Jimmie Rose and The All-Stars Jam Out For Literacy

Last month, the Adult Literacy Council of The Concho Valley had scheduled its 11th Annual Music in the Park event, but Mother Nature had other plans.  

Marilynn Golightly, Executive Director of the ALC said, "Although the last one was canceled at the last minute, we were glad to have the rain."  

The event, however, has been rescheduled for this Sunday, July 31, at Santa Rita Park from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., and the entire community is invited to attend. There is no charge to attend this event but donations are greatly appreciated.

"Besides bringing families together for an evening of good music, this event is another way to keep our name out there," said Golightly. "It's a really nice park between the sulphur draw and trees. By the time the music starts, it's nice and cool. We'll be cooking hot dogs, have water available, and live music will be performed by Jimmie Rose and The All-Stars."

 

Rose, originally from Ballinger, has been playing since he can remember, and had actually retired until a few years ago when he worked in collaboration with Sealy Flats and the San Angelo Blues Society. Not only does he play the harmonica, guitar and drums, but also the saxophone. Unfortunately, Rose said a while back, when he was in the DFW area, he had played a gig, put his Sax in his trunk, and someone actually stole his car.

That hasn't stopped him though.

As for his musical influences, Rose said, "Around the 6th grade, I started out self-taught and then started meeting different people who I learned from. Perhaps one of my greatest influences was 'Lil Red'."  

He added that back in the 50s Lil Red had a hit that sold millions of copies and was only paid $35 for it.  

"He never learned how to read or write, but he was a great musician," said Rose. "I've played with just about everyone from the Willie Nelson and Jimi Hendrix Bands to B.B. King, and even Ike and Tina Turner. I play just about any kind of music from Blues to Jazz to Rock or even Country; I just love to play."

In regards to his connection with the ALC, he said, "It's just so needed in this community. There is an average of 2 out of 5 people who can't read or write, and it can be embarrassing for them. When I volunteer to play events such as this, it helps keep their name out there and brings awareness to their cause. if I can help just one person, my job is done."

Golightly said, "He has just been a blessing to us. Any time we have an event, he is one of the first to volunteer to help; as a matter of fact, he is the one who got me started doing this event."

For Sunday's event, there will be a few books for sale as well as Zero-Zero ice cream, where partial proceeds will benefit ALC, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets, enjoy the outdoors, and prepare to be fully entertained.

Rose added, "It's gonna be great; we may just play till they chase us out of there."

The ALC is a community-based literacy program for the 13 counties of the Concho Valley. They provide free one-on-one or small-group tutoring for English as a second language, English conversation, basic literacy, and have experienced teachers to help with GED preparation and basic keyboarding. Golightly added that she had recently received a phone call from a woman wanting to volunteer her time to teach basic computer information and skills to older individuals re-entering the workforce.

"We work together as a community to help each other with educational goals," stated Golightly.

For more information on how to help the ALC, check the organization out on Facebook and http://www.adultliteracytgc.org.