MANCHESTER, NH – The list of talent coming to Purely Wood Furniture’s 25th anniversary open-house celebration just got a little longer with the addition of mezzo-soprano Janice Edwards, who is scheduled to perform a Leonard Bernstein piece for the crowd. Edwards has had a varied and distinguished international career as a singer, voice teacher and vocal coach and is known in Manchester for her work in guiding New England singers to develop their vocal talents and move on to Broadway, opera, and concerts.
Edwards, who first met owners Mark Hughes and Randy Beliveau as a Purely Wood Furniture customer years ago was moved by the invitation to perform.
“In my music studio, I need solidly built bookcases to house my music, which is why I first became a customer of Mark and Randy’s. Being a small business owner, I can especially feel good about giving my business to a trustworthy, local company like Purely Wood.”
Hughes and Beliveau, had no idea the upcoming September 8 open house event would turn into such a celebration of community, drawing in fellow business owners, artists, musicians and even the mayor. The pair are amazed by the outpouring of support from the arts and music communities and were stunned when they were recently awarded a special event sponsorship by neighboring St. Mary’s Bank and numerous door prizes worth thousands of dollars provided by several supporting Manchester businesses.
Vivian Beer, acclaimed artist, designer and winner of Ellen’s Design Challenge, will be headlining the event as keynote speaker at the store’s open-house celebration. She will be joined by long-time friend and nationally and internationally acclaimed artist, sculptor and furniture maker Jon Brooks who will be presenting a special art exhibit for the public event. Both Beer and Brooks are New Hampshire residents whose imaginative sculptures and designs have been featured in prestigious museums such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Currier Museum of Art, which is located in Manchester. Brooks, a native to Manchester and Beer, who’s studio was located in Manchester for a number of years agreed to attend this community centered event because they want to embrace this as a giving back opportunity to the city of Manchester, reinvigorate a sense of community pride, and remind the public about the power of arts education.
Carl Beverly, a songwriter from Warner, New Hampshire who just completed his first solo CD “Ordinary Life” has been writing and perfecting his distinctive finger picking style for the past ten years. His songs reflect the sorrow and joy of life, family, friends, and nature. Beverly’s passion for songwriting led him to form the Brook House Songwriters’ Circle which provides community and inspiration to other local songwriters. When he’s not writing, Beverly is a frequent performer at area coffee houses, open mics, or performing as part of the trio “Picket Hill”.
New Hampshire-based acoustic duo Dan and Jeni Klardie, long-time business affiliates of Purely Wood Furniture, will be performing several musical selections from their blues, folk rock, and gospel repertoire. Infusing their music with themes of family, faith and community, the Klardies are regulars at festivals, coffee houses and special celebrations throughout the state.
Susan Olson, a singer/songwriter whose band, Great North Woods of Bangor, Maine features rich harmonies and the nostalgic sounds of Americana music will also perform several solo pieces at the open-house event. With a style inspired by some of the greats of Outlaw Country, like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings, Olson has written nine original songs, and is currently working with musicians to record her work. A volunteer for several community-based outreach programs, Olson describes her songs as introspective and reflective of her relationships with both people and nature. Olson has strong historical ties to the city of Manchester and is proud to be part of an event that promotes community unity.
Co-hosted and organized by Your Personal PR, a local public relations and marketing firm, the free, family-centered event located at 293 Elm St. will include numerous live musical performances, door prizes, refreshments and more. A donation drive is also under way for Families in Transition-New Horizons: Attendees are encouraged to bring a “high needs” item to donate. Space is limited. RSVP online at Purely Wood Furniture’s Facebook page.
