Category: Strictly Observing

Wythe Shriners help fulfill life for local disabled

October 6, 2026October 6, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

It was my honor to once again be an invited guest of the local Kazim Shriners for their annual Drawdown fundraising event at the Wytheville Moose Lodge on Saturday, Oct. 3. This year was especially meaningful to me because I was invited to speak about my own 16-year journey with the local Shriners and the care I received at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina, from the ages of 2 to 18. Being born with cerebral palsy 41 years ago meant that, if you survived at all, there was a very real possibility that you would also be diagnosed with an intellectual disability, blindness, deafness, or some combination of those conditions. Thankfully, none of those things happened to me. When I was 2 years old, I was referred to the Shriners by two local members of the organization who have since passed away, the late George Schreiber and the late Bob Dean. They connected me with the hospital in Greenville, where I was seen twice a year for 16 years. The Shriners oversaw everything from my leg braces and hand splints to walkers, wheelchairs and the countless other things I needed to live my life with cerebral palsy. And they provided all of that care at no cost to my family. Most importantly, I underwent hamstring-release surgery at the age of 8. I was cared for before, during and after the procedure by a diligent team of professionals at Shriners Children’s Hospital. Every Christmas I can remember being greeted by a local Shriner wearing a Santa suit, who would present me with a $50 Walmart gift card. As much joy as those gifts brought me, they might as well have been worth a million dollars. Recalling those memories with the Shriners also made me think about my father, who passed away a year ago this month. Every time I travel down Interstate 77, I think about the twice-a-year trips we made to and from Greenville for my checkups. Many of those trips were just my father and me on the road, and those long drives resulted in some of the greatest bonding experiences of our relationship. I miss him very much, and I am incredibly grateful for the constant fight that both of my parents put up to give me the best life possible. If anyone doesn’t believe that the care a child receives through the Shriners can affect that person’s adulthood, all they have to do is look at the example of my life. Not only do I have a career, but I have a beautiful wife and a wonderful, healthy child. I own my own home and live independently. I have been able to do these things because I had wonderful parents who fought for me to live as normally as possible, and because I have a wonderful wife who continues to ensure that quality of life through her love and caregiving. I realize, and I never take for granted, that much of this might not have been possible without the Shriners. I am incredibly grateful for everything they have done for me, and as long as I am around, I will always champion this wonderful cause. That is why I was particularly honored to be invited to speak on behalf of the organization by Mike Sarver and Del Crigger. They are both top-notch guys who are doing everything they can to ensure that local children in need receive the help they deserve. That was never more evident to me than in the story of 1-year-old Cordelia Johnson. The Max Meadows girl was initially treated in Roanoke for a rare condition called fibular hemimelia, in which a child is born without all or part of the fibula, one of the two main bones in the lower leg. After her family was ultimately turned away, they were referred to the Shriners. Cora has since received a foot amputation and continued care through Shriners Children’s Hospital, giving her access to specialists who understand her condition and can provide the treatment she needs to have the brightest future possible. After meeting Cora and her beautiful family—including her mother, Beth, her father, Tyler, and her six older siblings—it was clear to me that the Johnson family was put together and brought into our community by God to be blessed in ways we cannot even imagine. Little Cora is clearly adored by every one of her brothers and easily has the run of the show. As adorable as she is, it is equally clear that she has earned the title of queen of her world. I am looking forward to seeing the amazing things this beautiful little girl will accomplish throughout her life. The Moose Lodge always provides some of the best steaks in town, and even though the grill wasn’t working and we had to wait until almost 8 p.m. to be fed, it was well worth the wait. Everyone was even kind enough to let me take dinners home to my wife and daughter. I am also grateful to my friend Jeremy Miller for getting me to the event. I was particularly happy to spend some time with my longtime friend Tyler Hash at the event. Like me, Tyler recently lost his father, and his late grandfather Vance was also a former Shriner. His kindness and friendship are blessings I have treasured for a very long time. Tyler is every bit the loving and giving person his father and grandfather were, and I was thrilled that he and his precious grandmother, Peggy, were such a big part of the event that night. Supporting the Shriners is well worth our time, money and volunteer efforts. I hope my story can serve as a positive inspiration to anyone born with a disability that they can flourish just as any able-bodied person can, especially when they live in a community as loving and caring as Wytheville and have organizations like our local Shriners chapters standing behind them.

Strictly Observing

Chicago, Frampton supergroup provide best Millwald concert yet

September 22, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

On the night of Thursday, September 17, I saw the best concert I have ever witnessed at the Millwald Theatre since it became a full-production house four years ago. Two former members of Chicago — guitarist Keith Howland and singer and bassist Jeff Coffey — along with Peter Frampton’s pianist and musical director Rob Arthur and drummer for The Doobie Brothers Ed Toth, came together to form The Players. The Players performed a two-hour show, with a 20-minute intermission, that brought about one of the most incredible rock ’n’ roll experiences our town has ever hosted. The sold-out crowd, made up mostly of senior citizens, was dancing in the aisles to the hits of Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, Toto, Peter Frampton, The Doobie Brothers and Rick Springfield. The fact that each member of this incredible group is not a part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is an oversight that should be eradicated immediately. Nevertheless, it was their blistering horn section that brought about the slickness and smoothness of the evening. A trio from Long Island featuring Adam Seely on saxophone, Dan Hendrix on trumpet and Michael Rubinstein on trombone, these superbly talented gentlemen could be seen playing their instruments up and down the aisles and even in the balcony for the audience, collectively serving as the heartbeat of the entire evening. As I am a much bigger fan of the Robert Lamm era of Chicago as opposed to Peter Cetera, simply because of the horns, I was thrilled that this group made the Peter Cetera songs even better than the originals by adding horn arrangements to them. Keith Howland also has special ties to Southwest Virginia, as he spent much of his teenage years in Roanoke. He graduated from James Madison University and, after forming his first band in Roanoke, says he played many gigs at Virginia Tech. After retiring from Chicago in 2021, having been the band’s lead guitarist for 27 years — a post he held longer than any other musician in the band’s history — he formed his own band with best friend Jeff Coffey, who served as Chicago’s lead singer beginning in 2016. At 59, the Orlando, Florida, native had no trouble hitting the high notes of Peter Cetera songs, as well as the myriad of other era hits that were played during the two-hour set. Originally from Silver Spring, Maryland, 62-year-old Howland proved himself to be one of the greatest guitarists in the annals of rock ’n’ roll, showing that he has not lost a step in his 40-plus-year career. Nashville native Arthur showed us the workings of a talk box, which is a plastic tube threaded through an instrument and placed in the mouth. When blown through, it can make it sound as though the particular instrument is actually speaking rather than simply emitting notes. He noted that Peter Frampton was one of the first people to utilize this musical tool before launching into Frampton’s most famous 1976 song, “Show Me the Way.” Howland also shared a story about being called “New Guy” by Rick Springfield when he joined his band as guitarist. “Everybody wanted to party in my room,” he recalled. “But I just wanted to go to bed. One night, I decided I would just leave my room, and by the time I went back, the party people would be gone. When I got back, they were gone, but they had sprayed the words ‘New Guy’ all over my hotel room in shaving cream.” Howland told this story before launching into Springfield’s most famous hit, “Jessie’s Girl.” Drummer Ed Toth even took the mic for a minute to relay a story of admiration for the people he plays behind every night. “Never give a drummer a mic unless you’re someone like Phil Collins,” he said, giving a nod to my favorite performer of all time. “We just learned to play this song yesterday, and I hope it works out.” As they launched into Sting’s “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You,” that was enough proof positive that the song indeed worked. Jeff Coffey spoke of his admiration for his best friend and fellow bandmate, Keith Howland. “When we were playing the Hollywood Bowl in Chicago for 20,000 people, we knew that if we were ever not in Chicago, we wanted to be in a band together,” Coffey said. “That’s why we’re here tonight.” Coming on strong with “Stay the Night” as an opener, the Chicago hits continued with the famous progressive suite “Make Me Smile” and “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon.” Plenty of Cetera hits were featured as well, including “You’re the Inspiration,” “If You Leave Me Now” and “25 or 6 to 4.” Of course, the horn-powered “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” was a highlight, as was Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” “Call on Me” was another Chicago favorite offered, as was Toto’s “Rosanna.” “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News was another great horn-heavy cover provided by the supergroup. Each member of the horn section got an opportunity to step down front for his own solo, which was a highlight for the entire evening. The Doobie Brothers’ “Listen to the Music” was offered as a crowd pleaser, bringing many audience members to the makeshift dance floor in the front row. Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Shining Star” provided another funky, horn-heavy number to top off the set list before launching into REO Speedwagon’s “Roll with the Changes” as a rousing encore. It closed out a night that neither Wytheville, Virginia, nor I will ever forget.

Strictly Observing

Symphony Under the Stars returns to Wytheville

September 16, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra provided a stellar concert at Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park in Wytheville on Saturday, September 13, with a beautiful backdrop of a made-to-order sunny evening. Continuing the celebration of the 250th birthday of our nation, which was honored earlier in the year during a concert at the Millwald Theatre, the Millwald hosted an outdoor concert at one of our town’s most beautiful parks. RSO’s “Symphony Under the Stars” was just as big a success as it was last year, opening with the national anthem. The classical piece “The Light Cavalry Overture” by Franz von Suppé, featuring RSO’s new principal clarinetist Amy Hur, was followed by one of two John Williams pieces offered during the first half of the show. Music from one of my late father’s favorite films, Jurassic Park, was accompanied by assistant concertmaster Dr. John Hugo, dressed in an inflatable dinosaur costume. He mingled with some audience members, danced along, and even received his own baton from conductor David Stewart Wiley to help direct the piece. Handel’s “Let the Bright Seraphim” from the opera Samson was next, featuring tenor vocalist Brian Thorsett. Having performed worldwide in live performances and recordings, the Blacksburg-based singer teaches in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, according to Wiley’s introduction. Thorsett also sang the most emotional piece of the evening, “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables. When Wiley introduced the song in the context of a tribute to the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, many audience members wept throughout the number. Remaining in celebration of our nation’s milestone birthday, John Williams was given another nod with a medley from another of his iconic film scores. The Revolutionary War film starring Mel Gibson, The Patriot, featured Williams’ Oscar-nominated score, rendered in full glory by the RSO and capturing the true American spirit. During the “Armed Forces Salute,” Thorsett, along with the Roanoke Symphony Chorus, sang the songs representing all branches of the United States military. As I did for their Flag Day concert, I proudly elevated my chair to “stand” in honor of my late father, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1962 to 1966. I noticed I was the only one who did so for the Coast Guard, and I was not about to let my father or his branch of service be forgotten. The memorable Suite No. 1 from Carmen opened the second of two 40-minute acts, followed by a medley from Gone with the Wind by legendary film composer Max Steiner. “This piece is written specifically for place,” Wiley said. “It encapsulates Scarlett O’Hara’s devotion to Terra and her determination to restore her home.” Next came a medley from Howard Shore’s magnificent score from The Lord of the Rings films. Shore won Oscars for his work on two of the films. This medley featured battle music from the films, with heavy, anvil-like percussion in one particularly rugged section of the often-requested medley as performed by the RSO. A segment of “In Dreams,” featuring the RSO Chorus, was also included. A riveting medley from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story delighted a group from the newly rebranded Red Stag Dinner Theatre in Wytheville, who performed the choreography in perfect synchronicity with the music. From the Latin rhythms of “Tonight” to “One Hand, One Heart,” featuring Concertmaster Akemi Takayama on lead violin, who had her very own fan club in the audience, the medley included a swing-jazz version of “Cool,” culminating with “America.” The RSO once again restored my American pride with the patriotic numbers “America the Beautiful,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “America the Beautiful,” before launching into the encore of John Williams’ Star Wars medley. Complete with his own lightsaber baton, Wiley did his best Yoda impersonation and ended the perfect evening on an incredibly high note. You’ll have one more chance to hear the RSO ensemble, chorus, and featured vocalist Brian Thorsett as they present their holiday concert, “Handel’s Messiah,” on Saturday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m. at the Millwald Theatre. Tickets are available at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36798/production/1273229?performanceId=11799695 or by calling the Millwald box office at 276-284-2958.

Strictly Observing

Improv legend to return to Bristol

September 10, 2026September 10, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

Having the opportunity to interview Colin Mochrie for the fifth time in my career is a thrill that is difficult to put into words. The first time I interviewed him was in 2008. I simply sent an email requesting an interview and was absolutely thrilled when he accepted. The four interviews that followed came in connection with performances he gave in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Bristol, Tennessee; and, finally, my hometown of Wytheville, Virginia. On Nov. 2, 2024, Mochrie performed in Wytheville with famed hypnotist and comedian Asad Mecci. The show was sold out. “It was a fun show,” Mochrie remembered. “We had a good time.” Whether Mochrie and his Whose Line Is It Anyway? veteran co-star Brad Sherwood will ever return to Wytheville remains unknown. For now, however, the pair are making a second appearance at Bristol’s Paramount Theatre, where I was fortunate enough to see them with my wife on March 29, 2024. As always, the improvisational legend was every bit as kind as he was funny. Mochrie was extraordinarily generous with his time, giving me twice as long as he had originally allotted for our interview so I could turn it into a double episode for my podcast. “It’s really not a chore,” he told me. “It’s always fun to talk to you.” He had no idea what those words meant to me. Mochrie’s book, Not Quite the Classics, was inspired by a Whose Line Is It Anyway? game called “First Line, Last Line.” In the game, performers were given the first and last lines of an existing piece of writing and had to improvise everything in between. When I asked Mochrie if he had any interest in writing another book, however, he was less enthusiastic. “It’s something I really hope doesn’t happen,” he admitted. “It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my career, and I’m glad it turned out like it did, but I would be afraid to try something like that again.” That doesn’t mean Mochrie is completely opposed to putting another book together. He and Sherwood have discussed the possibility of writing a coffee-table book about their adventures on the road together called We Are Not the Rolling Stones. “It’s something we keep talking about,” Mochrie said. “But we’re too lazy to do anything about it.” I offered my services as a ghostwriter, an offer for which he graciously thanked me. We’ll see if a career opportunity comes out of that. Mochrie has also never seemed to mind my occasionally excessive enthusiasm for his work. He once regarded me as completely nuts for memorizing the improvised songs performed by Wayne Brady during the one season of Whose Line Is It Anyway? that was released on DVD, but he has always been gracious about my gushing over his talent and kindness. Most importantly, he has always been willing to talk with me. “I think you have finally proven yourself as my number one fan,” he assured me. There is no higher accolade I would rather receive from Colin Mochrie. I immediately asked him to put that in writing. With a chuckle, he said he would be happy to do so. I haven’t forgotten that he later inscribed his book for me: “Thanks for loving me.” “I’m truly grateful that you continue to enjoy my work,” he told me. He has no idea just how much truth there is in that statement. His journey to Whose Line Is It Anyway? began more than 40 years ago when he and Ryan Stiles were friends and aspiring comedians at Second City in Toronto. Stiles heard about a touring company that was being assembled for a new comedy program that would eventually become Whose Line Is It Anyway? As it turned out, Mochrie wasn’t auditioning for merely another television show. He was auditioning for a role that would change his life in ways he could never have imagined. The woman heading the touring group was Deb McGrath, the woman Mochrie would marry 37 years ago. “It was a very tough audition,” he joked. “It went on for a while.” Mochrie doesn’t view Whose Line Is It Anyway? simply as the television show that made him famous. “Whose Line Is It Anyway? not only gave us a career,” he explained. “It gave us a joy in coming to work. We were all great friends who worked together well and enjoyed being around each other.” Drew Carey served as the moderator of the American version of the program, and his infectious laughter became almost as recognizable as the comedy itself. “Drew was the moderator of the show, and he had such an infectious laugh that we all figured if we can make him laugh to the point of crying, we’ve done our job.” In many cases, Mochrie was the one responsible for bringing those tears of laughter to Carey’s eyes. Although Wayne Brady frequently found himself responsible for the musical games, including “Irish Drinking Song” and the ever-popular “Hoedown,” Mochrie became particularly renowned for the one-line zingers and perfectly timed responses that left audiences and his fellow performers laughing uncontrollably. “Those moments came out of sheer panic,” he said. “When you have to come up with two or three rhymes to make sense with the audience suggestion, it was horrible. I think audiences loved the hoedowns because we hated them.” To know Colin Mochrie, to have had the opportunity to interview him repeatedly over the past two decades, and to be able to call him a friend is a blessing than he’ll ever know.

Strictly Observing, 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.

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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.

Strictly Observing

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.

Strictly Observing