Welcome Back Wally Jones June 12 in Gallupville

GALLUPVILLE — Friday, June 12 at 6:30 will see the fourth annual Welcome Home Wally Jones Concert & Strawberry Fest at the Gallupville United Methodist Church on Factory Street. Wally Jones will be returning to his childhood hometown for a concert in Gallupville joined by violinist Michelle Cenci. 

Cenci is the mother of three children and a former teacher. Jones said that Cenci is an exceptional player and a “virtuoso” who “plays circles around me.” Cenci will be joining Jones in playing for residents at the Teresian House Center for the Elderly in June. She plays for the Delmar Symphony Orchestra and also plays the viola.

Jones said that he had “mixed feelings” because he left Gallupville in his 20s and is now 84. The church retained the same character over the last 60 years, he said.

“I’m playing in a town where I was young,” he said. He used to ride around with a bicycle with a flat tire. Those who were young people with him are now older and he has a chance to reunite with people he hasn’t seen in a long time.

“Memories and missing people,” has been a bittersweet experience.

Last year he cited his Sunday School Teacher Helen Funk, who attended his concert at 99 in poor health from her nursing home to say hello. She passed away a month later.

The concert will be followed by the Strawberry Fest, which will be hosted by the church. There will be fresh local strawberries, homemade shortcake, and ice cream. Admission is free and donations will be gratefully accepted for the Gallupville House Association and the United Methodist Church.