metropolis | february 2007

Written by Nicci Page

Best in Show images courtesy of The Market Gallery.

Escape the city for a short trip to Berryville to indulge in sensual chocolate decadence. Enjoy the quiet elegance of Veramar Vineyard’s 100-acre private estate in the heart of Virginia’s hunt country at the Annual Valentine’s Weekend at Veramar Celebration February 10 and 11. The $15 ticket includes a decadent chocolate fountain and kisses, music, wine tasting, and souvenir glass. Vineyard hours are 11 am to 5 pm and music begins at 1 pm. Space is limited for this popular event, so reservations are suggested. If you’ve got other plans for V-day, consider visiting Veramar for their Wining About Soup party February 17 and 18. Come take the chill off in front of the fireplace with a steaming cup of soup and a silky glass of wine. $14.50 per person includes wine tastings, soup, a glass of wine, and souvenir glass. February 24, the vineyard hosts a Veramar Wine and Gourmet Cheese Tasting—a guided presentation of gourmet cheeses paired with Veramar wines. $25 per person includes a wine and cheese tasting and souvenir glass. All guided tastings begin at 6 pm.

http://www.veramar.com                  540.955.5510

Roanoke awaits singer/songwriter/guitarist John Mayer, who will perform at the Roanoke Civic Center Wednesday, February 7, at 7:30 pm with special guest Soulive. Mayer is touring the U.S. in support of his third studio album, Continuum, released September 2006 on Aware/Columbia Records. The Grammy-winning artist received critical praise for Continuum, his first album as producer, which debuted at the top of the charts and features the popular hit single, “Waiting on the World to Change.” According to the artist’s website, www.johnmayer.com, “the collection is Mayer’s most soulful, cohesive collection yet and he says it’s no accident that this project is where all of his efforts, potential, and his disparate influences fully come together.” Opening for Mayer is funk-jazz band Soulive, a group with a reputation for hard, funky beats and heavy bass. Since signing with Blue Note Records, Soulive has toured with such legends as the Rolling Stones, the Roots, India.Arie, the Dave Matthews Band, and has recorded two highly acclaimed studio albums. Reserved seats are $45 a pop and tickets are available online or at the Roanoke Civic Center ticket office.

http://www.tickets.com           http://www.roanokeciviccenter.com                 888.397.3100

“That Film and Coffee Thing” monthly film series at the Art Museum of Western Virginia features the Australian film Rabbit Proof Fence on Friday, February 2. “That Film and Coffee Thing” event at the Art Museum is for teens and young adults; films featured will be of the off-beat/independent, documentary, or quality-animated variety and relate to the exhibition on view—keep an eye on the website for other upcoming features. This is an opportunity for kids to lounge around, talk art with like minds, and catch a flick they can’t see anywhere else in town. February’s offering, Rabbit Proof Fence, is a true story about Molly Craig, a young Aboriginal Australian girl who leads her younger sister and cousin in an escape from a government camp, which was set up as part of a now-defunct policy to train Aborigines as domestic workers for white society. With grit and determination, Molly guides her sister on an epic journey, just one step ahead of the authorities, over 1,500 miles of Australia’s treacherous outback in search of the rabbit-proof fence that bisects the continent and will lead them home. Doors to the first floor of the museum in Center in the Square open at 5:30 pm, and the film begins at 6 pm. Admission is free, concessions will be available for purchase, and adults can attend, too—if their teen will “escort” them.

http://www.artmuseumroanoke.org    540.342.5760

The Hotel Roanoke will offer a Cooking Up Romance for Valentine’s Day special weekend package with cooking school and wine tasting for couples looking to “spice up” their relationships. Executive Chef Billie Raper is teaming up with Chateau Morrisette winery to create a memorable weekend that includes a four-hour cooking class, wine tasting, exquisite meals, luxurious accommodations, and unique amenities. The inaugural “Cooking Couples” class, on February 10–11, is designed to teach husbands and wives how to work as a team to prepare a fabulous five-course affair for entertaining eight to twelve guests. Chef Raper and associates will instruct participants about pre-planning, grocery shopping, preparation techniques, insider tricks and shortcuts, finishing work and plate presentations. Each couple will have their own work station, a complete spread of ingredients, and all the cooking tools and supplies they’ll need. “Cooking is a wonderful activity allowing couples to relax, renew their bond, and work as a team toward a common goal,” Raper says. “This is one weekend where couples can get away, enjoy each other, and share their passion for fine food and wine.” The package, priced at $579 per couple, includes: deluxe guest room, wine tasting for two, dinner for two, buffet breakfast for two, four-hour cooking school, a Valentine’s welcome, cooking school recipes, and a monogrammed Hotel Roanoke apron. The class is limited to 20 participants so advance reservations and pre-payment are required.

http://www.hotelroanoke.com            http://www.thedogs.com        540.853.8256

On Thursday, February 22, 7:30 pm to 10 pm, Martinsville High School will host a performance that has become a national phenomenon, Step Afrika. The show celebrates stepping, an art form born at African-American fraternities and based on African traditions. As the first professional company dedicated to stepping, Step Afrika’s intricate kicks, stomps, and rhythms mixed with spoken word pound the floor and fill the air with heart-racing excitement. The performance mixes the power of stepping with universal lessons in teamwork, discipline, and commitment. And  Step Afrika indeed steps out—across the country and around the world: from the school auditorium to the college campus to the major theater, the annual tour of more than 150 shows travels to 50 cities and foreign countries, reaching over 50,000 people. The event is sponsored by Piedmont Arts Association; admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students.

www.stepafrica.com     www.piedmontarts.org      276.632.6401

What’s the latest with Studios on the Square on West Campbell Ave? “There have been rumors that we’re closing,” says resident artist Zephren Turner, “and that’s completely not true.” In fact, Studios—along with next door neighbor Zak’s, a local favorite restaurant/deli—are working together to shake up the downtown art-dining-nightlife scene. This month, renovations begin on the bottom floor of Studios’ historic building; Zak’s will expand and take over that floor while the Studios’ gallery moves temporarily upstairs. Why all the shifting around?  Studios is revamping its Kirk Avenue storefront—previously the back end of the building—so that half of the Kirk Ave side will house a frame shop/studio and the other half will house the gallery.  The expanded Zak’s will also show work from Studios’ talented artists, so that art lovers with the munchies can enjoy the best of both. Folks can also access the gallery and artist studios through Zak’s dining room.  “[Owner] Richard Kurshan wanted to reorganize the focus of Studios, to change things up,” says Page Turner, also a Studios artist.   “The partnership with Zak’s will extend the nightlife part of gallery, so that people can come in, view the art, grab bite to eat, and enjoy a drink at Zak’s.” There’s even talk of a martini bar—we at City are crossing our fingers. This hip new pairing should be completed by March or April; in the meantime it’s business as usual at Studios, in spite of the sawdust. Stop by for Art by Night on February 1 (and every first Thursday of the month), and check out the website for more. The renovations are just one piece of a changing picture; “We’re trying to inspire next generation of art supporters, patrons, and artists—we want to give the Roanoke art scene a shot in the arm,” continues Page. “We want to make the gallery less intimidating… For people to say, ‘What do you want to do tonight? How about drinks and art at Studios?’” We like the sound of that!

http://www.studiosonthesquare.com            540.345.4076              540.343.6900 (Zak’s)

Come see what the talk (or cult, really) is about March 8 and 9 as the Jefferson Center presents Menopause the Musical. Join four women at a Bloomingdale’s lingerie sale with little in common but a black lace bra, hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss, chocolate binges, not enough sex, too much sex, and more. A joyful parody of 25 re-lyricized classic baby boomer hits, the 90-minute show features such chart-toppers as “I Heard It Thru the Grapevine; You No Longer See 39” and the disco favorite “Stayin’ Awake! Stayin’ Awake!”  Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, writer/producer Jeanie Linders created the show as a celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or are survivors of “the Change.” Since its first performance, the show has evolved as a “grassroots” movement of women who deal with life after 40, and all the challenges that result in the mental, physical, and spiritual freedom of more than 38 million post WWII baby boomer females. Menopause the Musical has evolved into a women’s movement that targets the interests, needs, and sensibilities of women over 40 through a free magazine, an art show, and a nonprofit charity, the Entertainment to Empowerment Foundation, which is underwritten by sales from the show’s product and souvenir line.  Come early for a Chefs’ Culinary Delights reception where Kroger wine stewards will entice your palate with a variety of wines and signature dishes prepared by the store’s expert chefs. The event includes two drinks and ticket prices vary.

www.jeffcenter.org                  540.345.2550

Come visit the new exhibit at the Harrison Museum, and stay around for some great jazz. With a nod to Black History month, the special exhibit “African-Americans of Achievement in the Roanoke Valley” runs from January 21 through April 15; the museum is also currently booking acts to bring back Thursday Night Live Jazz Nights throughout February and March. These jazz evenings have included past performances by the William Penn Trio, James Wise, Bernard Hairston and Friends, Allen Watson, and Kelly Gravely. A beer and wine cash bar will be available. The Harrison Museum of African-American Culture is an educational and cultural institution committed to promoting, showcasing, and celebrating the art and history of African-Americans for Roanoke Valley citizens and visitors. Thursday Night Jazz is sponsored by Hamlar & Curtis Funeral Home and a $5 donation at the door benefits the museum, and your eardrums.

http://www.harrisonmuseum.com                   540.345.4818

The Wintergreen Adaptive Skiing program will present the 12th Annual Vince Fiore Memorial Mardi Gras Celebration on March 3, at Wintergreen Resort. Attendees can enjoy a gumbo luncheon, a grand masquerade ball, a Cajun dinner, slope side Dixieland music, costumed snow tubing races, the crowning of a King and Queen, and synchronized skiing. This annual celebration is the major fundraiser for purchasing and repairing adaptive ski equipment, instructor training, and overall administration of the Wintergreen Adaptive Ski program. “As far as we know,” says Director of Development Tom Brown, “this fundraiser is absolutely unique in that it has snow-based events all day and an evening dinner/dance…it’s a very fun and truly different event…there is nothing else like it.” For more information, tickets, or to donate or get involved with WAS, contact Wintergreen Adaptive Ski. Tickets range from full day of snow activities with dinner/dance for $125; to non-skiers dinner/dance for $50 per person; to just the dance for $25—those monies go towards the general funds for WAS and to fund scholarships.

http://www.skiwas.org           http://www.wintergreenresort.com         434.325.2007          800.266.2444

Just a short road trip will reap holiday delights as Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery offers Wine, Chocolate, Roses, and Mancini… Enjoy wines, bouquets, and those rich handcrafted delights to sample and purchase for Valentine’s Day. For the right ambiance, there will be lots of Henry Mancini (and other romantic swooners) filling the air with heart-melting tunes. The $5 entry fee includes wine glass, tasting, a red rose, and a chocolate truffle. The event goes from 11 am to 5:30 pm on February 10 and 11. Family owned and operated, Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery lies in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge, in the shadow of Afton Mountain. Years ago, while stationed in the small city of Bad Kreuznach, Germany on the banks of the Nahe River, Paul and Ruth Gorman discovered a passion for the Riesling wines that were crafted with care in the little vineyards surrounding the town. It was then and there that they decided to add their own vineyard to their retirement plans. The Gormans invite you to come and visit them in the tasting room, take a tour of the winery, and see the vineyards that produce their tasty wines.

http://www.cardinalpointwinery.com              540.456.8400          800. 282.8223

Getting us in the mood for St. Patty’s Day in March, dazzling Irish fiddler Liz Carroll and Irish guitar virtuoso John Doyle join forces for a performance at Blacksburg’s Lyric Theatre on Saturday, February 17, 8 pm. Separately, the two are masters of their instruments, musicians known for taking traditional Irish music in daring new directions; together, the two have combined their talents into several live stage shows and recordings, including their first as a duet, released in 2005 on Compass Records. Chicago-born Carroll is renowned for fiery, emotive performances; she was awarded a Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts for her ongoing influence on Irish music stateside. Doyle is a native, among the most talented artists to come out of Ireland in recent years. He’s accompanied many top Irish artists and played on such film and TV soundtracks as The Brothers McMullen and Out of Ireland. To hear samples of their infectious music, visit the websites below; to order tickets to the show, call the Lyric’s box office or visit the website. Seats are just $12 and up.

540.951.4771         www.thelyric.com           www.johndoylemusic.com         www.lizcarroll.com

Love animals? If so, check out the Market Gallery’s upcoming Best in Show. Part contest, part fundraiser, part community art project, Best in Show is a spirited collaboration between the Roanoke Valley SPCA, the gallery, and local animal loving artists. Last year, folks of varying experience and age—as young as 8, as young-at-heart as eighty—purchased 12” x 12” panels upon which they drew, painted, collaged, even sculpted images in honor of a furry friend. The works were then submitted to the gallery and combined into a giant, grid-like wall piece.  This year follows suit; the colorful collaboration will be unveiled on Friday, February 2 at a special opening reception with munchies, music, and merriment from 7 to 9 pm. From the hundreds of submissions, one will be chosen to grace the cover of the SPCA’s beloved fundraising calendar (last year’s winner was a piece by Ann Glover). The calendar features photos of Southwest Virginians and their four-legged companions, and proceeds go to the SPCA. The 2007 Best in Show will be on display until the end of February, and works will be for sale with proceeds going to the organization. So trot on down to the Market Gallery during February; it’s located at 23 Salem Avenue in downtown Roanoke, on the corner of Salem and Wall.

540.342.1177

Posted: February 1st, 2007 under Performing Arts.
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~Nicci Ray is a freelance writer whose interests lie in arts, entertainment, fiction and fine cuisine. A Roanoke resident by birth, she has worked with such publications as The Roanoke Times & World News, Artbeat Magazine, Radford News Journal, Christiansburg Messenger, NRV News, and In the Loop Magazine of The Tampa Tribune. She holds a degree in Print Journalism from Radford University. Nicci can be contacted in care of City Magazine at 540.345.6300 or contact@citymagazineonline.com.