metropolis | april 2007

Written by Nicci Page
with Elizabeth Parsons

Earth Day is coming with a slue of free, fun, and educational events throughout the Grandin Village on Saturday, April 21, from 9 am to 8:30 pm. At the Natural Foods Co-op, listen to presentations and speak to experts from the Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition (RVCCC), the local organization in tackling the difficult problem of global warming through local actions, advocacy, and education. There will also be a kick-off of a local, organic seedling sale; and a talk with nutritionist Jeanie Redick about the fast-growing slow and organic foods movements (12 noon to 1 pm in the Co-op Community Room—space is limited, so sign up in advance by contacting info@roanokenaturalfoods.coop). In the Grandin Gardens, connect with local green groups as exhibitors will be on-hand to offer info and answer questions from 11:30 am to 4 pm. Then at 2:45, saunter down to the Grandin Theatre for a free showing of Kilowatt Ours, a 35-minute documentary about energy consumption in the southeast followed by a Q&A session. Live music gets underway at 4 pm and runs until 8 in the Virginia Heights Baptist Church Courtyard—booked so far are Steve Langston and Lawanda, Three Old Guys with Guitars, David Simpkins, The Aardvarks, and Curley Ennis. ~EP

Around this time of year parents are beginning to plot their own private Idaho. Ie: a summer week without the children, brought to you by way of summer camp. But really, the summer season brings the perfect opportunity for your child to pursue an outside hobby, interest, or passion; and for anyone whose kid may be interested in the culinary arts, check out the YCA. The Young Chefs Academy recently opened at Ridgewood Farms in Salem to bring the wide world of culinary pleasures to your gifted little chef. Teaching children the joy of cooking in a kid-friendly environment, students are encouraged to learn safety, etiquette, math, and science skills from the kitchen range. Weekly Chefs Club classes offer a selection of after-school and weekend classes for its members. Recipes covered each week vary and reflect the educational theme designated for that month. YCA offers Group classes too, hosting field trips, home school classes, playgroups and other special classes during weekday mornings. And then there are camps. It’s not too early to plan for Camp Can-I-Cook during the summer when the camp will take a road trip across the USA to create and sample foods from around the country (call for details). Camps run June 11 through August 17, and many workshops are also planned throughout the summer.
www.youngchefsacademy.com 540.389.Chef

The ante has been upped for area dog fanatics—for total pet pampering check out Klub Kanine on Apperson Drive in Salem. This unique business is every doggie’s dream as owners Chris and Sara Scott take their facility to the next level. The team has expanded their “klub” to specially cater to small breed canines. These two “dog spoiling specialists” have taken their motto “Posh. Pampered. Privileged” to heart with a state-of-the-art resort designed for dogs 25 pounds and under. “Four paw” amenities include: handcrafted studio suites and internationally crafted loft suites; “the Lounge” (play area) with a 46” flat screen television for your pup to enjoy as he or she socializes with friends; a customizable itinerary including exclusive pampering options like room service including (only) purified water, a special treat allowance, concierge/maid service, complimentary blankets, and dinnerware. Spa services include a Jacuzzi bathing tub with relaxing bubble bath, signature spa treatments with all natural aromatherapy shampoos and conditioners, deep penetrating body massages, and of course, heated towels, and bath robes. You might join your pet for a brief jaunt to the Klub Kanine boutique where your baby can browse through designer imported pet furniture (plush furniture designed with the smaller pup in mind); doggy couture specialty items; and gourmet, bite sized, all-natural treats. Wishing you were in the doghouse yet? Klub Kanine employees have even been trained in special certification programs catering to teacup and small-breed dogs. To ensure that your little one’s desires are fulfilled, visit this unique boutique Monday through Friday from 7 am to10 am or 4 pm to 7 pm; on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 p; or on Sundays from 1 pm to 2 pm. Tours are available Saturdays from 11am to1 pm.
www.klubkanine.com 540. 389. DOGS

Attend an unusual fundraising event on Saturday, April 28th from 6 pm to 9 pm as Roanoke Ballet Theatre holds its first annual event, A Nite at the Races. Over the course of this exciting evening, RBT will broadcast 6 horse races on the big screen where patrons can place wagers using “funny money” which will be given to each guest in attendance as part of the entrance ticket. Individual race winners will have the chance to cash their play dollars in for fabulous prizes. The evening will also include light cuisine and a cash bar for an anticipated 325 guests. Roanoke’s own Mayor Harris will emcee the event and Ballerinas will enhance the evening with short performances. Roanoke Ballet Theatre is Roanoke’s only non-profit school of dance, providing instruction in ballet, pointe, modern, tap, jazz, and specialty classes for all ages and skill levels. The troupe also maintains a performing company of professional and student members who tour throughout the year. The Theatre hopes to raise proceeds of at least $7,500 from the event, which will provide scholarship assistance to needy students as well as provide funds for the Roanoke Ballet Theatre’s operating budget. Call the theater or stay tuned to the website for ticket prices and event location.
www.roanokeballet.org 540.345.6099

With Spring comes the long-anticipated rebirth of festival season. It all kicks-off Saturday, April 21, at the 9th Annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival at Roanoke County’s Green Hill Park, sponsored by the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce. If the turn-out matches 2006, more than 9,500 kite-flying fans will be in attendance to see kites of every shape and size, performances by award winning Richmond Air Force Kite Club, a custom Kite Exhibit, food and craft vendors, championship kite flyers, quad line kites, a caricature artist, and Q99’s Q-Bear. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to this free event and lay back and watch the colors fly. Along with free t-shirts for the kids, the first 1000 children will receive a free kite (children must be accompanied by adults, first come first serve, while supplies last). Adults are encouraged to bring their own kites too, to join in the festive kite flight. The event will take place rain or shine, so be sure to bring an umbrella if it looks like rain.
www.s-rcchamber.org 540.387.0267

As Earth Day approaches, it’s time to consider what we can do to help the planet get healthy. A simple but crucial step is recycling our waste, and Roanoke City is here to help with its successful and user-friendly recycling program. Most residents know that a recycling pick-up service is available city-wide (just call the number below to sign up), but did you know the City of Roanoke will pick-up at many businesses—and throughout downtown—too? Recycling is a simple process without charge to you; call to order bins and a calendar (so when you’ll know when to put out plastic versus paper, for example). The planet is counting on it.
540.853.2000

Save the date! The Community School Strawberry Festival will take place May 4-5 in Downtown Roanoke’s Elmwood Park from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. The famed Strawberry Festival is a family event with live entertainment, arts and crafts, games and activities for children and, naturally, signature strawberry treats. Good luck finding a better shortcake on the planet; for a mere $5 it’s piled high in sweet berries and the best homemade biscuits, topped with fresh, cool whipped-cream. The festival is run entirely by parent and community volunteers, alumni, and Community School staff and every year is intertwined with the Virginia State Chili Cook-Off. The two events draw an estimated 55 thousand people to Roanoke’s downtown area every year. All proceeds from the Strawberry Festival go to benefit Community School, providing the Roanoke Valley with a proven program of child-centered, developmentally-driven education, so don’t feel too much guilt if your Spring diet suffers. Free parking is available in any of the municipal lots such as the tower parking garage.
www.communityschool.net 540.563.5036

The hardest choice to make all day on May 5 in Elmwood Park might be: dinner or dessert first? Don’t miss out on the 28th Annual Virginia State Championship Chili Cookoff on the Downtown Market at the Railside Amphitheatre from 10 am to 5 pm (but be sure to get there early if you want a taste of some of the competitor’s recipes.) The cookoff is a fun and filling event for the whole family, featuring more chili than you can shake a ladle at. It’s mad competition too, as chili chefs, cooks, and connoisseurs from across the nation compete for monetary prizes and the chance to go on as Virginia’s representative to the World Championship Chili Cook Off. In the midst of battle, festival goers can partake of chili and salsa tastings and judging, a children’s craft and entertainment area, live entertainment and music, a beer garden, and if you’re really brave, a jalapeño eating contest. Stay into the afternoon to enjoy the music of headlining band the Kings at around 3 pm while you wait to hear the winners, announced around 4:30. If you can’t make it early, chili-by-the-bowl is also sold as a fundraiser for Greenvale School and it’s a good thing, because the admission price ($4 per person, $3 in advance, children 10 and under free) benefits the school’s scholarship fund. Information on locations where you can purchase admission buttons will be announced on Q99-FM.
www.greenvale-school.org 540.342.4716

Celebrating its 14th season, the Hollins Repertory Dance Company will present Spring Dance 2007, a weekend of original works at Hollins University April 26, 27, and 28 at 8:15 pm. Each year the Spring Dance Works concert showcases the company’s senior projects along with the projects and talents of members of the Hollins Repertory Dance Company. Student members have garnered national attention on stages across the country including Kennedy Center, Grace Street Theater, and Aaron Davis Hall, to name a few. The evening highlights year-long senior projects which, in many cases, involve original choreography, dazzling digital media, and sound design. The concert has rightly earned a reputation as both imaginative and provocative, and is much anticipated throughout the valley’s community. Come see why: tickets are $7 for the general public, $5 for children and seniors.
www.hollinsdance.org 540.362.6230

The Red, White & Blues fundraiser by the Roanoke Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross is headed our way once again, Saturday, April 21, from 8 pm until midnight in the lobbies of the Performing Arts Theatre of the Roanoke Civic Center. It’s a bluesy blend of fabulous food, wines, music, and a silent auction. The organization invites guests and patrons to browse and sample gourmet appetizers and a tantalizing array of desserts and wines, from the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, and wineries. Look for folks and food from Awful Arthur’s, The Chocolate Spike, Cocoa Mill Chocolates, Flat Rock Grille, Fork in the Alley, Kroger Chefs, Martin’s, Michele’s on Main, Outback Steakhouse, Table 50, Teaberry’s, and Wasabi’s. Sip on the sumptuous wares of AmRhein Wine Cellars, Chateau Morrisette, Kluge Estate Winery, Lake Anna Winery, Prince Michel Vineyards, and Rockbridge, all while enjoying the hearty blues magic of Fat Daddy and the Jesse Ray Carter Band. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door and all proceeds will benefit the disaster relief work of the Red Cross in the Roanoke Valley. This event is fast-becoming a favorite among Roanoke traditions.
www.roanokevalleyredcross.org 540.985.3550

Fans of famed NPR humorist and best-selling author David Sedaris will be thrilled to hear this “rock-star” of modern lit is speaking at the Jefferson Center on April 11 at 7:30 pm, part of the venue’s ongoing Eclectica Series. Sedaris has penned several bestsellers including the hilarious and touching memoirs, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim; and can often be heard on the radio on “This American Life,” distributed nationally by Public Radio International. Sedaris has become a literary cult phenomenon and “may well be the closest thing the literary world has these days to a rock star,” according to New York Magazine. His speaking engagements are consistently standing-room-only and in 2001, Sedaris became the third recipient of the Thurber Prize for American Humor and was named by Time magazine “Humorist of the Year.” Several of his books, including the book his talk will feature, 2004’s Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, have hit #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list for Nonfiction. See what the buzz is all about—don’t miss this opportunity to experience Sedaris’ hilarity and quirky insight.
www.jeffcenter.org 540.345.2550

Come one and all art lovers to an evening of beauty to benefit a great cause as United Way Roanoke Valley presents April in Paris on April 26th at the Hotel Roanoke. This one-time only special event is sponsored by Norfolk Southern Corporation, and the evening was inspired by the generous gift of a local art collection from Johnson and Johnson, Inc. The collection includes local paintings, pottery, quilts, and photography and features regional artists including: Suzanna Applegate, Mary Boxley Bullington, Edward Bordett, Jack Cayton, Ann Glover, E. Antoinette Hale, Hailde Salam, Janet Shaffer, Harriet Stokes, Greg Osterhaus, Wendy Watkins, and many others. There will both silent and live auctions to bid on art, vacation packages, and other fabulous items in an atmosphere that evokes a Parisian street scene with “street performances” from Le Hotclub de Biglick, caricaturist Kyle Edgell, and juggler Chris Taibbi. Proceeds from the event will benefit the United Way Impact Fund, which supports more than 60 local health and human service programs operated by United Way’s 27 partner agencies. Tickets are $75 per person with tables of 10 at $1000 and doors open at 5:30 pm.
www.uwrv.org 540.777.4207

Photo credits (top to bottom):
Young Chefs courtesy of Young Chefs Academy
Klub Kanine photo by Grant Plaskon
Hollins Spring Dance photo by Richard Boyd of www.boydphotography.com
Red, White and Blues logo courtesy of American Red Cross
David Sedaris photo by Robert Banks, courtesy of The Jefferson Center

Posted: April 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.