For The Vista

Monday, September 3rd, the Fairfield Glade Recreation Department and Dave Kirk Automotive will be hosting Dennis Donald of DSquared Entertainment (D2) and his friends from the Cumberland County Playhouse and other favorite performers. Last year Dennis and his friends drew the largest crowd in Mirror Lake history so please mark your calendars for this special evening that includes fireworks!

Dennis is bringing back the dynamic duo of Greg and Lindy Pendzick and the ever popular Daniel Black from CCP. Lindy and Greg just finished the run of “See Rock City” and will soon close “Music Man” in which Lindy had the lead of Marian. Lindy can also be seen in “Backwards in High Heels” along with Daniel Black. Greg and Daniel also star in “Golden Boy of the Blue Ridge” which will open August 23rd.

In addition to the CCP group, Dennis will bring Cheyenne Graff, Terry Henderson and Ashley Krohn. In keeping with the mission Dennis started with D2 of mentoring amateur performers, Dennis is bringing Cheyenne back, as the newest prodigy discovered and mentored by D2. She turned 13 the end of March but has the voice and stage presence of someone far beyond her years. If you haven’t seen her, don’t miss this event. Cheyenne is a student at Crab Orchard Elementary, an animal lover, cheerleader and also plays guitar.

Terry Henderson needs little introduction to local folks. He has quickly become one of the area’s favorites and he always gets the crowds cheering with his renditions of “Mustang Sally” or “Only You.” His first appearance at the Palace Theatre was with D2 and Dennis Donald in Malt Shop Memories followed by Return of the Rat Pack, Rat Pack Revival and Voices of Vegas. He has gone on to appear with others at the Palace and other venues in Fairfield Glade. Terry also hosts karaoke at the Blind Zebra and Red’s.

Dennis Donald & Friends will perform at Mirror Lake Sept. 4.

Ashley Krohn is another D2 discovery whose first onstage appearance was at the Palace in the D2 Production of Return of the Rat Pack. Ashley has been cast in most of the D2 shows as well as performing gospel with Dennis. She just keeps getting better and has the voice and heart of an angel. Ashley is now a much sought after performer who does many benefits. She is a valued employee at Advanced Rehabilitation where she interacts lovingly with patients who adore her.

Dennis, who started singing in churches at a very young age, became a popular performer and actor in Motown before he reached his teen years and traveled internationally with the HIS Group. While in college, he was lead singer with two touring groups. After moving to South Carolina, where he served as Minister of Music at Trinity Assembly of God, he became involved with a professional improvisational acting troupe that traveled many states in the southeast.

His move to Tennessee to be close his parents led to the co-founding of DSquared Productions. Along with D2, his passions are his duties as Music Director at Faith Bible Fellowship in Fairfield Glade and his acting roles at CCP. He just returned from VA where he had the role of Pap in the seven week sold out musical of Hank Williams- the Lost Highway at with the Wayside Theatre.

The entertainment, which is FREE, starts earlier at 4:30 and will include favorites from over the years including Alabama, Bob Seger, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Marvin Gaye, the Platters, Cab Callaway, Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis, Brooks and Dunn, Zac Brown, Jimmy Buffet, Billy Joel, Beach Boys, show tunes and more.

Dennis is asking any of the performers who have been with D2 to come and join him onstage for a song and let the audience know where they can be seen. The group will also take requests! You can call 931-456-1972 or 864-314-5716 and leave your requests or arrive early and see Diane at the sound table. The show will end around 7:00 with time to see FIREWORKS at Robinhood Park at about 8:00.

This is fun for the whole family (even the dogs love it). You can either bring your own picnic and drinks or purchase some yummy goodies from the FG grill masters. You can also purchase drinks from the bar provided by Legends.

Average evening temperature for the 3rd is between 59o and 83o so be sure you dress in layers or bring a nice warm jacket or blanket.