By HELEN CRADDOCK

As a part of Columbia’s River Town Christmas festivities, enjoy traditional carols and homemade sweets at Cookies, Carols and Coffee, featuring local musician Bob Waters and vocalist Trudee Farley, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Friday, Dec. 2, from 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Bob Waters will play the hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, autoharp, old-time banjo and Cajun accordion for this event. His musical experience ranges from performing with the National Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, the Fairfax Symphony, the Annapolis Symphony and the Triangle Brass Band of Raleigh. Bob retired from the 440th Army National Guard Band in 2014, where he served as the leader of the Liberty Brass and provided musical support for military and civilian personnel across North Carolina.

Trudee Farley will be the featured soloist. She is choir director and assistant pianist at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, and is also a member of the Albemarle Chorale and has been guest soloist at regional concerts. Trudee retired from Tyrrell County Schools where she served as the choral director.

This event is free and open to the public. Drop by at any time to enjoy the music and fellowship of an old-fashioned Christmas. For more information, call 252-796-0723.