‘Idol’ finalist to perform in Salem
By KEVIN HOWELLBy KEVIN HOWELL
Salem News staff writer
SALEM- American Idol Season 2 finalist Charles Grigsby, of Oberlin, Ohio, will perform in Salem July 25.
Visiting for the 118th Cyrus, Ormes, Manzilla family reunion, Grigsby will perform two songs and sign autographs from 6 to 10 p.m. July 25 at Timberlanes Inn. The event will be hosted by the non-profit organization that manages the family reunions, C.O.M.A.R. Inc. Cost for the event is $25 for the public and includes a luau dinner and dance.
The dinner menu includes ham, roast beef, fish, fruit display, tossed salad, roasted redskin potatoes, rigatoni, fresh mixed vegetables, rolls and black forest cake.
He will also be at Centennial Park from noon to 7 p.m. July 26, where he will perform again.
A part of the city for over 100 years, the Cyrus, Ormes, Manzilla family received a proclamation from the Mayor's Office in 2006 citing its longevity in the area.
A member of the Cyrus branch of the family, the 29-year-old Grigsby released a self-titled compact disc in July of 2005 and is still working toward a career in music.
Proceeds from the event will go toward the preservation of the family reunion, C.O.M.A.R. president Gayle Hawthorne said.
"We're hoping to reach our 120th reunion," she said. "A lot of the older generation are dying and we need to reach out to the younger members of the family to keep it going, so this event really serves two purposes."
Hawthorne said that she and other members of the family are currently attempting to compile the genealogy of the historic family.
Although the family has spread to other parts of the country, including California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York and Indiana, and despite the the oldest and last remaining member of the family still in Salem has died, the family will continue to reunite in the city where the first of the family made home, Hawthorne said.
For more information or to order tickets, contact William Hawthorne at 330-783-0661 or 330-720-0905 by July 21.
Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net
