BY MARGIE BROOKS
Contributed Report
SWAN QUARTER — During the upcoming holiday season, concert pianist and recording artist David Roach from Rutherfordton will again perform his annual Christmas in Hyde Concert in Swan Quarter. This year’s performance — its silver jubilee — will be held on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Swan Quarter Baptist Church, 336 Main St., Swan Quarter, beginning at 7 pm.
What began as a community outreach and fundraiser for the nonprofit organization Friends of Hyde County’s Historic 1854 Courthouse in 2010 has since become a tradition for this small rural fishing village. Sponsorship was later taken over by Bryan Funeral Home and in recent years, by the members of the Swan Quarter Baptist Church, led by Pastor Jimmy Johnson.
The concert will feature holiday selections written by Roach and others that are special to him and his audience. The concert will end with audience participation in a selected traditional Christmas carol — which is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit with the true meaning of the season.
It is free, and the public is welcome. Light refreshments will be served following the concert.
Pastor Johnson has this to say about the event: “It is always a joy to have David Roach in Swan Quarter. Our church is thrilled to be able to give this gift to our community. David’s concert is always a highlight of the Christmas season.”
Roach is a Lamon Records (an indie label in Nashville, Tenn.) concert pianist recording artist, who at the young age of five, surprised his parents when he began playing church songs without music. In short order they decided it was time for lessons. He studied classical music and began developing his own style of Southern Gospel music. Currently he serves as the Minister of Music at Draytonville Baptist Church in Gaffney, S.C., and also teaches private piano students.
Many of Roach’s CDs will be available for sale following the evening’s performance.
