FAIRMONT — The Stage, an arts and culture center in Fairmont, is inviting music lovers to jive to the tunes of Delano Townsend during its first ever live jazz performance.

Townsend, a jazz musician from Orrum, will tickle the ivories at The Stage on Saturday beginning at 8 p.m.

Townsend, who plays at his church in Fairmont and also works on theatrical productions, said he plays several instruments, but mainly the keyboard, organ and piano.

Vanessa Abernathy, manager of The Stage, said she chose Townsend to play for The Stage’s first jazz night not only for his talent, but because he is well-known in the community. She hopes that jazz night can become a permanent addition to The Stage’s programming.

“What we are trying to do is find a good mix of things that people in Fairmont would enjoy,” Abernathy said. “I think jazz is a music form that can bring people together and this is our first opportunity to do something different like this here.”

As for Townsend, he says his shows are smooth and reminiscent of days past.

“We’re going to sit around and have a good time like people did back in the day when they would gather around a piano,” he said, adding that he would be encouraging audience members to participate during the show.

Reservations are required for Townsend’s show as seats are limited. To make a reservation, call 910-628-9965. The Stage will serve light refreshments. Ten-dollar donations to The Stage are appreciated.

Townsend’s concert is one of several activities scheduled for July at The Stage:

Creative coloring: The adult coloring craze has found its way to Fairmont. The Stage will offer an adult coloring program on Tuesday and July 20 at 1 p.m.

Game night: Delight in a night full of games and giggles on July 21. Games offered at game night include bid whist, bingo, dominoes, pokeno, chess, checkers, Monopoly and more.

Genealogy workshops: The genealogy workshop will help attendees discover where they came from and maybe even reveal some fun facts about their ancestors. The workshops are scheduled for July 24 and 26.

Thursday night movies: The Stage currently has two movies set to screen in July. “42 — The Jackie Robinson Story” starring Chadwick Boseman is scheduled for Thursday, and “The Great Debaters” starring Denzel Washinton is set for July 28.

National convention broadcasting: The Stage will bring politics front and center during a live broadcast of both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. The Republican Convention will be broadcast beginning at 10 a.m. from July 18 to 22 with the Democratic Convention broadcast following at 10 a.m. from July 25 to 29.

All events at The Stage are free to attend, but donations are appreciated. For information and a schedule of events, visit its website at FairmontArts.org or find The Stage on Facebook. The Stage is located at 205 W. Thompson St. in Fairmont, across from BB&T Bank.

Delano Townsend
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Townsend.jpgDelano Townsend

Vanessa Abernathy
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Vanessa-Abernathy.jpgVanessa Abernathy

Courtesy photo | The Stage has several programs and events scheduled for July including Delano Townsend, a local jazz and gospel artist who will tickle the ivories during The Stage’s first ever jazz night.
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_the-stage.jpgCourtesy photo | The Stage has several programs and events scheduled for July including Delano Townsend, a local jazz and gospel artist who will tickle the ivories during The Stage’s first ever jazz night.
Jazz artist to perform Saturday

By Gabrielle Isaac

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Gabrielle Isaac can be reached at 910-816-1989 or on Twitter @news_gabbie.