Strictly Observing – Zach Cooley

Newberry delivers full original set in Wytheville concert

August 19, 2026August 19, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

It is hard for me to believe Albert Newberry did not come out of the womb playing the piano. There is only one way I can sum up his playing: If he is able to achieve with his future bride what he accomplishes on a piano during any given concert, he is destined for an inevitably rapturous wedding night. Every muscle in his body seems to work in concert to ensure that the exact note he intends emanates from his grand piano. Somehow, it happens without fail every time. The Bland County native divides his time between his Southwest Virginia home and New York, where he teaches piano and plays gigs whenever possible. It was my honor to see this virtuoso of the ivories live in concert at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Wytheville on Sunday, Aug. 9. This was the best performance I have ever seen from Newberry, as a fortunate audience of only a couple dozen people were treated to 21 original compositions that will eventually be released across two albums. “We recorded so much music that we had to split it up into two albums,” he explained. “I have not timed the entirety of the songs all together, so if they end up being too long, I may cut some for the record.” I pray he does not make that decision, because the full expressions of all these compositions would be the ultimate gift to anyone who appreciates exceptional piano music. In an 80-minute concert that flew by as though it lasted only five minutes, Newberry gave us a glimpse into his incredible musical genius. He opened with two original compositions, “Pastorale” and “Toccata,” numbers that were filmed in that same beautiful church for PBS Appalachia. The film went on to win an Emmy Award. Newberry’s playing has an uncanny ability to heighten the imagination. During one number, you could envision a Charlie Chaplin film unfolding before your eyes; during another, a Looney Tunes cartoon came to mind; and still another seemed perfectly suited for a Steve McQueen chase sequence. To observe Albert Newberry at the keys, one might almost believe he has more than two hands playing his own compositions. Watching his hands cross over one another and his arms contort into seemingly impossible positions to execute these genius sounds is jaw-dropping, to say the least. Newberry has also experienced a great deal of personal loss during the past year. He lost a friend in Blacksburg whom he considered one of the greatest appreciators of music he had ever known. “This man was not a musician,” Newberry explained. “But he had a separate room in which he did nothing but listen to records. Most of us have music playing in the background, but he kept a room where he could just simply listen to the music.” For his friend, Larsen Bowker, Newberry dedicated his song “Home.” He also lost his Russian grandmother during the past year and dedicated another beautiful piece to her, entitled “Autumn.” Those were probably the most resonant pieces for me personally during the evening. Having lost my own father around the same time Newberry’s grandmother passed away, I felt those songs deeply, perhaps in a way that allowed me to understand something of what he must have felt while writing them. There were also several groups of compositions, including the six-part “Rhythmic Studies,” the four-part “Disparate Elements” and the three-part “Perpetuum Mobile.” Another of the evening’s more moving pieces was “Piece for Peace,” inspired by the many friends Newberry has in both Ukraine and Russia. “I wrote this when the war involving Russia and Ukraine broke out,” he said. “As the son of a Russian mother, my family and I have many friends and relatives who are affected by this war.” Newberry possesses a quintessential ability to create more emotion with a series of notes than many composers can achieve with lyrics. His music engages the senses and evokes vivid images within the listener’s mind. His talent is unparalleled, and we in Southwest Virginia are fortunate to call a person of his genius, and an equally heartfelt human being, one of our own. As much as I enjoyed his performance last Christmas with guitarist Casey Lewis, I enjoyed this solo performance even more because it allowed me to witness, without distraction, the magic Newberry creates through his own compositions. It was an evening that demonstrated not only his extraordinary technical ability but also the emotional depth and imagination that separate a gifted pianist from a true artist. Both of the albums are produced by Bartosz Lasecki, a composer based in New York. It was recorded in July at Echo Park Studios in Bloomington, Indiana with engineer and owner, Andy Beargie. I will await the release of both albums with bated breath, and I am anxious to see what other incredible work Albert Newberry will produce in what appears destined to be an extraordinarily bright future.

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Byrd remembrance brings ‘tears from God’

August 18, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

Patricia Austin called the torrential downpour that fell on downtown Wytheville as approximately fifty of us gathered to commemorate the centennial anniversary of one of the darkest chapters in our local history “tears from God.” One hundred years earlier, on Aug. 15, 1926, a 31-year-old Black man named Raymond Arthur Byrd was attacked, beaten, shot and lynched by an angry mob of white men from Wythe County. Byrd had been accused of a sexually assaulting a white girl, after which a group of racists took matters into their own hands and committed the unspeakable act of violence. Today, a historical marker commemorating Mr. Byrd’s life and legacy stands in front of the site of the old Wythe County Jail, where he was held before being taken by the mob. “We stand here not only to remember the injustice, but to confront the truth of what happened,” said Austin, executive director of the Wytheville Training School and Cultural Center. “This ceremony is an act of courage, an act of community responsibility, and it is an act of love for justice and a love for the future that we are building together.” The lynching of Raymond Byrd sparked statewide and national outrage and left generations of his family to live with the trauma of a failed justice system. Standing beside the marker, Byrd’s great-granddaughter, Brandi Quinn, wept as the tragedy that had been carried through generations of her family, was recounted. Her son, Raymond Byrd’s great-great-grandson Braylin, read a poem written by Byrd’s widow sometime after her husband’s horrific death. Overcome by emotion, he, too, shed tears. Braylin is currently attending college in Ohio going into his Junior year as a Political Science Major and Communications Minor. He was also elected Senator at Large on his campus. Raymond Byrd’s widow, Tennessee Hawkins Byrd Patterson, lived only 15 years longer than her husband, dying of malignant hypertension at the age of 39 in 1941. According to research presented during the ceremony, she had been refused medical treatment by white doctors in Wythe County. Dr. Thomas Edge, teaching professor of ethnic studies at Bowling Green State University, presented extensive research on Raymond Arthur Byrd, his tragic death, its effect upon his family and community, and the continuing search for acknowledgment and truth. A feature-length documentary on the story is also being planned. “My goal is not simply to recount the horror of what happened,” Dr. Edge said. “My goal is to continue the legacy of the family and to note how they coped with the trauma of such a horrible ending to their ancestor’s life.” One of the most emotional portions of the presentation focused on Hazel Byrd Hayes, the daughter of Raymond and Tennessee Byrd. In an effort to help her family, Hazel reportedly lied about her age to join one of the first female military units during World War II in order to send money home to help her siblings. Following her military service, she joined the Great Migration north and eventually built a successful career as a beautician in Ohio. “She not only had to deal with the tragedy of her father’s death, but also her mother,” Dr. Edge pointed out. “The fact that her mother died at an extremely young age after being refused medical treatment by white racists was equally traumatizing for the young woman.” It was not until a decade after Raymond Byrd was killed that his widow could apply for a military headstone for him. In 1936, the law was changed to allow qualifying military veterans to receive a government-issued headstone. Before then, victims of racial violence were often buried in unmarked graves. Brandi Quinn is the only grandchild of Hazel Byrd Hayes, who often shared with her granddaughter both the beauty of Virginia and the pain of living in a community that constantly reminded her of the father she lost when she was only 2 years old. “My grandmother shared with me so many things about the beauty of Virginia,” Quinn said. “But she also shared with me the difficulty of living in a community that constantly reminded her of the loss of her father.” A World War II veteran, Hazel Byrd Hayes moved north to Toledo, Ohio, where her family continued to grow and thrive. Today, her granddaughter and great-grandchildren carry on that legacy. Her great-grandson bears an uncanny resemblance to his great-great-grandfather, and it was a privilege to be introduced to this family. They approached the commemoration of an unspeakable family tragedy with tremendous grace and class and it was a singular honor to meet them. “Thank you for greeting us with warmth and love,” Brandi Quinn said. “We will carry you in our hearts back to Toledo with us.” Being part of such a ceremony is something my wife Emily and I will never forget. Despite the horrors of racism that still exist today in this community, there was something profoundly moving about witnessing such an outpouring of humanity. People stood together in the pouring rain, united by the belief that the truth matters and that the life of Raymond Arthur Byrd matters. May his soul rest more peacefully in the knowledge that there are those who will not forget his life, his struggles or the injustice inflicted upon him. May we never forget the plight of any human being who is treated as though they are somehow less worthy than another. And may the truth of Raymond Arthur Byrd’s story, and stories like his, never be lost on those who continue striving to make humankind better through the way they choose to live their own lives. Remembering is not enough if it changes nothing. It is where the responsibility begins.

Zach's At It Again

Antoniou provides mind-bending entertainment at Millwald

August 9, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

British psychic comedian Peter Antoniou returned to Wytheville for his second sold-out performance at the Millwald Theatre on Saturday, August 8th, and this time I was fortunate enough to be there. For 86 minutes, Antoniou had an audience of roughly 500 believers and doubters alike completely enthralled. It did not matter whether you considered yourself a believer or a skeptic. Antoniou’s ability to keep the audience engaged was undeniable. His own journey into the world of mentalism began at a remarkably young age. “I started reading tarot cards at the age of 9,” he recalled, “By 18, I was working on the 900-number psychic lines.” Eventually, his career took him to Las Vegas, following his appearance as a semifinalist on America’s Got Talent in 2021. The 38-year-old comedian and psychic has apparently never looked back. His shows have sold out around the world, and after experiencing his performance firsthand, it’s easy to understand why. I was lucky enough to become one of his participants. Early in the show, Antoniou invited audience members to become part of the performance by catching a Frisbee he threw into the crowd. My lucky moment came near the very end, when the Frisbee landed in the back row and nobody picked it up. I quickly asked my friend, Jeremy Miller, who had brought me to the show, to retrieve it and hand it to me. Antoniou asked my name. He had actually finished the personal readings, but apparently decided that my mental intuition was too strong to ignore. “Are you thinking of starting a podcast?” he asked. The truth was that I already had one. The question I had submitted for him to hopefully answer was whether I should revamp the podcast and, if I did, whether it would be successful. “You’re worried about whether or not it will be successful,” he told me, “but you don’t have a clear definition of success.” That wasn’t entirely true. To me, success would mean waking up one day to discover that I had enough listeners to monetize the program and, in a dream scenario, eventually be relieved of the essential need for government assistance. “I can hear you thinking,” he said. “I know you’re doing this, but answer me about my podcast.” He was definitely right about that. “I think a podcast is a wonderful idea for you,” he continued, “but you need to let go of the stress of trying to make it successful and just make it as fun for you as you possibly can. Whatever is fun for you, that’s what the podcast should be.” “You’re a very loud thinker, Zach,” Antoniou told me. “I can appreciate that, but it’s very distracting.” In reality, I was simply doing what he had told all of us to do at the beginning of the show. “The louder you scream at me in your head,” he had said during his opening remarks, “the greater chance you have of being heard during the program.” After asking me the year of my birth and a second participant an important year in her life, he then asked the other Frisbee holder for seven random numbers. The remainder of the crowd was instructed to perform calculations on their phones. The numbers began with 1,985 multiplied by 1,981. That result was then added to 2,675,319, and 74,219,305, a number punched into a calculator by another participant who had been brought onstage without looking at the keyboard. The final total was exactly 80,826,909. Those numbers represented the exact date and time at that moment: August 8, 2026, at 9:09 p.m. But my experience was only one of many memorable moments throughout the evening. My longtime friend Bonnie Asbury was also singled out by Antoniou. Her story wasn’t discovered as the answer to a question. Instead, it became an inspiration, which it most certainly is. After a lifetime of heartbreak, Bonnie recently found the love of her life after searching for more than 30 years to find him. Her husband is a 40-year veteran of the National Guard, and together they have written a story that serves as a reminder that love can be found at any age and under any circumstances. No one deserves that happiness more than Bonnie, and I couldn’t be happier for her. Antoniou’s readings took several unexpected turns throughout the evening. At one point, he suddenly described a bizarre vision of Kermit the Frog riding a swan while being struck by lightning. It turned out to have a very real connection to a gentleman sitting on the opposite side of the theater. Kermit Swan had reportedly been struck by lightning twice and electrocuted a number of other times. “You want me to tell you whether or not you’re going to get superpowers,” Antoniou said. “You are not going to get superpowers, but you might develop a twitch.” He then jokingly, but emphatically, asked Kermit to promise that he would stay away from electrical outlets and other dangerous ways of harming himself. Kermit reluctantly agreed. One gentleman wanted advice concerning his cat, which had apparently, through a pet psychic, relayed some very strong opinions about a particular aspect of its owner’s housekeeping. Antoniou didn’t reveal the secret, but he did tell the cat’s owner that he definitely needed to take his pet’s advice. There are very few acts these days that I would willingly pay to see. Peter Antoniou is certainly one of them. Between the laughter, the unbelievable demonstrations, the personal readings and the unexpected moments of genuine inspiration, he gave me an evening I will never forget.

Strictly Observing

Memorializing my father at ancestorial reunion

August 2, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

On August 1, generations of William Rufus Cooley’s descendants gathered at Coal Creek Memorial Park for their annual reunion. I am actually a descendant of William’s brother, Wiley Preston Cooley, who was my great-great-grandfather. My father was one of three people memorialized at the event, which prompted me to attend. My dad had been to these reunions several times, and I was both saddened and honored to speak about him to his many distant relatives. I was so thankful to be aware of this year’s reunion, thanks to the Cooley Family Facebook page maintained by Becky Helton. There was no one there who truly knew my father, and I couldn’t bear the thought of him not being remembered at an event that meant so much to him. I wasn’t sure what memorial items to bring, so I brought a copy of my book, Herb Cooley: The Law Enforcement Legacy of My Father, for display. As I was enjoying the meal following the service, a cousin named Luke approached me, asking if my dad had served on the board of directors at the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy in Salem. When I said he had, Luke told me he was currently going through that very academy. I knew then that Luke was the person for whom my book was meant. I signed it for him, and the money he gave me went to the cemetery fund in Dad’s memory. Dad would have been so happy that a fine young man like Luke was continuing the Cooley law enforcement tradition while honoring his legacy. Afterward, I went to spend some time at Dad’s resting place. My parents have the nicest monument in the cemetery. Even though I know Dad wasn’t truly beneath the ground at my feet, I found myself unable to break away from the spot. I felt so empty. Still, my dad deserved to be remembered that day; it’s what he would have wanted. I feel blessed that, despite my limitations, I was able to pay him a tribute I hope did him justice. My father loved the Cooley reunions. He especially loved the memorial services held in honor of our loved ones who had passed away, which is why I wanted to ensure I didn’t miss the opportunity to pay homage to his memory. My father was one of the most decorated police officers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. His lifetime of service began with a four-year stint in the United States Coast Guard, where he served as a radio operator from 1962 to 1966. He was immensely proud to have served his country, but I would go so far as to say he was even prouder of his heritage as a Cooley—not just as a Cooley, but as a Coal Creek Cooley. He loved the area where he grew up and never stopped reminiscing about the blissful days spent on his Grayson County farm, the place that represented his childhood. During the last dozen or so years of his life, he became an incessant genealogical researcher. If he could have traced our ancestry all the way back to Adam, I’m fairly certain he would have done so given enough time on Earth. He knew the stories of our ancestors as well as anyone ever could, and he delighted in sharing them. He was especially proud that Abraham Cooley, our first ancestor to settle in Grayson County before the dawn of this nation, was a signer of the New York Declaration—one of the documents that helped pave the way for our eventual Declaration of Independence. It seems almost serendipitous that his son, Benjamin Cooley, would later become the first elected Sheriff of Carroll County, Virginia. That passion for public service clearly still runs through our veins today. In addition to my father’s remarkable 45-year career in law enforcement, he now has a great-grandson who has graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice from Dad’s alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. I know that would have made him profoundly proud, as did his ancestors’ military service, which encompassed every generation right down to his own. The last time I was in the Coal Creek Community Church on November 8, 2025, I was eulogizing my father before a capacity crowd of more than 150 police officers, family members, and friends who mourned him then and continue to miss him today, just as I do. “I can still vividly recall our many trips to the cemetery here, where he would regale me with stories of our great-grandfathers from generations past,” I said. “Today, I will visit that cemetery for the first time since his funeral to pay my respects to him in the place where he always wanted to rest. One day, my wife and I will rest beside him.” “If he were here today, he would be greeting each of you with his trademark million-kilowatt smile, trading stories about the famous Benjamin Cooley clock, which he and I, along with my wife and daughter, were fortunate enough to be photographed with at the Carroll County Museum,” I concluded. “Those memories fill me with joy today, just as they always do whenever I remember what a great man my father was and the great stock from which he came.” The Cooley blood that flows through our veins is the blood of honest, hardworking people who believed in family, as well as the privilege and responsibility of being Americans. As we gathered in fellowship on that day, I did so with the comfort of knowing that my father had been proudly honored, just like all of our loved ones who have gone on to Heaven before us. Until we are reunited with them again, we should never forget what Coal Creek, Grayson County, and Carroll County mean to our heritage. My father certainly never did. And thanks to him, neither will I.

Strictly Observing

Tomlinson sheds boy band image for Charlotte show

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

It is often said that one of the rites of passage for a girl dad who enjoys live entertainment is taking his daughter to see her favorite boy band member in concert. I thought that moment had arrived when I bought my daughter Bella tickets to see former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, July 5. As it turned out, I was proven wrong. At 34, the English singer is the same age as I am, and he has long since shed the image of a pop boy-band heartthrob. Instead, Tomlinson has become a seasoned rock performer with a loyal following all his own. Ironically, Tomlinson and I share the same favorite color—red. The stage was bathed in crimson light throughout much of the evening, and Bella even suggested I wear a red shirt with black pants. To my surprise, Tomlinson walked onto the stage dressed in almost exactly the same outfit. I was especially impressed by his vocal stamina. The fact that a smoker can maintain such a smooth singing voice with that kind of durability was remarkable. I was also surprised that the concert was not sold out. Spectrum Center can accommodate roughly 15,000 people, and by my estimate about 10,000 seats were filled. Those who were there, however, could not have been more devoted. Many fans were younger than my 12-year-old daughter, but I was delighted to spot at least one woman who appeared to be well into her seventies dancing and singing just as enthusiastically as fans one-quarter her age. Touring in support of his third solo album, How Did I Get Here?, Tomlinson performed all 12 songs from the standard edition, along with the bonus track “The Answer.” He even treated fans to the hidden demo track “Send Me Under,” available only on the deluxe digital edition, closing his four-song encore with it. Of course, Bella knew every word to every song, as she owns every version of the album available. Judging by the deafening singalongs, so did everyone else in the arena. These were clearly Tomlinson’s people. Even when he skipped the occasional lyric to conserve his voice, the audience never missed a beat, singing every word for him before erupting into cheers after each song. Tomlinson made it clear that he recognized and appreciated that devotion. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every person in this arena tonight,” he told the crowd. “Without the support of each and every one of you, I wouldn’t be able to do shows like this night after night. I want you to know that I love every one of you.” There may be one love in Tomlinson’s life that rivals that of his fans: soccer. As England battled Mexico in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal, the match was shown live on the arena’s massive video screens. Tomlinson’s performance occupied the top half of the screens while the soccer match played below. Fans embraced the unusual split-screen presentation, cheering as loudly for England’s goals as they did for Tomlinson himself. At one point, he paused mid-song to celebrate an English goal, drawing another roar from the crowd. When Mexico answered with a goal of its own before halftime, the arena responded with playful boos. Even though I probably would not have chosen to attend a Louis Tomlinson concert on my own, I enjoyed the evening far more than I ever expected. Much of that came from watching the joy on Bella’s face—and the tears that streamed down her cheeks when Tomlinson first stepped onto the stage. In fact, my only complaint was that his performance felt too short. Tomlinson raced through a 26-song set, including four encore numbers, in just 90 minutes. By comparison, nearly the same amount of time was devoted to his opening acts. Tomlinson has earned a reputation for championing female rock musicians, and this tour certainly reflected that commitment. Picture Parlour, an edgy rock band from northern England, opened the evening with a sound that evoked both Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin. The advertised main opener, Toronto’s The Beaches, delivered a spirited 45-minute set blending hooks of The Bangles with the attitude of Avril Lavigne. Many of their songs angrily centered on putting exes firmly in the rearview mirror. “We want to give a shout-out to Louis Tomlinson for supporting so many women musicians on this tour,” the band’s lead singer, Jordan Miller, told the audience. “That doesn’t happen very often, and we notice it. We’re very appreciative.” Tomlinson immediately raised the energy when he opened his set with powerful new songs such as “Lemonade” and “On Fire.” The loudest reaction of the night came when he launched into the One Direction favorite “Changes.” I may have been the only person in the building who didn’t know every word. His band also deserves recognition. Pianist Zak Craner kept the audience entertained with instrumental interludes whenever Tomlinson stepped aside for a drink of water, earning warm ovations of his own, while the lead guitarist consistently elevated the performance with tasteful solos and powerful riffs. Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to thank the two people who made this unforgettable day possible. One of my dearest friends, Vall Dino, and his wonderful fiancée, Adrianna Meek, gladly drove Bella and me to and from Charlotte despite having to report to work the following morning on barely two hours of sleep. They could not have been better company, and I am deeply grateful for their friendship, generosity, and kindness. Moments like these help carry us through life’s far more difficult and enduring challenges. Thanks to them, I was able to share an unforgettable experience with my daughter that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Strictly Observing

Jackson resurrected with tribute show at Chautauqua Festival

June 28, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

When Michael Jackson died 17 years ago, just two weeks before rehearsals for his highly anticipated This Is It tour concluded, millions of fans were left wondering what might have been. On June 27, attendees at the Chautauqua Festival in Wytheville received perhaps the closest glimpse anyone could hope to experience of that unrealized concert. Las Vegas-based tribute production MJ Déjà Vu, led by Justin Dean as Michael Jackson, left an audience of thousands in absolute pandemonium. With the recent resurgence of Jackson’s popularity following the release of his biopic, Michael, children who never experienced the Thriller era firsthand knew every lyric and dance move just as well as the adults who lived through it. Judging by the sea of fans crowding the stage and the screams echoing throughout the evening, one could almost believe it was 1983 all over again. Dean captured Jackson’s signature vocals, dance moves, and unmistakable stage presence with remarkable accuracy. Watching him perform, it was difficult not to wonder whether the excitement could have been any greater had Jackson himself somehow appeared in Wytheville. The production faithfully recreated much of the spectacle planned for the original This Is It concerts. Dean performed songs featured prominently in the rehearsal film, including “Thriller” and “Earth Song,” while incorporating many selections from the intended 2009 setlist such as “Jam,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” “Human Nature,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Black or White.” There were also welcome surprises. Fans of Jackson’s legendary Wembley Stadium concert were treated to The Jacksons’ “Heartbreak Hotel,” while Off the Wall classics “Workin’ Day and Night” and “She’s Out of My Life” made appearances as well. Thankfully, Dean spared the audience the lengthy emotional breakdown Jackson often displayed during the latter, and he wisely toned down the famous crotch-grabbing choreography—something I appreciated since I attended with my 12-year-old daughter, along with countless other families who had brought their children to enjoy the show. The Jackson 5 medley showcased not only Dean’s versatility but also the talents of his outstanding dancers and backup vocalists. During “Beat It,” two performers even recreated the famous gang confrontation with an authentic-looking knife fight reminiscent of the music video. “Billie Jean” generated one of the evening’s loudest audience reactions, rivaled only by the spectacular production of “Thriller,” complete with impressive choreography and theatrical effects. One of my personal highlights was “Another Part of Me,” the energetic anthem from the Bad album that was featured in Disney’s Captain EO. Another pleasant surprise came when the band performed the Beatles’ “Come Together,” which Jackson famously recorded for Moonwalker. Despite the showcase of the military drill choreography that was planned as a transition into “They Don’t Care About Us” during the original This Is It concerts, my daughter was disappointed when it didn’t lead into her favorite Michael Jackson song. For the encore, the opening chords of “Heal the World” briefly suggested it would be the evening’s finale. Instead, Dean wisely closed with Jackson’s traditional concert ending, “Man in the Mirror,” a decision that sent the audience home on an emotional high. The athleticism of Dean’s dancers—with their backflips, cartwheels, and flawless synchronization—was every bit as impressive as Dean’s uncanny recreation of Jackson himself. In choreography, theatrical presentation, and vocal performance, this production delivered everything fans had once hoped to experience from the This Is It tour but never had the chance to see. It is remarkable how Michael Jackson’s popularity seems to experience a renaissance every decade or so. When I was ten years old, there wasn’t a bigger Michael Jackson fan anywhere. Thirty years later, when my daughter reached that same age, she became just as devoted—and today she’s an even bigger fan than I ever was. Watching her stand at the front of the stage, singing every word before meeting Justin Dean afterward for a photograph, was one of those father-daughter memories I’ll treasure forever. The evening was made possible by the Wythe Arts Council, and I remain deeply grateful for everything they do to enrich our community. I am equally thankful to Lily Formato, who welcomed my family with a wonderful catered meal of roasted chicken, fresh rolls, roasted vegetables, and plantains at Formato Fine Arts Gallery. During the evening, I also had the pleasure of meeting the members of Soul Jam, the Winston-Salem band that opened the show. Their musicianship and showmanship were exceptional as they effortlessly moved from Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Chaka Khan, and Stevie Wonder to modern artists like Usher and Bruno Mars. They proved they could perform virtually anything with a groove. Outstanding as the entire group was, trumpeter Oliver Coutlee emerged as the undeniable star of their set. One of the highlights of the evening was finally having the opportunity to spend time talking with Lily Formato herself. Since opening her gallery at just 18 years old in 2018, she has earned my admiration as the youngest woman in Wytheville history to own her own business. Seeing her breathtaking artwork firsthand while experiencing her warmth, generosity, and intelligence made the evening even more memorable. It truly was a VIP Chautauqua experience and reminded me how fortunate we are to have people in Wytheville who genuinely care about preserving and enriching our community. They deserve not only our appreciation after special events like this, but our gratitude every day.

Strictly Observing

RSO restores American pride with Wytheville Concert

June 15, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra performed a stellar concert in Wytheville on Saturday, June 13, when it brought its Stars, Stripes, and Symphony presentation to a nearly sold-out crowd at the Millwald Theatre. Fourteen songs were offered during the 80-minute, two-act program, which opened with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Dr. E. Daryll Duff, bass vocalist and veteran U.S. Navy Sea Chanter of more than 30 years. Duff’s smooth and stirring vocals sailed through several of the evening’s numbers as flawlessly as the orchestra itself. Meredith Willson’s “76 Trombones” from The Music Man kept the crowd lively, while John Williams’ “A Prayer for Peace” from the 2005 film Munich shifted the mood to one of poignancy. This piece from Williams’ Academy Award-nominated score featured violin solos from concertmaster Akemi Takayama and Zach Windsor. Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Lady” proved that Duff’s vocals could be as soulful as they were reverent. The jazz and swing elements of the orchestra provided a welcome contrast to the more traditional classical pieces. All were performed with equal precision and skill. George M. Cohan’s patriotic medley of “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy” featured Duff’s vocals as well as those of a very enthusiastic audience. He also sang the songs of each military branch during the “Armed Forces Salute” medley. In memory of my father, who died last October, I proudly elevated my power chair during the “Semper Paratus (Always Ready)” portion of the salute in honor of his service in the Coast Guard from 1962 to 1966. There were not many Coast Guard veterans in an audience full of former service members, so I was proud to realize just how special his service was. I miss him. The first half of the program ended with a medley from the film score of Apollo 13, composed by the late James Horner. The selections were preceded by actual audio from the 1970 mission, which added a haunting sense of reverence to the number. It was certainly a hallowed way to end the first 34 minutes of the show. The second act opened in full patriotic swing with “An American Salute (When Johnny Comes Marching Home),” composed in 1943 by Morton Gould and based on the original Civil War folk song. “The Great Peconic” was perhaps the most moving piece of the evening. Composed by legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel, the number pays homage to Peconic Bay off the coast of Long Island, New York. It was the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s own David Stewart Wiley who helped Joel arrange the composition for orchestra. “Billy’s entire living room was the size of an Olympic pool,” Wiley recalled. “He is such a kind and generous man.” Following the piece, Wiley thanked the orchestra for performing it, noting that he will step down as music director just in time for its 75th anniversary celebration. By 2028, Wiley will have served as the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s conductor for 31 years. “This may be the last time we play this together,” he said. “It has been a privilege to work with you all over the last 30 years.” Next came Kenneth J. Alford’s “Colonel Bogey March,” the traditional state song “Our Great Virginia,” sung by Duff to the tune of “Oh Shenandoah,” and “Satchmo,” a medley tribute to Louis Armstrong. A program highlight, “Satchmo” was arranged by Ted Ricketts and featured some of Armstrong’s best-known tunes, including “What a Wonderful World,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” and “St. Louis Blues.” After Duff led the audience in Richard Rodgers’ “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from The Sound of Music and Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” which garnered a standing ovation, Wiley closed the show by inviting an enthusiastic teenager to conduct the orchestra in “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” putting the proverbial cherry on top of a wonderful evening. In this day and time, given the current state of the country, it can be difficult to muster national pride. The music provided by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra restored in me a sense of honor in being an American. If only for an hour, I was proud to live in the United States again. Their music is second to none. It is an incredible blessing to call the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra our own. The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will have two more Wytheville performances this year. Symphony Under the Stars takes place on September 13, while Handel’s Messiah will be presented on December 19. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.themillwald.org or call 276-284-2958.

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Third day at Magic Kingdom wraps up trip

June 11, 2026June 11, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

We are now in the final installment of my account of our 2026 family trip to Walt Disney World. Our first character interaction of the day was Aladdin and Jasmine. They could not have been lovelier. When I remarked to Jasmine how beautiful she was, Aladdin agreed. “I’m a pretty lucky guy, aren’t I?” he said. “You are both lucky,” I answered. “You are a truly magical couple.” “Let me know if you need the magic carpet,” Aladdin said. “I could always use a magic carpet,” I told him, “and the Genie.” We also met Captain Jack Sparrow, who bore a striking resemblance to Johnny Depp and made both of my girls somewhat weak-kneed. Through a lot of intentional mumbled warbling, the only thing I could make out that he said to me was an invitation to the tavern for drinks. After some of the things we had been through on this trip, I would have happily accepted such an invitation. While traveling the Magic Kingdom alone, I also ran into Shaker from the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. Additionally, while on my own, I took advantage of all the other attractions I could experience from my wheelchair, including Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, which takes guests through the story of the film in beautifully crafted clamshell vehicles featuring perfect renderings of scenes from the movie itself. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is another one of my favorites, as I get to bounce with Tigger, be blown through the wind with Piglet, and face off against the Heffalumps and Woozles with Pooh in his nightmare as he fears they will steal his honey. Since no one was waiting to ride the wheelchair-accessible vehicle, I was able to experience the attraction twice, which made it extra special for me. I also took in Enchanted Tales with Belle, an interactive retelling of the story of Beauty and the Beast featuring children portraying members of the cast. Lumière leads the way by narrating the story, while Madame Wardrobe hosts the show from the hallway. The program begins, however, in Papa Maurice’s cottage, where the Magic Mirror takes us back to the day Belle and the Beast fell in love. Seeing the little children portray the various characters reminded me of our trip in 2019, when Bella played a salt shaker. Emily and I were so proud, and I could see the same joy on the faces of other parents as they watched their children meet Princess Belle at the end of the program. I was also able to ride the original Jungle Cruise with my mother, the attraction that eventually inspired the real-life safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These boat cruises are obviously where either working comedians go when they cannot get work elsewhere or bad comedians go to die. There are relentlessly terrible puns coming from the tour guides along the way, but it is nevertheless an entertaining ride, and I was very happy to share this classic attraction with my mother. Walt Disney designed the attraction long before live animals could be incorporated into a theme park experience, although that had been his dream. The inspiration and brilliance of Walt Disney are qualities that continue to shape the Disney World experience to this day. With that thought in mind, there was nothing more magical about Disney World than watching the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade through the Magic Kingdom just before closing. Not only did it bring back memories of the Main Street Electrical Parade that my sister and I happily watched as children, but it also showcased elements of the aerial stage production at Disney Springs that I unfortunately missed during my trip in 2024. Having watched the Disney Starlight parade four times during this trip, I feel I got the best of both worlds. Waving goodbye to Mickey with my sister and following the parade to the park exit provided the perfect magical ending to this amazing Disney experience. But the parade itself was a dream come true. No matter how old you get, when those characters wave directly at you, you cannot help but be touched in your heart. It is another one of those presentations that is good enough to make you weep. The parade opens with magic from the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio, inviting everyone to wish upon a star. It pays direct homage to the original opening of the Main Street Electrical Parade. The procession features a robust lineup of both classic and contemporary Disney stories, including Peter Pan, Frozen, Moana, Coco, Encanto, and Wish. I had the perfect view from across from The Hall of Presidents, the same spot where I used to watch the Main Street Electrical Parade. Featured on the Blue Fairy’s float are Pinocchio and Geppetto. Wish features Asha, Valentino, and Star. Encanto features Mirabel, Isabela, and Bruno. On the Frozen float, Elsa dazzles the crowd with icy blue lights. The Royal Princess unit brings Disney royalty together, featuring Aurora and Prince Philip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming. Coco leads its float with Miguel, his bright guitar, and the vibrant spirit guide Pepita crossing the marigold bridge. Moana sails through the parade on a massive glowing wave accompanied by Hei Hei, Pua, and Grandma Tala as a manta ray. Peter Pan and Wendy once again fly above the London rooftops on suspended cables, not to mention Tinker Bell casting pixie dust everywhere she goes. The final float features Casey Jr. from Dumbo, the original locomotive carrying Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Snow White, Dopey, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Aladdin, Jasmine, and finally Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their new star-themed costumes. Together, they close out both the parade and a trip that will be remembered for a lifetime.

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Parades illuminate Disney experience

June 11, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

A highlight of any visit to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is the parades. I had premium viewing spots for the Festival of Fantasy Parade, which I saw twice—once on my own and once with my daughter. The best experience, of course, was seeing it with Bella. Two characters even came up to the handicap rope to shake my hand: Prince Philip from Sleeping Beauty and Bashful from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. “There’s a big dragon back there,” Prince Philip told me. “I hope that you will help me vanquish it.” “It would be my honor, sir,” I told him. The Festival of Fantasy Parade starts with the 50-foot Floral Princess Garden float, which includes rotating turntables to ensure that every guest has a great view of the royal couples led by Cinderella, Tiana, Belle, Anna, and Elsa, along with their princes. The Tangled float is a 36-foot pirate-style longship featuring Rapunzel and Flynn Rider and complete with a swinging wooden pendulum that carries the dastardly thugs over the parade route. Next, The Little Mermaid float is designed like a giant kinetic seashell music box in which Ariel rides atop a colorful school of dancing fish below her. The Peter Pan ship includes a flying Peter Pan and Wendy suspended by wire cables as the Jolly Roger soars 28 feet above the street. Captain Hook swings from a dangling anchor while being chased by the giant crocodile as he attempts to attack Peter Pan. The Brave float includes a ship inspired by the Scottish Highlands carrying Merida and her triplet brothers in their bear forms. Sleeping Beauty’s float is a 53-foot-long, 26-foot-tall steampunk-inspired Maleficent dragon built on an articulating chassis that moves fluidly and breathes real fire as Prince Philip battles it on foot. The parade culminates with the Mickey and Minnie float, a 90-foot caravan of characters including Pinocchio, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the Mad Hatter. Mickey and Minnie sit high above the crowd in a 32-foot hot air balloon surrounded by the dancing hippos from Fantasia. Bella and I also had the privilege of meeting the Mad Hatter and Alice from Alice in Wonderland, who told us about the parade and encouraged us to be sure to catch it. The Mad Hatter also said that he was preparing a tea party for the Queen of Hearts and was planning to paint the teacups red. He wanted to invite all of us to the tea party, especially me since I was wearing red. When I told him that red was my favorite color, he became very excited and said that I would fit in perfectly. Meeting Peter Pan and Wendy was another genuine thrill for me. Bella, Emily, and I met Peter Pan on our second day at the Magic Kingdom, and it was just the lift our spirits needed. “Thank you for coming and sharing your happy thoughts with us,” Peter Pan said to me. “It’s been my honor to meet you,” I replied. “You have given us the happy thoughts we needed for today.” We also enjoyed meeting the wicked stepsisters from Cinderella, Anastasia and Drizella. Though they were not nearly as wicked in person as they are in the film, I did ask Anastasia if she was still seeing the baker from Cinderella II: Dreams Come True, which depicts the redemption of one of the evil stepsisters. “Yes,” she whispered, “but don’t tell my mother. I’ll never be able to marry him because he’s not rich.” They also reported to me that Lucifer the cat was doing well, but that Bruno the dog and the mice had left the castle since Cinderella’s departure with Prince Charming following the wedding. Wendy from Peter Pan was also kind enough to tell me that Nana, the Saint Bernard, was doing very well and that her younger brothers, Michael and John, were still having fun portraying Peter Pan and Captain Hook in playful battles in the nursery. Peter Pan told me that Nana still jumps on him to play games but does not chomp at his shadow as she did in the original film. Meeting Donald and Daisy was also a genuine thrill, as Donald is a favorite character of both of the girls. They were dressed in their circus attire as fortune tellers, and Daisy looked beautiful in her colorful costume. I reminded Donald what a lucky guy he was to have such a beautiful lady as Daisy. After all, it was 16 years ago that I found Emily, my equivalent of Daisy. I also reminded him not to lose his temper around her and to do everything he could to keep her happy, a promise he assured me he would keep. I assured him that we were all very big fans of his and thought he deserved a chance to be Disney’s number one star. In terms of classic shows, one of Walt Disney World’s original attractions featuring Sherman Brothers music was Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. These beautifully colorful Audio-Animatronic birds provided a fantastic musical show and even a pre-show featuring two birds, one of which was voiced by one of Disney’s original great voice actors, Sebastian Cabot, best known as the narrator of the Winnie the Pooh films and as Bagheera the panther in The Jungle Book. These vintage presentations, which came directly from the mind of Walt Disney, are among the most important attractions to me. Even though they may appear dated to some, the nostalgia and brilliance of Walt Disney are evident in every aspect of them. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and its famous theme song are prime examples of this. Stay tuned for our final jaunt into the Magic Kingdom—and Walt Disney World as a whole.

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Magic Kingdom lives up to its name

June 11, 2026June 11, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

Before I get into the first of our three-day adventure at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, I should mention the fantastic resort at which we stayed. This is the first—and probably only—time we will stay in a deluxe resort, but the Yacht Club provided us with a stay my family and I will never forget. My daughter is now more interested in lazing around the pool with her mom than chasing characters with me, so this was the perfect place to do just that. We had access to the best pool of any Disney property, and we enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Ale & Compass Restaurant almost immediately upon our arrival at Disney World on Sunday, May 31. Three of us enjoyed excellent New York strip steaks, while my sister enjoyed a decadent-looking pasta dish and my brother-in-law had a scrumptious-looking pork chop. Although we were not able to experience Animal Kingdom due to an ankle injury suffered by my wife, we are grateful that she was able to rent a scooter in time to enjoy the rest of the trip. We are also grateful to the resort for agreeing to mail Emily her phone when it was discovered that she had left it there after we had already departed for the airport on Sunday, June 7. Although they could not return her bank card by mail, we are thankful they informed us that she had left that behind as well so we could make proper arrangements for a replacement. Despite not being able to enjoy the amenities of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, we did visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and enjoy the beautiful wildlife, which included three giraffes, an ostrich, and two zebras. However, it was the Magic Kingdom that proved to be our dream home and the center of everything magical about our vacation this year. We kicked things off with our annual visit to Mickey, where I told him of our first meeting in 1999. I had broken my nose on the pavement of the Florida Welcome Center on the way in, and my father and mother had brought my sister and me to meet him. Now that my father was gone, a meeting with my hero felt more like a magical necessity than at any other point in my life. It felt as though he knew this and signed in Bella’s autograph book, “You are the magic.” This was after I had told him that his brand of magic could cure even the worst type of blues. In reality, it is only my mother who is capable of this. She is the reason we were able to take this trip as a family and enjoy all the luxuries that came with it. This trip to the Magic Kingdom also gave me a sense of independence that I have never felt before. As a disabled 41-year-old man, I am very seldom comfortable being alone, let alone navigating a place like Disney World. The Magic Kingdom was so accessible that I was able to see Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress on my own. Originally designed by Walt Disney for the 1964 New York World’s Fair to showcase the progress of technology since the turn of the 20th century, the classic 20-minute rotating production highlights the technological advances experienced by the average American family from the 1900s to the 1920s, then the 1940s, and finally the turn of the millennium. The iconic song, There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, was written by the award-winning songwriting team of Robert and Richard Sherman, who supplied much of the music for Disney’s classic films in the 1960s and 1970s. Carousel of Progress holds the record as the longest-running stage show in the history of American theater. I was thrilled to be able to see it before its upcoming refurbishment, which will remove much of the originality that Walt Disney himself placed into the attraction. I was also happy that my family was able to join me for The Hall of Presidents, a show that we never miss on any visit to Walt Disney World. This was my father’s favorite attraction at Disney World, and I really missed having him around when we attended that particular show. Another family favorite of ours is Mickey’s PhilharMagic. That program has been rumored to be removed from Disney World almost since its debut in 2003, and I was thrilled to see that it was still around. As Mickey is my favorite character of all time, I love anything centered around the mouse that started it all. We also enjoyed the Country Bear Musical Jamboree as a family, one of the few original attractions remaining from the opening day of Walt Disney World in 1971. Although it has undergone some modernized changes of its own, including having the Country Bears perform classic Disney songs from films such as The Jungle Book and The Little Mermaid, it remains as enjoyable and lovable as ever. You can never visit Walt Disney World without taking a ride on it’s a small world, which now features a brand-new verse added by Richard M. Sherman shortly before his death on May 25, 2024, at the age of 95. The new verse provides a lesson to us all: “Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind, and the love we give makes us humankind. Through our vast, wondrous land, when we stand hand in hand, it’s a small world after all.” Like his boss, Walt Disney, what an incredible message Mr. Sherman left us with before departing this world. I feel very gratified to have heard the verse in person myself in one of the few rides that can be experienced entirely from your own wheelchair. That wheelchair needed to be charged by the end of the day, and I am truly grateful that I was able to watch the Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular with a perfect view from my charging spot. The only way to…

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