Attendees of next month’s Inauguration Ball for Sheriff James Clemmons will be treated to a special presentation by acclaimed regional storyteller Mitch “Gran’ Daddy Junebug” Capel.
The June 11 event is sponsored by Unity in the Community, an advocacy group aimed at promoting togetherness and mutual respect among those in the county. Tickets are $60 at the door, and $50 in advance.
All proceeds will go to Clemmons’ choice of charities.
For those who haven’t seen “Gran’daddy Junebug” perform, Capel let them know what to expect.
“I’d just like to bring a little storytelling and a little insight on human nature,” he said Tuesday morning.
Capel was born and raised in Southern Pines, where his grandmother Elnora Leak Capel first lit his ignited his passion for literature and storytelling while reading to him from “The Life and Works of Paul Laurence Dunbar,” a 19th Century author and poet whose rhythm made an indelible mark on Capel’s imagination.
“He has been bringing stories to life and delighting audiences throughout the United States with his warmth, wit and compelling storytelling style since 1985,” a biography of Capel on his Web site, www.gjbug.com.
Unity in the Community co-founder Priscilla Sanders explained Capel performed at a Clemmon’s fundraiser during his campaign for sheriff, and the group wanted to bring him back for another show.
“I have nothing but admiration for that young man and his talents,” Clemmons explained Tuesday. “He teaches and educates through his stories and poetry, and he’s been all over the world and this great nation doing this.”
The sponsoring organization, Unity in the Community, was founded last year by Sanders and her husband Mac, as well as Debria Diggs.
“We want to bring all the diverse people in the community together as one, and stop being so separated,” Diggs described the purpose of the organization. “We would like to see people come together to help each other, wherever there’s need.”
For ticket purchases or more information, Sanders can be reached at (910) 205-1001 or Diggs can be reached at (910) 997-4669. Tickets may also be purchased at Gwen’s Beauty Salon, 9 Raleigh St., Hamlet.
Staff Writer Philip D. Brown can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 15, or by e-mail at pbrown@heartlandpublications.com.
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