By BETH HENDERSON
Lifestyles Editor
It's time once again for a lively musical evening at the Confederate Memorial Building as the Cabaret comes to life at 7 p.m. on Thursday night.
This annual event has become increasingly popular over the years, and this time around should be a crowd pleaser.
This year's entertainment will feature two musical groups: the Community Band Combo, formerly known as the Dixieland Band, and Harmony NOW.
The Cabaret began seven years ago at the suggestion of former Sidon resident Lamar King, who now lives in Memphis. He was organist for the First Baptist Church in Memphis for a number of years. King donated the Steinway piano at the Confederate Memorial Building.
"Lamar told me about how Memphis had a Cabaret and that he thought it would be a good idea in Greenwood," said Mary Ann Shaw, who oversees the building and organizes events and concerts. "We thought it would be good, and it has really been successful over the years.
"It's going to be fun this year having Harmony and the band. They have all practiced really hard, and it's just going to be plain fun," Shaw said.
The Greenwood Community Band Combo is made up of members from the Greenwood Community Concert Band. Over the years, the band had received so many requests to play at various events, and a decision was made to form a combo. Within the past six months or so, the combo has purchased musical arrangements of the "swing" type music that can be played by the same instrumentalists who play the Dixieland music.
"The group has been working extensively on this music to make it presentable," said Leo Murphree Jr., a member of the combo and president of the Community Concert Band.
Harmony NOW consists of a group of ladies who are accomplished in music, and some of the group are the original members of the group known as Harmony, which was in existence several years ago.
The group was re-established last year and they became known as Harmony NOW. Their first concert under the new name was at Christmas last year. They will also be presenting popular "Golden Oldies" music as well as other musical numbers.
The tables at the event will be configured to allow for dancing, and the meal is being catered by the Crystal Grill.
Tickets for the Cabaret are $25 per person. Reservations are required. To reserve a spot, call Mary Ann Shaw at 453-5734 or Sethelle Lucas at 453-1276.
