Symphony to raise funds with ‘A ‘Bury Home Companion’
Published 11:42 am Wednesday, July 19, 2017
SALISBURY — The Salisbury Symphony will hold a fundraiser Aug. 26 called “A ‘Bury Home Companion.”
Inspired by Garrison Keillor’s longtime NPR radio staple, “A Prairie Home Companion,” the production will spotlight the gentle side of life here in “The ‘Bury,” as some people call Salisbury.
According to symphony officials, the production will be presented as a live radio show, full of gentle wit — part fact, part fantasy, part Lake Woebegone with maybe a dash of Mayberry — but always true to the charm of Salisbury.
Developed and written by The ‘Bury’s own Kent Bernhardt, the show will feature a host of familiar faces performing as the ‘Bury Home Companion Radio Players and Singers.
They will bring life to radio ads and comedy sketches with characters like “Guy Noir,” who has now taken up residence in Salisbury in his search for truth.
WBTV’s David Whisenant will be The ‘Bury’s official announcer, and a “Sound Effects Guy” will add seasoning to the live radio presentation.
“A ‘Bury Home Companion” will also spotlight musical talent from the region, from bluegrass to opera.
Bernhardt took the lead in the symphony’s 2016 fundraiser, “The Ed Sullivan Show,” which was a sellout.
“It’s such a pleasure to team up with such outstanding performing artists in the region to present this gentle slice of Americana,” Bernhardt says. “My hope is this show will not only entertain us but remind us of all we hold dear in our community and our families.”
Audience members will have a chance to be a part of the show by purchasing shout-outs to be given onstage throughout the show, improvised by Bernhardt and team. People who have someone to celebrate, someone to roast, or an announcement of public interest could have the performers do it from the stage, for a fee. Shout-outs are limited.
James Dane Harvey, executive director of the Salisbury Symphony, says the organization is lucky to have such talents coming together to raise money.
“When you purchase a ticket to “A ‘Bury Home Companion,” you are not only in for a great night of entertainment, you are also supporting the Salisbury Symphony in its efforts to bring a quality musical experience to everyone in the region,” Harvey said.
The one-time production will be at 8 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Meroney Theatre.
The production is presented by Catawba College and sponsored by Livingstone College and Wallace & Graham, with additional financial support from Patterson Farms and Chamberlain Pest Control.
All money raised will go directly to the Salisbury Symphony.