In addition to being a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Gregory White Smith is known for being a co-founder of the Juilliard in Aiken festival, which is finishing up its seventh year.
Smith, who died last April after battling with a rare type of brain tumor for 40 years, co-founded the performing arts and outreach festival with President Emeritus Dr. Sandra Field.
A free memorial concert will be held for Smith at 2 p.m. Saturday at Aiken's First Baptist Church, 120 Chesterfield St. N.E. Doors will open at 1:15 p.m.
"It is terribly sad, because he died so young," Steven Naifeh, Smith's co-author and husband, said. "But the concert ... is featuring some of his favorite works, and he would be very honored that many of the artists performing those works are close friends."
This concert will feature piano duo Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe; The Cecilia Ensemble, a group of early music musicians; cellist Claire Bryant, who plays chamber and contemporary music; and baroque violinist Owen Dalby.
The theme of this year's Juilliard in Aiken festival is "Make Miracles Happen," based on the title of the 1997 book Smith wrote with Naifeh.
Also remaining are:
- Today; noon: Midday Music: Festival of Song; First Presbyterian Church, 224 Barnwell Ave.; free; 803-648-2662
- Today; 7:30 p.m.: Trustees Featured Performer Series with Allant Trio; St. John United Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St. N.W.; $25 for nonstudents, $10 for students; 803-648-1438
- Today; 9 p.m.: Juilliard Jazz After Hours; The Willcox, 100 Colleton Ave.; free; 803-648-1898
- Friday, March 13; 8 p.m.: Showcase Concert; Etherredge Center; $40 and $65 for nonstudents, $10 for students; 803-641-3305
- Sunday, March 15; 11:15 a.m.: Second Baptist Church Worship Service featuring Elliott Carlton Hines; Aiken's Second Baptist Church, 343 Laurens St. N.W.; free
For more information, visit www.juilliardinaiken.com.
Stephanie Turner graduated from Valdosta State University. She then signed on with the Aiken Standard, where she is now the arts and entertainment reporter.