Published: June 24, 2008 11:53 am         

Piedmont's Back Street Festival to feature many events

PIEDMONT, W.Va. - The town of Piedmont will honor one of its own July 4 during the annual Back Street Community Festival.

Resident David Coleman told the Piedmont mayor and council recently that a historic marker honoring Piedmont native Don Redman will be placed at the entrance to Piedmont at the end of the Piedmont/Westernport bridge.

The late Redman, whose talent, musicianship and style earned him the honorary title "The Little Giant of Jazz," is still considered one of the most influential musician/arrangers in jazz history.

A brief ceremony honoring his accomplishments is expected to be one of the highlights of the Back Street Community Festival, expanded this year to three days, July 4 to 6.

"We expanded it to include Friday, since that's the Fourth of July," Raymond Coleman told the council earlier.

The festival will kick off at 11 a.m. with opening ceremonies to include a brief address by Sen. Jon Blair Hunter and recognition of active military, reservists and veterans.

After a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives for their country, the festival atmosphere will take over, with food, drinks and rides provided by Shaw Entertainment, along with vendor booths and a wide variety of entertainment scheduled throughout the day.

A Back Street Talent Show is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., followed by a swim party at the Piedmont Pool from 6 to 8 p.m. and an adult dance at the Piedmont Fire Hall from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturday's events will kick off at 10:30 a.m., when former Piedmont resident Leontyne Peck, a cousin of Redman's, and Jason Earl Twyman will speak briefly, followed by the recognition of the jazz musician.

The festival food and fun will continue throughout the second day, and entertainment will include performances by Umojah Voices of Joy of the Morning Star from Fairmont and the Souls Won Choir, under the direction of Pastor Kenneth Watkins.

Another swim party is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. and a dance from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Sunday morning will bring a combined community church service that will, in part, recognize the 120th year of Waldon United Methodist Church.

In addition to the regular festivities, the Piedmont Back Street Community Festival Committee will collect canned goods throughout the weekend.

The Backstreet Reunion originated as a time for past and present residents of Paxton and Water streets to get together for fellowship, but it has since turned into a community-wide event for all Piedmont residents.

For further information, contact Ramie Coleman, assistant chairman, at (304) 355-8801.

Contact Liz Beavers at lbeavers@times-news.com.