'Wayne's Got Talent' kicks off United Way campaign
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on August 20, 2017 1:45 AM
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Geoff Hulse, shares his excitement of entering the world of social media with Wayne Alley, who nearly falls asleep while holding an upside down newspaper during "Wayne's Got Talent" Friday at the Paramount.
Singers, musicians and actors pulled their talents together Friday in support of the United Way of Wayne County during "Wayne's Got Talent."
The show, performed at the Paramount Theatre, included a blend of bluegrass music, patriotic and inspirational songs, dancing, comedy acts and a variety of other entertainment.
"Wayne's Got Talent" kicked off the start of the annual United Way campaign, which provides help to thousands of area residents in need through its 14 nonprofit member agencies.
The Friday night show revolved around comedy skits performed by local talent, including Geoff Hulse, Wayne Alley, Kirk Keller, Carol Bowden, Julie Beck and Cousin Brossy.
The comedy acts varied from Hulse finding out he was accused of a crime while also getting a dose of good news that his cholesterol levels were normal.
In another skit, Hulse joked about how he entered the world of social media, gained three followers -- two cops and a psychiatrist -- and posted pictures of animals. Wayne Alley stood nearby acting bored as he was buried behind an upside down newspaper.
Throughout the evening, 14 different talent acts took to the stage, including two bluegrass bands, The Bluegrass Jam and The Bullard Family.
Margo Smith and Riley Stewart sang solos, and Courtney Smith, and Lauren Jett and Ryan Kimble danced.
Also performing were The Hitmen, the Jazzin' Saints, a teenage band composed of Southern Wayne High students, and Thomas Vick, who took to the piano and played several patriotic songs.
D.J.Coles, with Warrior Avenue, ended the evening of entertainment with the song, "Let There Be Peace on Earth."
Coles picked the song in light of the national turmoil taking place, following the violence and racial conflict that recently took place in Charlottesville, Va.
"I challenge us to be part of the solution, not the problem," Coles said. "There's a lot going on in our country."
Karan Ray, who attended the event, said the show offered a lot of variety, all for a good cause.
"It was really good," she said. "I thought the variety of people was very good. I liked the slapstick comedy they did. I loved the variety of music from bluegrass to jazz to contemporary and pop.
"With everything we've got going on in the world today, it's nice to see people coming together in a united way,"
Wayne's Got Talent was a fundraiser for the annual United Way campaign, which continues through December.
To date, the United Way has raised $155,862, 14 percent of its campaign goal of more than $1.1 million, said Greg Shackleford, campaign chairman.
"It's nice to see people in our community come out tonight to support the talent that's here in the community, and it really reflects that it takes a community to make it happen," said Steve Parr, United Way executive director.