He (Rowland) is really a favorite in this community. He is performing straight off a tour in Spain so we are really lucky that he can fit us into his schedule.

Our used book store is a fundraiser for Hospice. The community donates books and Hospice puts them on the shelf. We sell them and the money goes to patient care.

He was a real man, a person of the community. We could relate to him. You could see him walking down the street or sitting in a coffee shop or breaking away so he could go have a cigarette. I feel blessed to have been able to share that, to do his work and to have him see my work.

It's a no-lose situation for the children, the parents and the community. That's wonderful. It's money well spent.

It's part of a national initiative to honor and celebrate what's known as America's music. It's an important art form in our country. It got its history and roots in this country. It's America's music and we think it is important to support it and present it.

It's going to be an interactive performance and discussion. Charles is a master pianist and acclaimed educator. It seemed like a perfect fit to give the week an educational element. He is referred to as the grandfather of jazz in this area.