Heritage Center welcomes local, live music

     After a very successful Spring Fine Art Show, the Monticello Heritage and Cultural Center is preparing for another new adventure: Live music.

   “We heard so many compliments and good feedback,” Bob Hendricks, Heritage Center board member, shared of the art show. “People said it was the best thing we ever did.”

   Following the art show, the Heritage Center opened its doors to family and friends of Gail McNeill for her memorial service in June.

   “We had 80 to 90 people in here,” Hendricks said.

   The service was held in the main room, with guests not only filling the downstairs, but some sitting in the balcony as well.

   “Gail’s family grew up in this church,” noted Hendricks of the former St. Luke’s Methodist Church. “They had family here from all over the country.”

   Hendricks said many of Gail’s family members marveled at the building compared to when it served as a church. For instance, the office upstairs used to be the backstage room for events. The room that houses old issues of the Monticello Express used to be the kitchen.

   “Even I learned so much about this place as they were talking,” added Hendricks. “It was fun for me and fun for them.”

   As the summer progresses, the Heritage Center will host the local band “The Last Chance Band” on Sunday, July 17, from 1 to 4 p.m.

   Band members Pam (Norlin) Foley, Tom Norlin, and Rick Myer will perform a wide variety of music such as folk, classic rock, blues, and bluegrass.

   “Between the three of us, we have a total of 100 years of experience,” joked Foley.

   “We thought this would be a new challenge for us,” said Hendricks.

   The Heritage board initially reached out to Foley about hosting an open mic event at the Center. (Foley is a member of the Military Trail Club, which has helped with several historical displays at the Heritage Center.) It then merged into “The Last Chance Band” performing to test out the acoustics inside the main room of the Center.

   “We’ll see how it goes and then do more live music in the future,” offered Hendricks. “This is something different to appeal to different people. It’ll help draw a crowd.”

   Since the N. Sycamore Street project was completed, Hendricks said the Heritage Center would like to host more events outside on their open greenspace.

   For now, the live music will be held indoors so attendees can take advantage of the new air conditioning installed.

   Attendees can bring their own responsible beverages. Admission is free, but they will be accepting donations at the door to help with future events, projects, and advertising. Hendricks said they also encourage people to tip the band for taking time out of their Sunday to entertain.

   The Heritage will be open to the public on July 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. There are multiple rooms filled with historic and unique displays of Monticello and Jones County.

   “We’re open to new ideas and suggestions for events and displays,” said Hendricks.

   The Heritage Center is located at 211 N. Sycamore St.