At 2pm on Saturday, Feb. 9, Dick Smith and Family will perform during the Annual Bybee Library Fundraiser and Benefit Concert at Festival Hill in Round Top. The delightful hour of Show Tunes and Love, titled Broadway Memories, will feature pianist/singer Dick Smith. Joining Mr. Smith on stage will be Dick's daughter Ryan Smith and brother J. Gary Smith. Also in the "family" are Arden Johnson and Will Lynde.
J. Gary Smith has decades of experience in the music recording business in Nashville and has developed some of the industry's finest talent. J. Gary has worked with a remarkable list of names including legends Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Reed, Kevin Sharp, John Rich, The Little River Band, and the list goes on.
Dick Smith's concert benefits the Festival Institute's Faith P. and Charles L. Bybee Library and Study Center. Tickets for the Library Fundraiser and Concert are $30 for adults and $10 for students. Dick Smith promises a program filled with show tunes and Broadway memories. The concert is being dedicated to Charles Whitaker, long-time friend of Festival Hill and much-loved performer during past Valentine's Concert performances.
At 3pm, following the one-hour benefit performance, you can join the Festival Hill staff and friends on the Concert Hall stage for a reception with refreshing drinks and delectable Valentine inspired treats from the Festival Kitchen.
During the reception there will be an opportunity to participate in the ever popular Adopt-a-Book program. This gives attendees a chance to view and purchase a book of your choice, ranging from $20 to $200 dollars, to be placed in the Bybee Library. A special bookplate will be added in the book in memory of or to honor family and friends. It is a good opportunity to see the books being acquired for the Bybee Library Collections.
Round Top Festival Institute has long been active in collecting books on Texas history, Fayette County, art, architecture, and decorative arts with the intent to establish a world class research, study and reference library.
The Library houses the books of noted preservationists and collectors, Faith Bybee and her husband, Charles, who are best known for forming the Texas Pioneer Arts Foundation and Henkel Square in Round Top. The extensive collection traces the Bybee's interest in all things antique including historic tools and their uses, American silver and Federal furniture.
"We would like to acknowledge the generous contribution of time and talent from Dick Smith for the concert and the many contributors to the silent auction," stated curator Lamar Lentz. "Funds from this event will be used to support the Bybee Library at Festival Hill, including archival and conservation supplies for our collections."
A chance to bid on special silent auction items will cap off the afternoon events. Classic gift baskets from business supporters including Blue Bell Ice Cream, Briannas Fine Salad Dressing, Espressions Coffee and Art, Heritage Hallmark in La Grange and the Grand Hotel in Fayetteville as well as arts and crafts from local artisans such as Lyn Foley, Pat Johnson and Gerald Tobola and plants by Henry Flowers will give you instant gifts for your sweetheart.
The Bybee Library Fundraiser and Benefit Concert is sponsored in part by H-E-B.
Reserve tickets early for this popular event. The Festival Institute is located on Texas Highway 237 at Jaster Road, one-half mile north of Round Top. Purchase your tickets online or call the office at (979) 249-3129. To adopt-a-book, call (979) 249-3129, donate online at Library Adopt-A-Book Program, or make your selection personally at the reception after the concert.
