Celebrating the Arts in Southwest Virginia

ABINGDON, Va. (December 2012) – Environmental songstress Joyce Rouse (AKA Earth Mama) (left) of Independence, Va., performs with (from left) harmonica player Richard Rouse, painter Kathye Mendes, and bassist/pottery artist David Hoffman during "Grayson County Day at Heartwood" on Nov. 16.  The collaborative arts concert at the Heartwood Artisan Center in Abingdon, Va., concluded the daylong event celebrating the release of Rouse's latest CD, "Blessings of the Universe.  Proceeds from the sale of CDs, handcrafted quilts, and other donated items benefited Grayson Backpack Ministry, a community outreach providing nutritious meals and snacks to children. Rouse describes her new project as "inspirational songs for the foreground and background of your days". The vocal and piano-centered CD takes listeners on a soulful and lyrical journey of gratitude, reassurance, hope and wonder with heartfelt praises of God and all God's creation. Earth Mama has been delighting audiences of all ages with toe-tapping music and green-living tips for more than 10 years, “helping heal the planet one song at a time.” For more information about Earth Mama or "Blessings of the Universe", call (276) 773-8529, send an e-mail message to Joyce@EarthMama.org, or visit http://www.EarthMama.org.

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