Manning native Carrie Anna Strange has been executive director of the Cypress Foundation since Sept. 1, and while she’s headed up several events thus far, her largest starts Friday and continues monthly through April.
Cypress After 5 has been one of the Cypress Foundation’s most popular fundraising events for the last decade, and Strange says this year’s entertainment and food will not disappoint.
“This will be our Sweet 16, because it’s 2016,” she said. “We have new groups and new food features.”
Hospital Director of Public Relations and Cypress After 5 Producer Jeffrey Black agreed.
“This year’s line-up is very different, with three new groups and one return engagement,” he said. “We’re also adding some unique food options, with local chefs and a silent auction for the March event. Carrie Ann and I are looking forward to a great series!”
Kicking off the event Friday are The Embers, a beach music group that has traveled the nation for nearly four decades while recording 15 albums and even more 45s.
“The Embers are one of the best sounding bands performing today, (and they perform) three dates each year from Florida to Toronto and westward to California and Hawaii,” Strange said. Friday’s event will feature food from Lamar Kennedy, including his famous shrimp and grits.
The Heart and Soul Band will be back by popular demand Feb. 19, and the evening will feature desserts by the Junior Ambassadors of Clarendon County, of which Strange is also a member.
The Sandlapper Singers will be the featured entertainment for March 18’s event, which will also include a silent auction “with unique items from Clarendon County,” Strange said.
The Sandlapper Singers were founded in 1996, and serves as one of South Carolina’s premier professional choral ensembles, presenting American choral music in “a uniquely entertaining and engaging style to audiences throughout the state and beyond.”
Flashback will conclude the series April 8 with their mix of Motown, beach, disco and party music. Food will be provided by the Manning United Methodist Church’s Men’s Group.
“This is just a great event each year, and we have guests who come back year after year,” Strange said. “We hope to see everyone come out and have a good time.”
Tickets are $150 per person and cover all four shows.
They may be purchased at The Zone or the Cypress Foundation office located in the Cypress Center. For more information, call (803) 435-5282.
