兔子先生系列麻豆

The Plainview Civic Music Association (PCMA) hosted the Dave Hawkins Community Service Concert & Expo on Sunday, October 3^rd. Pastor Dave Hawkins passed in December of 2019, and the Plainview community has felt his absence since. He had been the pastor for the First Presbyterian Church beginning in 2010 and led the church until his passing in 2019.

In his near-decade with the people of Plainview, Pastor Hawkins served his community with unending love and compassion. He donated his time to many causes, including Rotary Club, PAWS, the PCMA, and our own University. He was honored as a leader who gave the very best to those around him, his church, and his community. Pastor Hawkins was a true inspiration for servant leadership, leading by example and compassion in everything he did.

The event featured four 30-minute showcases from local musicians. JoJo DiSalvo played the first set, performing original country songs from his debut album set to release at the end of October along with covers from classic country singers. Kevin and Duncan Sweeney, a father and son duo from our WBU faculty performed second, playing covers from popular music from the 80s and 90s. At the end of their set, they were joined on stage by Wiley Hawkins, Randy Rodgers, and Dr. Scott Strovas to play gospel jazz music. The third set of the afternoon was performed by Kennith Freeman on the piano and Dr. Scott Strovas on the trumpet. To close out the event, Hollie and Gary Williams, a father and daughter duo, performed lively music via fiddle and guitar.

During intermission, the crowd spoke with service groups present for the expo portion of the event, these included PAWS, Rotary Club, and United Way. PAWS is an animal rescue group that helps transport animals out of the crowded shelters of Plainview to other areas for them to find homes. Rotary Club is an organization that does many things worldwide, from working to end polio, to working with Snack-Pack-4-Kids to feed the hungry. United Way is also a worldwide organization. The Plainview chapter raises funds for 8 local health and human service agencies in the area. These three organizations reflect Pastor Hawkins’s heart and passion for helping others.

This was the first year for the event to be held. It was sponsored by the PCMA and led by Dr. Scott Strovas, Associate Professor of Musicology.

“This is different than a one-time tribute show to a person,” Strovas said. “We want to be able to bring together the arts and service organizations in a reminder every year, at the beginning of the year, that hey, we’re all in a community together, let’s get out and support each other in a variety of ways.”

Dr. Strovas and the PCMA plan to expand the Dave Hawkins Community Service Concert & Expo each year, to bring the community together in a celebration of the arts and music to honor the life and service of Pastor Dave Hawkins.