The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-11-15

Shelbyvflle of her daughter Mrs. Frier- son, who entertained Thursday in her honor. The Shelbyville Gazette of recent date makes the following comments:
 Mrs. Albert Frierson entertained at cards on Thurdsay afternoon in honor of her mother, Mrs. James A. Woods of Birmingham, who is on a visit to her old home, where she is so much admired i and beloved by large circle of friends It was a very handsome affair, the house being beautifully decorated with gift flowers. The drawing room was specially lovely in carnations, which only enhanced the beauty of the exquisite pictures on the walls, which had been painted by Mrs. Woods herself, who is most artistic in water colors and china painting In other rooms quantities of white and yell low chrysanthemums were used decora- lively and the large hall in it's color scheme of green accentuated by potted fern made a pleasing background for the lovely gowns of the still more lovely women who graced the occasion by their beauty and charm.
 Mrs. Woods was very handsome in a stylish princess gown of white lace and Mrs. Frierson, the gracious hostess, was in pale pink
 An elegant collation was served and the guests dispersed after spending d most delightful afternoon"
 The visit of MT Dare Hickman, who spent several days in Birmingham this week. recalls the fact that the boyhood days of the young singer were spent in Birmingham His relatives were pioneer Jefferson county folks and Birmingham, which was his birthplace, has reason to be proud of him.
 Mir. Hickman was well known in mus ical circles here several years ago. His voice was regarded as one of rare prom ise It was truly one of unusual sweet ness and power. He worked for short while with Mrs. Marie Kern-Mullen, mak- ing admirable progress, but later pursued his studies in Washington, D. C., with Oscar Garrisen. He has lived in Chicago for the past three years and news of his excellent progress has been learned through Birmingham visitors to that city. His studio in the Fine Arts building, Chi cago, is a familiar spot to music students and the little groups of friends from the south who have gathered there from time to time to hear him sing. MT. Hickmans voice was commented upon very pleas antly by gentleman who spent several weeks in Chicago recently. Tt was at service in the First Presbyterian church" he said, that I heard Dare Hickman
 
 was an unexpected privilege. During the rendition of a superb chorus number by the choir I was struck by the sweetness of a tenor voice, and it charmed me throughout the music service I did not know until afterward that it was that of Birmingham boy. I had heard his voice at home year or two before, but there has been decided development. Its vol tune has greatly increased. I am told that the young man has great ambition. Whether his voice has the clements of greatness I am not prepared to say, since I am not critic. but that it is a won derfully beautiful voice is certainly true. !" MT. Hickman has sung in the First Pres byterian church, Chicago, for some time. Members of the congregation of the Cum berland church, this city, will recall his solo work in that choir.
 In January Mir. Hickman will go abroad, all preparations being made to remain two years He will study with M Trochovski, a Polish singer of note. He will join his teacher in Dresden and work there during the winter. He is exceed ingly fortunate in securing the services of such an artist MT. Hickman will be one of four pupils. MT. Trochovski will remain in Dresden until spring, when he will 20 to Paris, where he has engage ments to sing in grand opera, later going to Milan and other points, Mir. Hickman accompanying him as his pupil
 MT. Hickman sang several groups or songs Thursday evening at an informal musicale given in his honor by MT. ana Mrs. ". J. Adams. There were num- Der of musicians present, several of whom sang with him during his residence here. He completely captivated his auditors by his exquisite interpretation Of each num- ~.4<~ ~F..1 lad r.EA- gramme It was remarked by one of the musicians present that his temperament is superb. There were the most exquisite classic compositions in his repertoire, and several charming little ballads as well. His German pronunciation in a group of Schubert numbers was notably excel lent Of an altogether different type was "A Garden Romaiice,'' which he sang Charmingly. Some old English songs and several McDowell compositions were de- lightful 'Home Is Where the Heart Is" sung impromptu with the singers own improvised accompaniment just before the departure of the guests, was surprisingly lovely. in the depth of sweetness and svmnathy which entered into his interpre- tation.
 The little group of suests who gathered to meet Mir Hickman included some of the most charming musicians in Birming- ham. Miss Sara Mallam, who has studied in Chicago for the past two years, sang several beautiful selections, and Miss Lena Jackson's lovely voice was also heard in solo.
 MT. Hickman has many friends in Bir- mingham who are interested in his future and will watch his career with every ex- pectation that he will win the high place in the world of music which is the goal that he has in view.
 The coming of Frank Croxton next Thursday afternoon to Cable hall under the auspices of the Music Study club is a matter of immediate moment In musical circles. The cultured and fash ionable sets are giving it their most enthusiastic consideration and it prom ises to be one of the notably smart af- fairs of the winter. The matinee recital is an innovation in Birmingham and one that promises to be signally popular Fashionable women in their smartest gowns driving down at S:30 will make of the function one of rare picturesdueness. Among those whom the occasion will probably assemble will be Mrs. Houston Johnston. Mrs. W. s. Lowell, Mrs. Tru- man Aldrich, Jr., Mrs. Frank Lathrop, Mrs. Caldwell Bradshaw, Mrs. N. B. Feagin, Mrs. Edmund Rucker, Jr., Mrs William Mudd Jordan Mrs Flournoy Rivers, Mrs. Richard Johnston, Mrs. R. s. Munger, Mrs w. J. Adams. Mrs William Gussen, Mrs. Hammond Brown, Mrs. Motion Smith, Mrs. Charles Sharp