By Kim Blain

What's better than an afternoon of music and chocolate? Almost nothing. To the delight of the audience, a broad spectrum of musical talent was showcased by adults from across the county.

Special recognition was given to one of Music and Chocolate founders, Sarah McGill, who helped tremendously in previous years organizing and baking, and in recent years with the donation of the glass cups and dishes. All her efforts to make this a gala event for the community are much appreciated.

The afternoon started at 1:30 pm with prelude music provided by Christine Appleman's piano students, Whitney Hartman, Katya and Esther Stiegelmeier, and Bonita Kinzer. They each played several pieces of music as attendees settled in their seats and enjoyed the amazing variety of chocolate.

Pam Nisley started the afternoon off with an original song, a theme song if you will, "I'm So Glad God Made Chocolate" with audience participation required.

She was followed by master pianist Christine Appleman playing "The Cascades" by Scott Joplin.

"When the Work's All Done This Fall" by D. O'Malley, a song written in Montana, was performed acapella by Cedar Knapp.

Annie Brimmer followed Cedar, quipping that she knew the audience was expecting her accordion, but she opted for a duo of piano pieces instead, "Geisha Girl" by L. Willimas dedicated to Sarah McGill. She also performed another piece, which the author did not get the name of.

In the style of country artist Josh Turner, Casey Babb performed his rendition of "I Saw the Light" by H. Williams.

"LaPaloma Tango" by M. Putnam, a tuba/trombone duet of DrewAnne Wenzel and Christine Appleman, was woven together by the pair with charm.

Katy McMichael, an area horseshoer, entertained the audience with two pop songs, one by Pink and an Elton John song, on the piano.

Long time area vocalist, Verna Brewer, performed "God on the Mountain" by T. Dartt.

Tedi Jo Williams, thrilled the audience with her country stylings of "Fraulein" by L. Williams and "Amarillo by Morning" by T. Stafford. Tedi Jo admitted, unabashedly, the preceding song was her all time favorite.

The younger generation was well represented by the vocal stylings of Luke Mobley. He delighted the crowd with his guitar skills as well with renditions of "Hymn #101" by J Pug and the Disney tune, "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" by M. David, A. Hoffman, and J. Livingston.

Popular Powder River County duo, Pam Nisley and Cody Morris, then wowed us singing "How Great Thou Art" by C Bobard. "Joshua Fit De Battle of Jericho" arranged by M. McDonald enraptured the audience as master pianist, Danny Johnson, skillfully helped us envision the walls tumbling down.

The smooth vocal and guitar talent of Eva Reil brought the afternoon to a close with a popular Elvis Presley song, "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Peretti, Crealore and Weiss and "Someday Soon" by I. Tyson.

As always, community members stepped up and volunteered to help with organizing and making sure everything went smoothly. PRCDHS Band and Choir students professionally served chocolate and drinks.

Special thanks to Kelda Page, Caroline Johnson, Liz Riter, Dan Lynch, and John Blain for helping wherever needed, and extra appreciation goes to those who donated chocolate goodies. The Junior High and High School music students who helped set up tables, chairs and decorations. And those who stayed to help clean up.

Sarah McGill, one of the founders of the Chocolate and Music Festival, is pictured above seated, flanked by her daughter Lori Ann Lutz and Broadus Schools Music Teacher Lisa Lynch. (Pictures this page courtesy Kelda Page)

Music and Chocolate was co-sponsored by Broadus Music Boosters and Powder River County Extension office. Proceeds from the event through the music boosters benefits Broadus Public Schools Music Department by providing students with larger instruments (such as baritone saxophones, baritones, and tubas), music, activities and extra meals on trips.