BY MARTHA HALL

Sometimes, there’s a lot of talent in a small town.

For Alexandria, there’s a lot of music talent. Alexandria is home to Bill and Gloria Gaither and the Gaither Family Resources. It’s also home to a new café that invites people in to good food and fun, inspirational music.

The Gaithers have become world renowned for their gospel music and their inspirational concerts and videos. They were named Songwriters of the Century in 2000 by the Association of Songwriters, Composers and Performers, based on song usage in the past century.

At Gaither Family Resources, one can browse the store filled with books, music and other goodies while enjoying a latte or other gourmet coffee.

But there’s another music center in Alexandria, which is a relative infant compared to the Gaithers. That is The Lighthouse Café, where the food is good and the music is usually Karaoke, but unlike a bar where you usually find Karaoke, it’s not dark and smoky! Instead, it’s light and welcoming.

Deanie Carroll and her sister Robin Love opened their café in October 2002, and according to Carroll, "the Lord has blessed us so much!"

Carroll explained that this dream began with the desire to create a place for people to eat. But it needed to be more than that.

"We wanted people to feel the light of fellowship and be able to leave here with a full belly and hope in their hearts," Carroll said, explaining that the lighthouse in the café’s name represents the light.

At The Lighthouse, people can also create their own music, with a long list of gospel, contemporary Christian and country music to Karaoke to. You never know who you’ll be listening to while you enjoy delicious sandwiches like a patty melt or a Manhattan. The soups there are wonderful, too. The café is now open for breakfast.

On Friday and Saturday nights, there are special guests who perform concerts. Deanie said sometimes it’s standing room only! Yes, I will be performing there soon!

The Lighthouse is located at the corner of Washington and Harrison streets, in an old historic building that invites people in. I stopped by there not too long ago and sang a few songs for fun. There’s a stage on one end of the eating area, with a scenic backdrop of an ocean scene.

If you have some time during spring break and want to have a great lunch, where you and your kids can sing Karaoke without being in a smoky bar, stop by The Lighthouse. Tell Deanie I sent you!