Music, Community, and Remembering Crystal
On Saturday, 27 June 2026, I had the privilege of performing at the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration: "Say Their Names," held at Union Grove Baptist Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
The event honored the life and legacy of my late friend, Crystal Cauley, whose passion for serving her community continues to bring people together even after her passing.
It was an afternoon filled with music, speakers, poetry, local artists, small businesses, food, conversation, and fellowship. Everywhere I looked, there was someone sharing their gifts—whether through art, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or simply by showing up for one another.
The centerpiece of the event was hearing featured speaker Patricia King share her family's heartbreaking story and her continuing advocacy following the murder of her son, Elijah Timmons III, on 24 November 2023. She continues to seek justice while honoring his memory through advocacy and community engagement.
Tony Robles also shared original poetry, reminding us once again of the power of words to preserve memory and inspire action.
I performed four songs throughout the afternoon. My planned set included "Amazing Grace" and "Wade in the Water." Later in the day, I also performed "Take Me Home, Country Roads," a song I had prepared as a backup due to its popularity worldwide and during the 2026 World Cup. My final song, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," came by special request from my youngest fan, a little girl named Summer.
As the event was winding down, Summer wandered over, fascinated by my guitar. She wanted to play it herself, so I showed her how it worked and let her look it over. She was still a little too young to play, but I told her that when she gets older, I'd be happy to teach her.
That conversation may have lasted only a few minutes, but it became one of my favorite moments of the day.
Community events like this are about much more than a stage. They are places where artists encourage future artists, where neighbors meet neighbors, where local vendors share their work, and where stories are passed from one generation to the next.
The Crystal Clear Stair Association continues Crystal's vision of building community through service, education, advocacy, and the arts. Looking around the room, I think she would have been proud—not because everything was perfect, but because people came together with generosity, kindness, and a willingness to listen to one another.
As a musician, I was grateful to contribute in the way I know best.
As a friend, I was grateful simply to be there.
Thank you to Etta Robinson and YaShara Lynch for organizing this event and for continuing Crystal's legacy through service, advocacy, and community.
Sometimes the most meaningful performances happen long after the last song is over.
You can read more and watch coverage of the event on WLOS News 13: Hendersonville hosts 2nd annual Juneteenth celebration honoring community leader. (And yes… that's me in the paprika-colored dress, guitar in hand.)
— Jewel
