Writer: Danville's turned the corner

To the editor:

This letter is in support of the new River District Festival. I would like to thank Kate Venison, Portia Henry and Fred Motley for their guidance and for reaching out to a band that I represented called, "NuFoundSoul." The band represented Danville, South Boston, Durham, Roanoke, Lynchburg and New Jersey.

I must say the Dan River Region really looks promising with the addition of this annual festival. I was giving directions for a month to people, and surprisingly people from Danville who had no idea where Newton’s Landing was in their very own city. When I saw familiar faces there and met new friends, I was glad I decided to promote concerts eight years ago, act in live theatre and "Support Live Music" — which has been my motto since 1986. I can see this region benefiting greatly from this city.

I know that sounds backwards. I say it this way because Danville is like a city that has just been born. No one knows what to do with it. Many wish it was like Greensboro, N.C., or Roanoke, and the idea of it being a history jewel or a tourist spot was lost until the corporations and the smokestacks left town. Now the clear air and the opportunity is a welcomed sight. Now you meet New Yorkers, Floridians, Alabamians (like myself) and others who have returned to claim their place here in this gold mine. However, there is no rush, patience is the key to a vision fulfilled.

We are slowly building or continuing to grow our small businesses. Our schools are great and will get better, our roads are better, our retirees are smiling and our river is now one with nature and Downtown is just screaming out to anyone who will listen. It is a grand opportunity to live, work, dine, shop and entertain downtown, most importantly a blessing just to walk, exercise or simply relax on any given day in downtown Danville. I’m grateful that entire families and generations of folk came to the almost weeklong celebration of a harvest, if you will, and simply choose from an array of events, from art displays, a children’s village, a concert venue with various artists and vendors with good hot food and a Community Market operating like Walmart does not exist.

I tip my hat to many the many who were involved, and I say job well done and I say to you that missed it to be prepared next year for this awesome event featuring Danville and surrounding areas, along with our national recording artists who visit us year round. What a surprise they get when they see thousands of people out enjoying themselves, because they worked hard for it. I love the fact that between major holidays, Danville celebrates as if every day is a holiday, with busy people who appreciate being busy people making it seem like one holiday after another.

As I prepare for an upcoming live DVD recording of musicians and a play that I may produce here in Danville, I’m reminded of Mr. Rogers as he would sing, "It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood, would you be mine, could you be mine, won’t you be my neighbor."