Hannah:

“We really wanted to give people a show.”

I had the distinct pleasure of attending the band Hannah’s concert at Common Grounds Bistro in Jamestown on Saturday, March 14. All I can say is, WOW!

I typically listen to hard Christian or contemporary classical music. The common thread? Emotion. That’s what draws me.

This is what Hannah brought to their performance. Every one of the ten songs they played conveyed emotional depth. These songs are written from real feelings, and the emotional authenticity gripped me. These weren’t just clever lyrics thrown together with a catchy melody. Nope. This is deep stuff that illustrates genuine pain and emotional growth.

The band consists of lead singer and lead guitarist, Ashleigh Bennett, bass player Stephen Ceremuga, and drummer and backup vocalist Colton Randall. They’ve been playing together for six months. They hold structured practices three times per week.

Stephen wrote and played lead guitar in his original song, “Hannah Blues.” I had a chance to talk to Stephen, who said, “We really wanted to give people a show.” I’d say they succeeded. Their music took me someplace. That’s what the best art does: it transports us.

Their opening act, Dean Moyer, played one heck of a set, too. Man, this guy’s good. He performed five original songs. I’d buy all his songs if they were available online, that’s for sure.

Okay, so what are my credentials to review and critique bands? Simply this: I took guitar lessons for ten months so I could write about a guitar player credibly. Who, you ask? My main character, Colt Beretta, from my novel, “Freeing Colt.”

Watching these pros blows my mind. For example, Ashleigh picks with her fingernails. And Stephen uses his thumb as a guide while he plays the bass. The E string on a bass is almost as thick as a linguini noodle. Owwwch! My fingertips hurt just thinking about it.

I developed calluses from playing acoustic guitar. Whew, that was a painful few weeks. You can’t believe how hard you have to press down on the strings, or the mangled way you have to hold your fingers when you’re playing chords until you give it a try. My hat’s off to all serious guitarists. I just gave up the guitar a few weeks ago and my calluses are already gone.

But I’m telling you, Hannah’s going places. Connect with Hannah on their Facebook page, Hannah, the band. It’s where you can find their show dates and locations, buy their single, “Hourglass,” and follow them. You can also buy their singles and EP on iTunes, Spotify, and Bandcamp. As soon as the quarantine is lifted, go to one of their shows and watch for a Grammy nomination in the next few years.

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There have been a whole lot of cancellations in the Atlantic community.

Fallowfield United Methodist Church has cancelled worship services and all activities until after March 31, 2020. They plan on resuming all activities April 1.

Atlantic Community Church has cancelled worship services through March 29, 2020, and will assess the situation then.

Adamsville Presbyterian Church cancelled its emergency fund raiser auction and dinner set for Saturday, March 28. They will not have worship services in church for several weeks. However, they will broadcast worship via the Zoom app.

Kennard United Methodist Church cancelled their lasagna dinner at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, as well.

Fallowfield United Methodist Church cancelled its spaghetti dinner scheduled for Saturday, April 4.

All Calvary United Methodist Church Lenten luncheons are cancelled.

Fallowfield Fire & Rescue is also hosting a cash bash on Saturday, April 4, beginning at 4 p.m. As far as I can tell, this is still on.

As of now, Atlantic Community Church’s Easter Sunrise Service is set for 8 a.m., followed by a light breakfast. Their typical weekly schedule is Sunday school from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., with worship beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Atlantic Community Church is planning a birthday party on April 25, 2020. If you’re interested, bring a wrapped, five-dollar gift for a man or woman. They will then have a gift exchange.

If you are interested in ditch dirt, please call East Fallowfield Township’s building at (814) 382-8188 or the township’s garage, at (814) 382-0920. Leave a message if no one answers.

Have a wonderful week. Blessings!