Posted October 3, 2022 by M.S. Coyne
Last week in the African Cemetery No. 2 started out OVERCAST but turned SUNNY, BREEZY, and COLD.
Hurricane Ian wrecked havoc on our plans to hold a performance by the Lexington Philharmonic of Julia Perry’s compositions for voice. The forecast for rain gradually pushed farther and farther back on the day of the event (Saturday October 1) as the week progressed. But, it never got warm enough (>65)consistently to make it comfortable (or fair) for the players to play and the singers to sing. Regardless, the breeze on both Saturday and Sunday would have been enough to chill anyone, and would have blown far into the distance a large portrait of Julia Perry that was to be unveiled.
Instead, to everyone’s great satisfaction, the concert was moved indoors to the old Dixieland Gardens dance hall at 110 Luigart Ct., which is being newly refurbished into an artist’s studio and events place. See more about the history of the Dixieland Gardens on our website.
Many people were astonished to discover this facility on Lexington’s east end (I was). And everyone got to sit and enjoy a great evening of string, piano, and voice. As Yvonne Giles said in her opening remarks, “Everything happens for a reason.” Maybe we’ll get the Lexington Philharmonic in the cemetery next Spring.
Time didn’t stand still at African Cemetery No. 2 despite the weather. In preparation of the music program a new marker was installed on Thursday with information about the legacy of the Perry family.
And we are about to embark on our Tree Week events Starting Sunday October 9.
Tree Week Events (https://ufi.ca.uky.edu/treeweek) run from October 8-16. We’ll have walking tours available on October 9th and 13th (grab a sheet and see if you can find all 62 tree species in the cemetery or take the self-guided walking tour) from 5-7 and a special tree print making program on October 15 from 2-4. We might even have some tree planting of new native species. Bring the kids!
Remember that if you or your group would like to contribute a few hours of service maintaining African Cemetery No. 2, please contact Mark Coyne at mscoyn00@gmail.com to plan a visit.
As always, feel free to visit African Cemetery No. 2 any time.