarded to Hilltop Coffee. Suzie of Hilltop Coffee was presented the 1st Place trophy by Rhododendron Festival Queen Emily Prichard.
Some of the booths set up at the festival included Donut Connection, Raleigh County 4-H, the Beckley Woman’s Club, United Way of Southern West Virginia, Raleigh County Community Action, Beckley Pride, and Greater Beckley Christian School, all of which brought along sweet treats and goodies for those who stopped by. The Beckley Sanitary Board also set up a booth to offer flooding information with the Preparedness Fair.
This year marked the return of Sweet Treats following a two-year hiatus brought about by pandemic concerns. Events will continue to be held throughout the month for the Rhododendron Festival, including the Rhodoboogie Car & Bike Show on May 28.
More information on the Bill Withers Memorial, Sweet Treats, and Rhododendron Festivals, as well as other upcoming local events can be found at the City of Beckley website here.