Pair to play at Emory deli

By CAROLYN R. WILSON/Correspondent

David and Ann Ledgerwood agree that one of their greatest pleasures is retreating to the front porch swing in the summer with their mandolin and guitar.
“Ann plays the mandolin and I strum the guitar,” said Ledgerwood, “and we talk about our day and count our blessings.”
Ledgerwood, a therapeutic day treatment counselor at John S. Battle High School, and Ann, a pediatric physical therapist for Smyth County Schools and for Early Intervention in Washington County, spend their workdays caring for people in the community and their evenings and weekends celebrating life through their music, often times performing to benefit those less fortunate.
On Thursday, April 9, the Ledgerwoods will present “Help and Hope for Haiti,” an evening of acoustic music at the Emory Crossing Deli to raise awareness and funds for the people of Haiti who suffered the devastating effects of a recent earthquake. The special music event from 6 to 8 p.m. will feature songs performed by the Ledgerwoods, many of them original compositions, as well as an opportunity for community residents to sing and play during “open mic” from 6 to 7 p.m. Donations will be coordinated by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
Beginning March 18, the couple will bring their eclectic style of music to the Emory Crossing Deli each Thursday from 4:30 until closing at 6 p.m. “We offer quite a variety from folk, blues and soul to country and gospel,” said Ann. “In this fast-paced world, none of us take time to relax. People are welcome to bring their own musical instruments or they can just come to listen.”
The couple enjoys performing together, but when they help someone else, it’s even better. In February, the Ledgerwood’s performance at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Center attracted nearly 100 people and raised approximately $2,800 for Faith In Action’s fuel assistance fund for residents who cannot afford to heat their homes this winter. “We want to use the musical skills that God has given us to touch other lives,” said Ann.
And, with their love of music is a genuine love for people. The fellowship they enjoy with friends and family has prompted them to host a gathering at their home each Labor Day weekend for people to relax and to enjoy the mountain scenery and the echoes of music played by a variety of visitors. “Some of our musician friends travel from as far away as West Virginia to camp in our yard and enjoy this time together,” said Ledgerwood, who has counted nearly 160 people at a weekend gathering.
“Our love of music and the Lord takes us many places.” Their local venues include weddings, restaurants and coffee houses from here to Roanoke. Active in the music ministry at Abingdon Bible Church, the Ledgerwoods often perform at other churches and events. “We sing gospel music in a variety of styles, including traditional hymns, contemporary Christian, bluegrass, blues, and original compositions drawn from our daily walk and life experiences. We love to spread the gospel wherever God sends us.”
The couple said their childhoods helped pave the way for becoming musicians and sharing what they call God-given talent. Ledgerwood remembers he was given his first guitar at age 9. “And, I never looked back. I knew right then that music was my niche.” Before he and Ann met in 2004, Ledgerwood was already playing in a local band and singing the songs of his favorite 1960s and 1970s artists, such as the Beatles, Elton John, Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Ann’s upbringing included singing in the Oratorio Choir while attending Emory & Henry College. Her late mother, Iris Rich taught Ann and her sisters to sing at a young age. “Cathy, Carol and I learned to sing harmonies as children and continue to sing together from time to time.” In addition to playing the mandolin, Ann has learned to play a cajon, a wooden box drum that originated in Peru in the early 1800s.
Using recording equipment in their home, the couple published their first CD in 2009 which features 12 of their original songs. The bluegrass song, “Daddy’s Light” celebrates the role of fathers and the influences each father had on the couple. Ledgerwood’s father died when his son was only 19, and Ledgerwood fondly remembers him through the lyrics he sings. “My father, Neel Rich continues to influence my life every day,” said Ann. “He has taught me so much about kindness, strength and loving the Lord.”
Another favorite, “Face the Wind,” was chosen for the title of the CD. Ledgerwood wrote the song for Ann when they were dating after they had spent the day at Whitetop Mountain. He later sang the song to her during their wedding ceremony.
To learn more about the couple’s upcoming performances, visit their website at http://www.heartwoodsongs.com.