Inspire! Festival Guide

March 26-April 5

A CELEBRATION OF FOOD, ARTS & MUSIC IN SUMTER

sumterinspirefestival.org

2020

ONE STOP. FIVE STARS.

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Welcome

The Sumter Inspire! Committee is pleased to announce the second-annual Inspire!

Festival is coming your way March 26 – April 5, 2020. Our inaugural event was held last spring and was so well-received we are excited to be able to bring this celebration of life and giving to the Sumter community again this year.

The Inspire! Festival was created to honor the life and legacy of Roger Ackerman.

Roger practiced service above self for many years as a Rotarian, philanthropist, humanitarian and supporter of the arts.

Roger was an inspiration to us all, hence the name of the festival, Inspire! The Inspire! Festival supports the Rotary Coins for Alzheimerʼs Research Trust (CART), the Sumter Little Theatre, the Sumter Gallery of Art, the Sumter County Museum and the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center.

We are delighted with our lineup of events this year as they are more varied than and equally as exciting as those held last year!

The Walk of Art will feature installations and artwork from more than 40 artists at 20 stops throughout Historic Downtown Sumter. An assortment of beer, wine and food will be available, including a specialedition beer from Sumter Original Brewery made just for Inspire!

The True Wartime Escape exhibit at the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center examines the incredible journey made by Curious Georgeʼs creators, Margret and H.A. Rey, to escape the Nazi invasion of Paris at

the start of World War II. It is based in part on the 2005 publication "The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey", written

by Louise Borden and illustrated by Allan Drummond.

The Hobbit at Sumter Little Theatre, a youth production, is NOT your typical Disney fairy tale. Bilbo, one of the most conservative of all hobbits, is asked to leave his large, roomy and very dry home in the ground in order to set off as chief robber in an attempt to recover an important treasure. Itʼs the last thing that any sensitive hobbit would want to do, but great benefit eventually results – not only for Bilbo but for all of the hobbits who inhabit Middle Earth – and the hearts of children and adults who continue to enjoy this kind of magic.

Gallery After Hours at the Sumter County Gallery of Art will present an evening of art and jazz featuring the Queen City Jazz Trio and Nicci Canada. A cash bar and small bites will be available. This event is 21 and over.

The Concert in La Piazza featuring the Jebb Mack Band is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The Jebb Mack Band performed in La Piazza this past New Year's Eve to a capacity crowd, ringing in the New Year with a bang! This group, though country oriented, manages to cross over into other genres such as funk, hip hop, pop and rock. This performance promises to be an exciting one!

Decoda, a Carnegie Hall affiliate whose performance enthralled attendees last year, returns for another beautiful chamber music concert at Temple Sinai. The ensemble is a New York-based chamber collective dedicated to bringing meaningful musical

FIND OUT MORE

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to sumterinspirefestival.org

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experiences to all audiences. This yearʼs event will feature four string musicians performing music composed by two Jewish victims of the Holocaust. A reception will follow in the Ackerman Hall with refreshments and viewing of the special exhibit "The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Reyʼs Journey from France."

Cecil Williams, a professional photographer, videographer, publisher, inventor, author and architect, joins us at The Sumter County Museum for a talk about his latest volume, "Unforgettable", his career and the Civil Rights movement in South Carolina, which he captured poignantly through his photography. This event is in conjunction with the exhibit "Unforgettable: Celebrating a Time of Life, Hope and Bravery," showcasing Cecil Williamsʼ photography, which will be open for viewing prior to the talk during the reception.

Sumter’s Got Talent will be held at Patriot Hall showcasing more than 20 acts from some of the top talent from around Sumter — including vocalists, bands, choirs, dance groups musicians and more!

Donʼt miss a chance to see some of your local favorites in this exciting variety show on the big stage.

Ruben Studdard, R&B superstar and second-season winner of American Idol, will be thrilling the audience at Patriot Hall.

Studdard received a Grammy nomination in December 2003 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Superstar." Studdard has released six studio albums, including his platinum-selling debut, "Soulful," and the top-selling gospel follow-up, "I need an Angel." He is most well-known for his recording career, which has produced hits including "Flying Without Wings," "Sorry 2004" and "Change Me," but he has also segued into television and stage work. Most notably, he toured with Robin Givens in the 5

comedy-drama "I Need a Hug" and in 2008 starred as Fats Waller in a national tour revival of "Ain't Misbehavin," which spawned a Grammy-nominated soundtrack.

An Ink and Watercolor Workshop with Sarah Jones will be held at the Sumter County Museum. This workshop is in conjunction with the exhibit "The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Reyʼs Journey from France." Talented portrait artist and designer and owner of "Brindle+Black" magazine Sarah Jones will be teaching this workshop. It will take place in the exhibition space, and the art created will be informed by the exhibit.

Brothers Malcolm and Umoja are bringing their reggae style of music to the Sumter Opera House. The duo, Sons of Mystro, use their classic violin skills to play contemporary music.

For ticket information on all the events, go to www.sumterinspirefestival.org and click on “events.”

We look forward to seeing you at all of these exciting events.

Johnny Hilton

Inspire! Festival Committee Member

The Inspire!

Committee:

Heather Tickel-Chair Frank Edwards, Jay Schwartz, Johnny Hilton, Andrea Freed Levenson, Karen Watson, Elizabeth McLeod Britton, Annie Rivers, Danielle Thompson, Carmella Bryan, Matthew Morse, Shelley Kile, Melanie Colclough, Seth Reimer and Todd Warwick.

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Keeping Roger's memory alive.

Roger Ackerman loved the arts, he loved people and he loved Sumter.

He may no longer be with us, but those dear to him are making sure his love of life, his passion for the arts and his impact on the Sumter community continue on in his memory with this 11-day celebration of some of what he held most dear.

When Roger passed, his friends, with the blessing of his wife, Deane Ackerman, a talented artist herself, established the Inspire! Festival in his memory. All the events celebrate what he loved and would have attended and financially supported.

All the proceeds benefit organizations and causes he either focused his philanthropy on or helped found himself. The Inspire! committee ensures that benefit by having established the Ackerman Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit that funnels money to the four beneficiaries you will find more information about at the back of this book.

“Roger loved people. He was best at connecting people,” Inspire! committee member Johnny Hilton said.

Roger served on a variety of boards and community groups, including the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, Sumter Family YMCA, Sumter Little Theatre, Sumter County Gallery of Art, Sumter County Cultural Commission, Sumter Industrial Association and Covenant Place of Sumter. He served as co-chair of the 2002-03 Building Fund for the gallery and was named the YMCAʼs Humanitarian of the Year in 1997.

He was an active member of the Sumter Rotary Club for more than 50 years and served as president from 197879. He was recognized as Rotarian of the 6

Year in 1982 and 2017 and was named District 7770 Rotarian of the Year in three different decades. He has received Rotary Internationalʼs Distinguished Service Award and was given the Service Above Self Award in 2006, the highest honor given to an individual Rotarian.

Roger received the Order of the Palmetto in 2008, the highest civilian honor awarded by the governor for excellence in service.

He received Sumterʼs highest honor, the Gamecock City Society Award, in the last months of his life. Instead of receding in illness, he spent his last years dedicated to preserving Temple Sinai and opening the Jewish History Center in June 2018 with an assurance it would be maintained by the Sumter County Museum for its long-term viability. Roger died in September 2018.

“He had a goal to make the world a better place,” Hilton said shortly after his friendʼs passing in 2018. “You know the saying 'leave a campsite better than it was when you arrived'? His campsite was the world.”

To all who knew Roger, he was an inspiration.

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INSPIRE! FESTIVAL

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Sumter County Museum - 122 N. Washington St. Temple Sinai Jewish History Center - 13 Church St. Sumter Original Brewery (Walk of Art check-in) - 2 S. Main St. Sumter Opera House - 21 N. Main St. La Piazza - 33 N. Main St. Dinner on Main Sumter County Gallery of Art - 200 Hasel St. Patriot Hall - 135 Haynsworth St. Sumter Little Theatre - 14 Mood Ave.

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THURSDAY • MARCH 26 Walk of Art Downtown Sumter 6-9 p.m.

Walk of Art After Party Sumter Original Brewery 8-10 p.m.

The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey’s Journey from France Temple Sinai Jewish History Center 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Unforgettable: Celebrating a Time of Life, Hope and Bravery featuring photography from Cecil Williams Sumter County Museum 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

SUNDAY • MARCH 29

The Hobbit Sumter Little Theatre 7:30 p.m.

Decoda

FRIDAY • MARCH 27

The Hobbit Sumter Little Theatre 3 p.m.

Gallery After Hours Sumter County Gallery of Art 6:30-9:30 p.m.

The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey’s Journey from France Temple Sinai Jewish History Center 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Unforgettable: Celebrating a Time of Life, Hope and Bravery featuring photography from Cecil Williams Sumter County Museum 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Hobbit Sumter Little Theatre 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY • MARCH 28 Dinner on Main featuring Raffaele Dall’Erta, 2020 S.C. Chef Ambassador (sponsor event) 6 p.m.

The Hobbit Sumter Little Theatre 7:30 p.m.

Concert on Main (featuring the Jebb Mack Band) La Piazza 8 P.m.

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The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey’s Journey from France Temple Sinai Jewish History Center 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Temple Sinai Jewish History Center 2 p.m.

MONDAY • MARCH 30 TUESDAY • MARCH 31 Unforgettable: Cecil Williams reception and book signing Sumter County Museum Exhibition will remain open at 5 p.m.

Event begins at 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY • APRIL 1 THURSDAY • APRIL 2 Sumter’s Got Talent Patriot Hall 7 p.m.

The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey’s Journey from France Temple Sinai Jewish History Center 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Unforgettable: Celebrating a Time of Life, Hope and Bravery featuring photography from Cecil Williams Sumter County Museum 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Hobbit Sumter Little Theatre 7:30 p.m.

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FRIDAY • APRIL 3 The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey’s Journey from France Temple Sinai Jewish History Center 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Unforgettable: Celebrating a Time of Life, Hope and Bravery featuring photography from Cecil Williams Sumter County Museum 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Unforgettable: Celebrating a Time of Life, Hope and Bravery featuring photography from Cecil Williams Sumter County Museum 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ink and Watercolor Workshop with Sarah Jones Temple Sinai Jewish History Center 1-4 p.m.

The Hobbit Sumter Little Theatre 7:30 p.m.

Sons of Mystro Sumter Opera House 7:30 p.m.

Ruben Studdard Patriot Hall 7:30 p.m.

The Hobbit Sumter Little Theatre 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY • APRIL 4

SUNDAY • APRIL 5

The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey’s Journey from France Temple Sinai Jewish History Center 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Hobbit Sumter Little Theatre 3 p.m.

Steamer is Inspired by the Arts Boosting the “A” in eSTEAM

Lee & Sumter, SC

Save the Date 2020 eSTEAM Sumter Festival Saturday, October 3rd Downtown Sumter 10:00 am - 2:00 pm www.eSTEAMsumter.com

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The Walk of Art will be unlike anything Sumter has seen.

Take a stroll along the streets of downtown Sumter and stop in businesses to check out work by more than 40 regional artists from Camden, Florence, Columbia and Sumter. This open housestyle event will feature at least one artist per business, with art available for purchase.

Food, beer and wine are included with ticket purchase, which also includes a specialedition beer from Sumter Original Brewery.

The event is presented in a casual dropin format, so stop by whenever you want during the allotted time. A tour through all stations will offer the chance to view a range of mediums, including painting on canvas, photography, large-format backdrops, welding, interior design, music and a drum line, bird houses, stitching, paintings in oil, acrylic, and watercolor and mixed media.

Businesses with four walls and a roof are not the only place Walk of Art pieces will be found. There will be pop-up art and performances, all culminating with an after party at the newly opened Sumter Original Brewery.

Walk of Art March 26 6-9 p.m.

Sumter Original Brewery

With its March opening, Sumter Original Brewery is the first brewery to open in Sumter County, and owners, beer lovers and community members in support of a continued redevelopment of downtown Sumter are hoping it is a catalyst for the next phase of growth and revitalization.

First, letʼs take a step back. Gray Shuler started working in the beer industry 12 years ago and tapped into a passion for craft beer. He always dreamed he would one day own a brewery, but he didnʼt think it would be as grandiose as what now sits at 2 S. Main St. Gray then transitioned his career into the restaurant industry to become an expert in both managing a restaurant and in what makes downtown Sumter tick.

SOB (initials, not an afterthought) features a 15-barrel brewing system. Sumterʼs first-ever hometown beer is being brewed by Troy Bervig, who quit his job at a research laboratory to follow his passion. After gaining 11 years of experience through working at and leading breweries around the country, combining his love of chemistry, his knowledge from his medical years and his passion for brewing, he is ready to welcome Sumter to the brewery scene.

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SHOWCASING SOME OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S FINEST ARTISTS IN ONE EVENT

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Randy Abbott Deane Ackerman Heidi Adler (Sumter High School) Zach Baldwin Erin Baribeau Myra O. Barton Connie Brennan Carolita Cantrell John Collins Catherine Coulter Lloyd Amanda Cox Carolina Cromer Roseeta Davis Erin Duffie Mark Duffie Bryan Durant Donny Floyd Mark Gibson

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2020

ARTISTS

Micah Green Tara Goodson Dr. Christine Hand Michael Hodge Jane Hray Mary-Katherine Hulme Sarah Jones Alexis Jones (Cherryvale Elementary School) Lakewood Highschool Kimberly Land Tori Lesesne Rose Metz Beth McCord Grainger McKoy Jenny Moss Terry Newman

• • • • • • • • • •

Nicole Norris Tiara Safic-Martin Kim Saunders Peter Schmid Carole Shoemaker Swartz Sumter County Gallery of Art Sumter Little Theatre Matthew Tickel Meg White Wilder Elementary

*Additional artists may participate as pop-up artists.

Check in: Sumter Original Brewery, 2 S. Main St. Times: 6-9 p.m.

Double check Tickets: $30 in advance | $40 at the door To buy tickets in advance: www.sumterinspirefestival.org

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Exhibit: The True Wartime Escape

It’s a story we all grew up with, but its origins have remained more hidden in history.

"The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Reyʼs Journey from France," a traveling exhibit, will be on disDetails play in the Ackerman Exhibition Hall at Temple Sinaiʼs Jewish History Center starting on the first day of Inspire!

When: Thursday-Friday, and staying through May 2. The exhibit contains a col1-4 p.m. | Saturday, 10 lection of 25 first-edition giclee prints created by artist a.m.-1 p.m.

Allan Drummond and explanatory panels that help tell Where: Temple Sinai this compelling story.

Jewish History Center More than three generations of Americans have 13 Church St. grown up reading the stories of an irrepressible little brown monkey known in this country as Curious George, but few people know about the incredible journey made by his creators, Margret and H.A. Rey, to escape the Nazi invasion of Paris at the start of World War II. The illustrations on display are from the Houghton Mifflin book by Louise Borden, "The Journey that Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey." Watercolor paintings depict the plight of the monkeyʼs creators while fleeing from Nazi Europe.

In addition to the 25 framed art prints, the exhibit also contains supplemental archival images from the extraordinary holdings of the DeGrummond Collection of Childrenʼs Literature at the University of Southern Mississippi. The exhibition is organized and curated by the Institute for Holocaust Education in Omaha, Nebraska.

More than just a tale of a rousing escape from occupied France, the exhibition celebrates a timeless survival story, one that serves as a potent reminder of the power of human creativity and the cost when voices and visions are silenced by the impact of war.

Ink and Watercolor Workshop with Sarah Jones

Inspired by the artwork displayed in the exhibition, Sarah Jones, a local portrait artist and designer/owner of "Bridle+Black" magazine, will host a workshop in the exhibition space on Saturday, April 4. The art created will be informed by the exhibit, and Jones will help guide participants through the process of creating their own watercolor painting.

If youʼve ever been to Sip & Gogh in Sumter or any other venue where everyone paints together based on a guideʼs instruction, itʼs like that but without the piece pre-set. Artists, whether beginner or advanced, can paint whatever they want, and Jones will be there to provide guidance.

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The exhibitionʼs artwork is similar to her own style, Jones said, of using a combination of ink and watercolor. Itʼs also a good jumping-off point for those who want to paint watercolor but are intimidated by watercolorʼs finality. In this case, artists will start by sketching their piece in pencil, going over it in ink then filling it in with watercolor.

Participants must be 16 years or older. There is a maximum of 12 spots open, so check with the museum for available spots and to sign up.

Ink and Watercolor Workshop Saturday, April 4 1-4 p.m.

Tickets:

$45 for Museum members, $55 for the public.

All supplies provided. www.sumtercountymuseum.org/events

cctech.edu | 803-778-1961

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Ruben Studdard

An American Idol winner and Grammy-nominated singer is coming to Sumter as part of the Inspire!

Festival, and he’s planning to put on a show you won’t want to miss.

Ruben Studdard, an American R&B, pop and gospel singer, rose to fame as the winner of the second season of American Idol and was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2003.

In the years following the singing contest reality show, Studdard has released six studio albums, including his platinum-selling debut, “Soulful,” and the top-selling gospel follow-up, “I Need an Angel.” He is most well-known for his recording career, which has produced hits including "Flying Without Wings,” "Sorry 2004" and "Change Me," but he has also segued into television and stage work. Most notably, he toured with Robin Givens in the comedy-drama “I Need a Hug” and in 2008 starred as Fats Waller in a national tour revival of “Ain't Misbehavin,” which spawned a Grammy-nominated soundtrack.

Studdard most recently appeared on the 15th season of The Biggest Loser. He is signed to Verve Records and released “Unconditional Love” on Feb. 4, 2014. His most current release, “Ruben Sings Luther” (a tribute to Luther Vandross), was released March 16, 2018.

EARLY LIFE Studdard was born in Frankfurt, Germany, to American parents, while his father was stationed there with the U.S. Army, and he grew up in Birmingham, Alabama.

The youngest son of two teachers, he sang for the first time at the age of 3 at the Rising Star Baptist Church in Birmingham. He continued singing gospel in church, performing solos as a child while his mother sang in the local choir. He played football at Huffman High School and received a scholarship to play at Alabama A&M University. While in college, he joined the Omicron Delta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the men's music fraternity of America.

After growing up listening to his mother's Donny Hathaway albums, Fred Hammond and gospel music, Studdard began to pursue a career in the music industry, majoring in voice studies at Alabama A&M. He sang with Just a Few Cats, a popular 14

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Birmingham jazz and R&B band founded by members of Ray Reach's UAB Jazz Ensemble along with other local musicians. Years later, Studdard stated: "A lot of people don't realize how hard I was trying to get into the business before American Idol. I was making demos and just working so hard.” Then, back-up singer from Just a Few Cats asked him to accompany her to Nashville, Tennessee, for an audition on the 2003 second season of American Idol.

AMERICAN IDOL When auditioning, Studdard sang Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon in the Sky." This guided him to being one of the local finalists. On American Idol, he impressed viewers with his performances of the Leon Russell/Bonnie Bramlett song "Superstar" (best known as a hit for The Carpenters) and the Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle duet "A Whole New World.” During his time on the show, Studdard received praise from music legends such as Lionel Richie, Neil Sedaka, Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, Luther Vandross and Gladys Knight.

During the televised competition, Studdard gained the nickname "Velvet Teddy Bear" and was noted for his shirts printed with "205," the telephone area code of his hometown of Birmingham.

Studdard also did a cover of "For All We Know," originally recorded by Donny Hathaway, whose music he grew up with.

He won the contest over runner-up Clay Aiken in the May 2003 finale, becoming the second American Idol winner. Alabama Gov. Bob Riley declared March 11, 2003, as "Ruben Studdard Day.” 15

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Event details When: April 3, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Patriot Hall | 135 Haynsworth St. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door Purchase: sumterinspirefestival.org

Ruben’s albums

2003-2004 – Soulful 2004-2005 – I Need an Angel 2006-2008 – The Return 2009-2010 – Love Is 2010-2013 – Letters from Birmingham 2013-2014 – Unconditional Love 2018 -2019 – Ruben Sings Luther

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Walk of Art Featured Artist: Sarah Jones

Not all art is meant to simply be looked at.

Be sure to check out all the more than 40 artists who will be showing their work during the Walk of Art, but when you get to Sarah Jonesʼ station, youʼll want to make sure you have your phones ready for a selfie.

Inspired by a social media trend called Instagram Trap, Jones is building four rooms, each with a theme that is primed to make you look good in a photo. She is modeling the idea off this new generation of pop-up art that is immersive and interactive.

Installation art is nothing new, but Jones and other Instagram Trap artists are taking the idea of social media and using it to promote their art and engage viewers. This kind of art is meant to be experienced personally and captured from behind and in front of the lens.

Jones will be in the old Kelly Services building at 117 N. Main St.

Sumter native or longtime Jebb Mack Band Any resident will tell you downtown was

not a dinner destination 20 years ago. That has changed.

An elegant outdoor dinner will be held in the middle of Main Street to celebrate the festival and Rogerʼs legacy, with food provided by Hamptonʼs Chef Raffaele DallʼErta, who was recently named as one of four 2020 Chef Ambassadors to promote tourism and agriculture in the state. The event is sold out and will serve as a thank you to the festivalʼs sponsors.

Public, fear not. After Dinner on Main, a concert will kick off featuring the Jebb Mack Band, and youʼll want to make sure you show up to dance the night away at La Piazza, a covered outdoor event venue adjacent to Hamptonʼs that has been bringing the party to downtown Sumter for the last couple years.

The Jebb Mack Band rang in 2020 at La Piazza in front of a capacity crowd. According to the bandʼs website, “like a hurricane, they release their energy to a packed crowd at a laid-back watering hole, with raucous covers ranging from Johnny Cash to Eminem, and original tunes evoking lazy river days and hot Southern nights.”

While the foundation of its sound is country-oriented, the Jebb Mac Band manages to cross over genres by adding elements of funk, hip hop, pop and rock. Throw in his Event Details brass section, and itʼs as if Bruno Mars, the Zac Brown Band When: March 28, 8 p.m. and Thomas Rhett were all part of the same band. In 2019, Where: La Piazza, the band opened up for country stars Randy Houser and 33 N. Main St. Easton Corbin and has also played at the prestigious CCMF Tickets: $15 for entrance (Carolina Country Music Festival) in $30 including 5 beer/wine Myrtle Beach on numerous occasions. tickets (cash bar available) Myrtle Beachʼs Surge calls Jebb Mac Bandʼs live shows “dance-friendly, party-friendly,” appealing to “young audiences and young-at-heart fans who crave variety.”

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The Hobbit Habitat Habitat for for These are NOT your Disney fairy tales.

Bilbo, one of the most conservative of all hobbits, is asked to leave his large, roomy and very dry home in the ground in order to set off as chief robber in an attempt to recover an important treasure. Itʼs the last thing any sensible hobbit would want to do, but great benefit eventually results – not only for Bilbo but for all of the hobbits who inhabit Middle Earth, and for the hearts of children and adults alike who continue to enjoy this kind of magic.

Directed by Patricia Gray and based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Hobbit" is one of two of this yearʼs Youth Theatre Productions at Sumter Little Theatre. YTP provides theater training for children and young people.

Participating actors practice active learning.

The elementary and middle school classes expose students to creative dramatics and improvisation techniques. The high school students practice character development, script analysis and scene study. At each level, students learn that good actors must work hard and that a high level of commitment is required of them to bring a successful play to the stage.

Event Details

Where: Sumter Little Theatre, 14 Mood Ave. When: : March 26-29 & April 2-5 | ThursdaySaturday, 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, 3 p.m.

Tickets: $15 for adults | $10 for students, seniors and military.

Purchase: sumterlittletheatre.com

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Sumter's Got Talent

If you can’t decide whether you want to go to a musical performance, watch an act or attend a concert, Sumter’s Got Talent is where you can find it all.

This first-ever event for Sumter has a lineup of more Event Details than 20 acts ready to wow audiences. They have alWhen: April 2, 7 p.m. ready been vetted in an auWhere: Patriot Hall, dition and represent some 135 Haynsworth St. of Sumterʼs top talent. ParTickets: $10 ticipants include vocalists, Purchase: At the door or online bands, choirs, dance groups, at sumterinspirefestival.org musicians and more.

A group of Sumterʼs dance studio owners wanted to showcase talent in Sumter that exceeded the boundaries of just dance. This is more than a recital.

About Patriot Hall

The Sumter County Cultural Centerʼs mission is to educate and retain the next generation, encourage economic vitality and improve the quality of life for Sumterʼs residents through the arts.

From community events, graduations and shows to symphonies, musicals and performances, the center welcomes over 100,000 guests annually and hosts a series of fun, family friendly events throughout the year.

It is home to the Sumter County Gallery of Art, Sumter Little Theatre, Patriot Hall, Sumter Community Concert Band, Sumter Civic Chorale and the Sumter Community Jazz Band. The historic building and the creativity inside are community treasures.

Since it was established in 1986 as a central part of the Cultural Center, Patriot Hall has been a beloved staple in Sumter.

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Cecil Williams

Professional photographer.

Videographer. Publisher.

Inventor. Author. Architect.

Cecil Williams has a laundry list of job titles that exude talent, and Inspire! Festival attendees have the chance to meet him as he talks about his latest volume, his career and the Civil Rights Movement in South Carolina.

“Unforgettable: Celebrating a Time of Life, Hope and Bravery” is a traveling exhibition by the legendary artist and is on display at the Sumter County Museum through May 20. The free reception on March 31 will feature a special presentation and book signing.

Event Details

When: March 31, 5 p.m. exhibition will remain open | 6 p.m. event begins Where: Sumter County Museum, 122 N. Washington St. Williams captured the movement locally poignantly through his photography. The Orangeburg native has authored six books and designed six residences that became his home and photography studio. In May 2006, he published a photo-documentary titled "Out of the Box in Dixie." Its sequel, "Unforgettable," was released in February 2017.

In 2020, Williams opened the Cecil Williams Civil Rights Museum in Orangeburg, marking the first and only civil rights museum in South Carolina.

He received a degree in art from Claflin University.

The photography exhibition provides a rare glimpse of events, portraits and moments of significant social change during the 1950s through 1970s. The noble subjects and pioneers captured in Williamsʼ images depict the unforgettable waves of change that influenced the world during that era.

Books will be available for purchase at the event, and the exhibition will be open for viewing prior to the talk during the reception from 5-6 p.m. Williams will begin his talk at 6 p.m.

FREE ADMISSION DURING THE INSPIRE! FESTIVAL Registration is required – statelibrary.sc.libcaL.com/event/6411700 20

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Decoda

Music and history will be one and the same when Decoda performs during the festival on March 29.

The New York-based chamber collective that is an affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall returns to Sumter for the second time. The ensemble is dedicated to bringing meaningful musical experiences to all audiences.

This yearʼs program will feature music from two Jewish composers, Erwin Schulhoff and Gideon Klein, who were victims of the Holocaust but whose beautiful music is cherished and celebrated still today. The ensemble will feature four string musicians.

The performance will take place in the stunning sanctuary at Temple Sinai, where the stained-glass windows are a treasure in their own right. A reception will be held following the performance with refreshments and viewing of the special exhibit "The True Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Reyʼs Journey From France."

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Event Details

When: March 29, 2 p.m.

Where: Temple Sinai, 13 Church St. Tickets: $15 for Sumter County Museum members | $20 for nonmembers | $5 for students Purchase: Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, Sumter County Museum or online at sumterinspirefestival.org or call (803) 775-0908

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Gallery After Hours

If you think an art gallery is a place to quietly observe art, think again.

The Sumter County Gallery of Artʼs Gallery After Hours will feature The Queen City Jazz Trio with vocalist Nicci Canada from Charlotte, North Carolina. The trio is composed of three long-time professionals – Derrick Exum (who is a Wells Fargo executive in his spare time) on keyboards, Bob Feldman on bass and Billy Bowman on congas. Two are from New York City, and one is from Chicago. Individually, they have worked with some of the finest musicians, including Buddy Rich, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, The Shirellas, Frank Wess, The Belmonts, Lenny Welch, TK Blue, Chuck Jackson, Jim Neely, Frank Caruso and many others.

They have been playing together in Charlotte since 2015 and have performed at the Mint Museum, Stowe Botanical Gardens, The Steinway Gallery, South Park Hilton, Charlotte Aviation Museum, The Capitol Grille and many private functions. They play jazz standards, bossa novas and smooth jazz.

Canada, a native of Charleston, West Virginia, who now lives in Charlotte, was destined to sing. Her warm, sultry vocals are reminiscent of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, but her amazing sound is unique to the gifts and talents she has been given.

Canada has performed with many groups in Charlotte as well as the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

The gallery will be open for viewing as music serenades patrons perusing "The Supper Table" and Maria Brittonʼs "Dream Bodies," the former a piece of installation art and the latter a mixed-media exhibit featuring combinations of painting and sewing. Both exhibitions feature female artists and celebrate women and feminism.

There will be hors dʼoeuvres and a cash bar, and the gift shop will be open.

Event details

When: March 27, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Where: Sumter County Gallery of Art, 200 Hasel Ave. Admission: Free, suggested $12 donation at the door

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Whether you’ve lived in Sumter your entire life, recently moved or are maybe just visiting for this festival, you’ve likely noticed the massive clock tower rising above downtown Sumter.

Celebrating its 125th year this year, the Sumter Opera House is a center of cultural forethought and shared experiences. The iconic venue has a rich past imploring visitors to discover old memories and new music. Today, it is home to City Hall, City Council chambers and a 550-seat theater.

The opera house promotes the arts as a catalyst for community vibrancy, quality of life, education and economic development.

The performance at the venue in conjunction with Inspire! is sure to wow any spectator.

Have you ever been serenaded by a musical duo that plays over 10 different genres of popular music using the violin instead of their voices to literally express the lyrics of a song? If not, youʼre in for a real treat.

Brothers Malcolm and Umoja use their classic violin skills to play contemporary music. Born to a Barbadian mother and Jamaican father, they honed their skills in the south Florida public school system and are now touring and sharing their Reggae-style music with the world.

Tickets: $20-$25 Purchase: sumterinspirefestival.org

Sons of Mystro When: April 4, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St. The opera house in its present form was built from 1893-1895 following the destruction of the first structure. In 1936, it was renovated into a movie theater. The renovation created 300 jobs for Depression-era workers and cost $120,000. The first film ever shown at the opera house was Earthworm Tractors with tickets costing 35 cents for adults and 10 cents for children.

In 1973, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historical Places. In 1982, the opera house closed its doors after 46 years of operation as

a movie theater.

Fortunately, the City of Sumter purchased the building in 1984 and began a loving and faithful restoration of the opera house. The renovation represents one of the first steps in a growing movement toward downtown revitalization and historic preservation that continues today. Renovations were completed in 1987, just in time for the City of Sumter to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Council-Manager form of government, an innovation of the Progressive movement of which Sumter became the first in the state to adopt in 1912.

Today, the Opera House still houses City Hall and many of the city's departments and offices, including City Council chambers.

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An evening with...

CeCe Winans Friday, July 31

Purchase tickets at Eventbrite or Patriot Hall

Patriot Hall Auditorium 135 Haynsworth Street Sumter, SC 29150 803.436.2260 PatriotHallSC.org Performance Venue • Event & Meeting Space

Creating Opportunities in Sumter

We are uniquely positioned to understand the broad range of challenges and opportunities in our community.

And, are committed to addressing community needs now and into the future.

Donate today to our community’s endowment. With your help, we can improve the quality of life of residents in Sumter County.

yourfoundation.org/sumter 25

a fund at

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Beneficiaries 200 Hasel Ave. Sumter, SC 29150 Free parking Sumter County Gallery of Art

Explore the halls of the gallery and experience some of the most exquisite contemporary art in the nation.

The Sumter County Gallery of Art is a nonprofit whose mission is to present and promote the visual arts and provide art education opportunities to Sumter, Clarendon and Lee counties. Housed in a renovated state-of-the-art facility next to Patriot Hall, it features rotating shows of both traditional and contemporary art by local, regional and nationally recognized artists. Its three formal exhibition galleries are considered by many in the South Carolina arts community as one of the best exhibition spaces in the state.

In 1969, the 4-year-old Sumter Artists Guild decided to open a local gallery to showcase their work and host other artists.

Hours Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

After first being housed in the Old Carnegie Library on Liberty Street, with the school district agreeing to lease the building for $1 a year, the gallery moved to an Antebellum Greek revival-style home on North Main Street in 1977. The builderʼs granddaughter, Elizabeth White, became one of Sumterʼs most talented artists and gained national and international recognition. She requested her home be used to promote the arts to the public after her death. The house, which is on the National Register for Historic Places, remained the galleryʼs home for 26 years. When the county renovated the former Edmunds High School into a performing arts center, Patriot Hall, it was suggested the science wing become the galleryʼs new home. Its current doors opened in 2003.

The gallery offers art classes including an adult acrylic painting class and a youth comic book class that is being held on the Thursday of the festival. Other spring 2020 art classes include painting, silk dyeing, quilting, pottery, drawing, jewelry making, paper piecing, journaling and more.

Free group tours are available by reservation, and there are catered opening receptions for all exhibitions. A gift shop is filled with unique items and works of art made by local and regional artists.

More information (803) 775-0543 www.sumtergallery.com

FREE ADMISSION DURING THE INSPIRE! FESTIVAL 26

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Sumter County Museum &

T�� J��i�� Hist��� C�n���

The Sumter County Museum is a nonprofit whose mission is to promote the history of Old Sumter District while providing historical and modern educational programming. The museum and its partnering organization, Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, both present a variety of programs throughout the year. The museum features a 1916 historic home, exhibits related to Sumter County, an interactive 1750-1850 homestead and the beautiful Martha Brice Gardens.

Be an archaeologist and dig for Sumter County treasures in the permanent history exhibit, learn about Sumterʼs namesake, Gen. Thomas Sumter, and wander through structures from the 1800s to discover what life was like in this part of the state at that time.

Tours

Purchase tickets at either location To schedule a tour outside of regular hours or for large groups, call Diana Roof at (803) 468-8630 or email temple@ sumtercountymuseum.org.

More information (803) 775-0908 www.sumtercountymuseum.org

Field Trip Experience

FREE ADMISSION DURING THE INSPIRE! FESTIVAL

The Sumter County Museum offers different field trip experiences for visiting elementary, middle and high school students. Some experiences are FREE to South Carolina school students and must be booked and finalized with the Sumter County Museum at least two weeks in advance.

Email acox@sumtercountymuseum.org or call (803) 775-0908 to book your visit.

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Location

Museum: 122 N. Washington St., Sumter SC 29150 History Center: 13 Church St., Sumter SC 29150 Free parking

Hours

Museum: ThursdaySaturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

History Center: ThursdayFriday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Admission

Museum: $5 adults, $2 students and seniors, free for 5 and under and museum members Museum and History Center: $8 adults, $3 students and seniors and free for 5 and under and museum members. *Combo tickets are good for one week.

The Jewish History Center, which Roger Ackerman spearheaded for establishment, recently presented the Anne Frank Centerʼs twoperson play titled “Letters from Anne and Martin,” which imagined a correspondence between Anne Frank and Martin Luther King Jr. The accompanying exhibit of more than 70 seldom-seen photographs from the Frank family albums remained on display until Feb. 29.

The center offers tours for visiting students for 5th grade and up. Tours can also be tailored to specific ages and interests. Permanent exhibits include an introduction to Jewish traditions, the exploration of Jewish immigrants, stories from Sumter residents, lessons from the Holocaust and oral histories.

Sumterʼs only synagogue, opened in 1913, has seen its congregation dwindle, so Roger and Jay Schwartz decided to act. When it opened in June 2018, the exhibits represented the only Holocaust museum not only in the Palmetto State but between Atlanta and Richmond.

There is always something exciting to see and experience at both venues, including art exhibitions, chamber music, readings, book signings and historical programs.

FREE ADMISSION DURING THE INSPIRE! FESTIVAL

Field Trip Experience The Temple Sinai Jewish History Center offers tours for visiting students for 5th grade and up. We can also tailor your tour experience to specific ages and interests. Some tours are FREE to South Carolina school students and must be booked and finalized with the Sumter County Museum at least two weeks in advance.

Email dianasue@sc.rr.com or call (803) 775-0908 to book your visit.

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PLAYBILL The Sumter Little Theatre

The Sumter Little Theatre

Plays: $20 adults, $15 students/seniors/military Musicals: $25 adults, $20 students/seniors/ military Youth Production: $15 adults, $10 students/seniors/military

Location

More Info

(803) 775-2150

sumterlittletheatre.com

14 Mood Ave. Sumter, SC 29150

has been bringing traditional and contemporary plays and musicals to Sumter audiences for decades.

Under the direction of Executive Director Eric Bultman, shows are not scared to go after difficult-to-discuss topics such as racism in "Fences" and "A Soldierʼs Play." They are not scared to go after mainstay productions such as "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Jesus Christ Superstar," and they are not scared to entertain with holiday shows and youth theater productions.

Left to premiere this season include "The Hobbit." SLTʼs Youth Theatre Production that will be on stage during Inspire!, and "Jesus Christ Superstar" this summer.

The CART Fund

The CART Fund provides funding for cutting-edge research to

cure Alzheimerʼs disease. Ackerman helped start CART in 1996 by getting his fellow Rotary Club members to voluntarily empty their pockets and purses of change at their weekly meetings.

The initiative has grown from the Sumter Rotary Club to others in Sumter County and around the region and has even made its way across the Carolinas and Georgia.

Every penny of donated funds goes to research via grants the nonprofit distributes. As of May 2019, $8.2 million in 45 grants has been awarded to recognized U.S. research institutions.

All administrative expenses of the fund are paid from interest earned from invested contributions.

For the first time, in 2019, grants totaling $1 million were awarded.

More information Visit www.cartfund.org/cart 29

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THE INSPIRE! FESTIVAL COMMITTEE THANKS ITS EVENT

Sponsors Jay Schwartz

William Brice Edwards Community Trust

Johnny Hilton & Becky Lee

Elizabeth McLeod Britton

Harry & Barbara Burchstead

Sue & Chuck Fienning

Bobby & Karen McCreight

Herb & Nancy Laird

Palisades Hudson Financial Group

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Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence!

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