Local talent as well as performers from afar will entertain at Fuquay-Varina’s 100th birthday party Oct. 10.

And a grand piano with a performing history of its own may vie with other stars for attention.

The piano, which once toured the southeastern United States with Herbie Hancock, is a seven-foot grand Bosendorfer supplied by Richard Ruggero of Ruggero Piano who will deliver it, set it up and tune it, according to Gala Chairman Russell Snipes.

The pianist who will perform at the keyboard on the night of the Gala—Oct. 10—is Ed Paolantonio. He and two other members of the Ed Paolantonio Jazz Trio, a bass player and a drummer, will provide music during a pre-dinner reception beginning at 5:15 p.m.

The Gala will be held at the former Watkins-Johnson building at the corner of NC 55 (Broad Street) and Old Powell Road.

Other entertainment will be provided by Michelle Braxton, vocalist, a Goldsboro native who has been a Fuquay-Varina resident for 12 years. Ms. Braxton began singing professionally when she was 14. She has over the years performed in New York, in the Caribbean, in New Orleans and many other venues.

“Every genre of music appeals to me,” she said in an interview, “everything from pops to classical.” She once shared the stage with Ben Vereen, better known as “Mr. Bojangles.”

Ms. Braxton has been involved with pageants over the years. She was runner-up in the Miss North Carolina competition in 1991 but is most proud of the fact she won the talent competition that year with her vocal presentation. She says she covered most of the cost of her college education (She is a Meredith College graduate) with Miss America Scholarship funds.

She served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the recent Miss North Carolina pageant.

Her pianist for the Gala entertainment will be Jimmy Aycock of Goldsboro, whom she describes as “a phenomenal pianist. He has performed all over the world,” she said.

Following dinner and the vocal entertainment, the popular Band of Oz will provide music for dancing until midnight.

The eight-member band was formed in 1967 as a part-time group, playing fraternity parties and high school proms. In 1977 the band went on the road full-time. Since then, the band has made a name for itself, playing the top clubs and corporate parties. The Band has produced several albums. The group plays 200 to 300 shows a year.

Fuquay-Varina native Chuck Ragsdale, now a performer in musicals in New York, was originally scheduled to make a guest appearance at the Gala; however, he was selected for a lead role in a touring company’s production of “101 Dalmatians” and so could not make the Gala.

Charlie Gaddy, news anchor with WRAL-TV for close tot 25 years before retirement and now popular emcee at local events, will serve as master of ceremonies.

For more information on the Centennial Gala, go to: www.F-VCentennialGala.com.