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Live music will be the main attraction this Valentine’s weekend in Creston and surrounding areas.
An evening of Coon Ridge Country music, dancing and red roses is in store this Valentine’s weekend at Harvey’s Chicken Inn.
Habitat for Humanity of Union County will host its sixth-annual Valentine's benefit dance from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Chicken Inn, located three miles west of Creston on Highway 34.
The suggested cost is $6 per person, but all who attend are welcome to give as much as they’d like, as all proceeds will help the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity build a new house and work on handicap accessibility projects to help people stay in their own homes.
“I’m looking forward to a great time with wonderful people who really care about each other,” said Charlie Westman, president of Habitat for Humanity of Union County. “I speak not only for Habitat but for the dancing community.”
Coon Ridge Country, based out of Stuart, plays several generations of country music, as well as other genres.
“They can play almost anything and can play with anyone,” Westman said. “They do mostly country music, but they’ll also do some rock ‘n’ roll.”
Creston Hy-Vee has committed to donate three dozen roses for the event. Other local floral shops may donate flowers, too.
“So, guys or gals can buy roses for their sweetheart,” Westman said. “We’re also encouraging people to wear red.”
At the event, a rose in a vase will be $10, or you can get three roses in a vase for $25.
Last year, nearly $2,500 was raised for Habitat for Humanity. This year, Westman’s goal is to reach $2,500 again.
Elvis concert
A “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” impersonator will bring classic Elvis Presley love songs and other hits to the stage this Valentine’s weekend in Greenfield.
Joseph Hall's Rock 'n' Remember Elvis Tribute concert will be held 7 p.m. Saturday at the Warren Cultural Center, 154 Public Square, in Greenfield.
Tickets are $22 and may be purchased online, at the door or by calling 641-343-7337.
Hall, based out of Branson, Missouri, tours the nation paying tribute to the legacy of Presley. He was featured on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” in 2008, which was viewed by more than 90 million people, and placed in the top 10 finalists. Hall is recognized today as one of the top Presley tribute artists in the world.
This weekend will be Hall’s fourth time performing in Greenfield.
“I’m sure, given the date, he’s going to do a few extra love songs out of Elvis’ repertoire,” said Ken Sidey, Warren Cultural Center executive director. “But it’ll still be Elvis through the ages.”
Enlightened Piano Radio
Three pianists who have performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City will play in Corning this weekend.
The concert, Enlightened Piano Radio, will be held 7 p.m. Friday at the Corning Opera House, 800 Davis Ave. The three featured artists are Donovan Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska, Louis Colaiannia of Denver, Colorado, and Cathy Oakes of Nashville, Tennessee.
Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for students and may be purchased online, at the door or at State Bank of Brooks, 701 Benton Ave., in Corning. Doors to the auditorium open 30 minutes before the start of the show.
Johnson's original compositions combine contemporary, classical and country styles. He released his first album in 2008 and has music on Pandora radio. Johnson applies his musical skills as a teacher, music director, church musician and founder of Enlightened Piano Radio station.
Colaiannia has pursued music throughout his life with the goal of sharing his gift with the world. As a songwriter, arranger and performer, the classical pianist is influenced by jazz/new age music. Colaiannia tours nationwide, and in 2011 and 2012, he won the Primo Award for Italian American Entertainer of the Year. His album titled "The Next Stage" was nominated as "best chill/groove album" in 2013.
After discovering a love for music in high school, Oakes began studying piano extensively on her own and at West Virginia Wesleyan College. She has spent several years in music ministry and currently serves as a pastor in west Tennessee. Nature inspires her music.