metropolis | may 2007

Written by Nicci Page and Elizabeth Parsons

a special moment in history
American history buffs need to make their way to Jamestown in May as the Jamestown Settlement celebrates America’s 400th Anniversary. This 18-month long series of festivities will culminate with a re-enactment of the settlers’ first landing at Virginia Beach’s Cape Henry—then continue to Hampton, Newport News, Claremont/Surry, and Jamestown on the weekend of May 11−13, America’s Anniversary Weekend. The weekend starts in Anniversary Park in Historic Jamestown and will continue as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, play separately and then combine—for the first time ever—to premier new works by John Corigliano, John Duffy, Adolphus Hailstork, and Jennifer Higdon written especially for the commemoration. The party flows into Saturday, May 12 with a performance by three-time Grammy winner Bruce Hornsby & The Noise Makers and an evening of rock, R&B, and progressive bluegrass. Hornsby will be joined by legendary funk and R&B artist Chaka Khan, as well as progressive bluegrass master Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder. Their performances cap “400 Minutes of Music,” an afternoon-long program featuring contemporary rock infused with Native American musical traditions from Brule; a mix of folk, world, blues and soul music from South African artist Vusi Mahlasela; folk roots music from Michael Seeger; poetic urban folk from Jen Chapin; and alternative country from Scott Miller & the Commonwealth. And then on Sunday, May 13 the festivities conclude with the performance of a 400-piece orchestra and a 1,607-voice choir created especially for the commemoration and with members from throughout the United States. A fireworks finale caps it all off.  
www.jamestown2007.org

a fitting toast for your favorite lady
It’s everyone’s burning question come the arrival of May: how to honor mom’s years of selfless sacrifice and unconditional love on Mother’s Day? Here’s a hint: roses are great but the woman gave BIRTH to you for God’s sake—you can do better about that. How about whisking her away to the dazzling emerald scenery of the Blue Bridge Mountains for Mother’s Day Weekend at Amrheins Winery, May 12 and 13? She’ll be impressed by your class and creativity as you both enjoy a complimentary tour of the vineyards, while sampling complimentary wine. As the afternoon wares on, and mom washes down her seventh or eighth tasting (while munching on light hors d’oeuvres and swaying to the sounds of sweet live music), she might even reveal to you that indeed, you were always the favorite child, and perhaps it’s time to write your annoying younger brother out of the will after all. Or maybe not. Either way, any mother’s heart is sure to melt when experiencing the stunning, rural setting and award-winning wines offered by Amrheins. She’ll even receive a souvenir glass to commemorate the occasion, and moms-only discounts on wines. Admission is free from 12 noon to 5 pm, so save the $50 you would have spent on dinner for some stellar bottles of wine (and maybe some roses, too).  ~EP
www.roanokewine.com   540.929.4632

a new twist on fund-raising
Twist and Turns’ owner Cynthia Gardner will sponsor a second annual week-long benefit in her store May 1−5, in an effort to sustain a sound financial future for Mill Mountain Theatre. The benefit will take place at the Twist and Turns shop in downtown Roanoke on the corner of Campbell Avenue and Williamson Road. During the event, local businesses will present different demonstrations at the shop that will include cooking, floral arranging, interior design, and massage. Demonstrations are free and open to the public but H & C coffee, Dr. Pepper, and Mill Mountain Theatre buttons will be on sale, and Ms. Gardner will donate 20% of her sales from that week to Mill Mountain Theatre. Local and downtown businesses have stepped forward to help out during the week and show their support for the beloved theater. “This event is so great for the theater and really helps to promote all of Downtown Roanoke
It’s an opportunity to highlight downtown businesses and illustrate that everyone needs each other to survive,”  says the theater’s Development Director, Shelley Lyons. Starting Tuesday, May 1 at 10 am, the benefit will kick off with an opening ceremony that will lead into the first series of demonstrations. There will also be chances to win various door prizes donated by: Frank L. Moose, Barksdale Vision Center, Graphics Etc. Framing and Gallery, Varsity Landscaping and Grounds, The Gem Gallery, 310 Rosemont, Corned Beef and Company, Frankie Rowland’s Steakhouse, K & B Carriage and Entertainment, Inc. 
540.224.1255

are you a triathlete?
As a unique leg of the Commonwealth Games of Virginia produced by Virginia Amateur Sports, Inc. (a non-profit corporation located in Roanoke), the 10th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon will be held May 5, beginning at 9 am at Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Huddleston. The Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia is an Olympic-style amateur sports festival for male and female athletes of all ages and abilities and the Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon will qualify the top 33% or Top 5 (whichever is greater) in each age group for age group nationals. The games are sanctioned by the national governing body for State Games, the National Congress of State Games, the NCAA, the VHSL, and recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee as a State Games Participant. This will be one of the first chances for Mid-Atlantic Region athletes to qualify for age group nationals. The Triathlon will consist of a 750-meter swim, 20K bike, and 5K run. Both individuals and relay teams may compete (teams should be comprised of 1 swimmer, 1 biker, and 1 runner to compete in the male, female and mixed categories). VAS strives to provide a sporting event for everyone in the family as well as a measurement of one’s success in accomplishing personal fitness and wellness goals. So, even if you’re not that into sweating through the events personally, come out and cheer on some of Virginia’s most dedicated athletes. And YES, you may sign up on game day.
www.commonwealthgames.org

 

 

virginia legend heads home
We’ve long known that the rolling mountains and hills of Virginia gave birth to some of the world’s finest musicians, and your chance to experience this phenomenon comes May 18th at 8 pm at the Salem Civic Center when Tony Rice and Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas take to the stage. Tony Rice, a Danville native, boasts a repertoire that spans an acoustic spectrum, from straight-ahead bluegrass to jazz-influenced new acoustic music, to songwriter-oriented folk. Widely recognized as “the greatest innovator in acoustic flatpicked guitar since Clarence White,” over the years, Rice has played alongside J.D. Crowe and the New South, David Grisman, plus led his own groups and collaborated with the likes of the legendary picker Norman Blake. And Ms. Krauss’ career is impressive in its own right. As a precocious 14-year-old violinist from Illinois, Krauss was signed to Rounder Records and has in more than two decades, become the most recognized face in contemporary bluegrass. She continues to honor her influences—like Rice—and has promoted hot newbies such as the Cox Family and Nickel Creek. The musician reached a 20-Grammy milestone in 2005 when her last album, Lonely Runs Both Ways, was named Best Country Album. If you’re not sure if you’ve heard Krauss before, think the recent hit movies Cold Mountain and O Brother, Where Art Thou?—for the innovative player was featured on both of the soundtracks. To experience this extraordinary collaboration of bluegrass talent, grab tickets while they last
 ~EP
www.ticketmaster.com

 

 

community, art, and you
Showtimers Community Theatre has been around since the 1950s, yet it remains one of the Valley’s best kept creative secrets. A-not-for-profit community theater serving the greater Roanoke Area, Showtimers is completely volunteer-run—from the sound and set design to the directors to the actors on stage.   “No previous experience is required,” says David Colatosti, a board member and frequent director, and “all are welcome. We definitely attract a diverse group—you’d be surprised [by] how many closet theater folks are around,” he adds. Audition times are posted on the website, as the theater is always looking for new faces, as well as patrons who are interested in supporting community art through donations and membership. Located at 2067 McVitty Road, Showtimers has productions year round. Check out one of the many upcoming plays—top on our list is Arsenic and Old Lace, playing May 30 through June 10. Set in 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, in this stage classic, Mortimer Brewster, a New York critic of both drama and marriage, is finally getting hitched to the girl next door. Mortimer stops in to deliver the news to his aunts, Abby and Martha Brewster—only to discover that his dear old aunties have a dozen bodies buried in the basement. It seems that the Brewster sisters have a new hobby—luring lonely old men into their home and serving them up with their own special recipe. As more crazy characters arrive on the scene, Mortimer frantically attempts to deal with dead bodies, insane asylum directors, attempted murders, and a new bride all in one zany evening. Other upcoming productions include Little Shop of Horrors (July 19-August 5), and Of Mice and Men (September 26-October 7). People with a “love and interest in performing arts” are encouraged to attend a Showtimers production, or even better—participate! ~EP
540.774.2660      877.336.9294        www.showtimers.org

sophistication at your service
Retired pro-wrestler Patrick Helvey started Executive Town Cars and Limousine Service in January 1998, a company that has since blossomed to become one of the most successful transportation operations in the area. It all comes down to impeccable service, according to Helvey and the customers he serves, and he’s got the awards to prove it (like Limo Digest’s 2000 Small Operator of the Year Award; the TAP Business S.E.E.D. Program Entrepreneur of the Year in 2001; not to mention nominations by the Chamber of Commerce for Small Business of the Year in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005). In celebration of his ninth anniversary, Helvey has just purchased a truly drool-worthy limo: the Mercedes Sprinter limousine, a sexy, innovative ride that is “something totally new to the Roanoke Valley,” seating up to 12 serious partygoers. It offers the works: DVD player, state-of-the-art sound system, plug-ins for camcorder and/or X-Box, and of course, a mini-bar. “One great feature of this limo is that you can stand up as you move to your seat, you don’t have to squat and crawl,” says the entrepreneur. “It’s the ultimate party bus.” Friendly, uniformed chauffeurs also operate the company’s regular stretch limos, vans, and shuttles for group transportation, and black Town Cars, which are used by entertainers, VIPs, and anyone who enjoys comfortable, sophisticated transportation.  City wishes this thriving area business continued success (and even more great parties!) in approaching its 10th year of service. ~EP
888.854.1998    www.etclimo.com

2007 sidewalk art show
Now in its 49th year, it goes without saying that the Art Museum of Western Virginia’s Sidewalk Art Show is a Roanoke institution—and this year, coinciding with the museum’s magnificent transformation, the show has a bright new face, too. New to 2007, the Sidewalk Art Show on June 2nd and 3rd will be juried, and the process for entering work made more selective. The idea is to emphasize quality fine art, and to enhance the profile of the show overall. Organizers have brought in Ted Batt, exhibitions curator of Lynchburg’s Academy of Fine Arts, to work with a seasoned committee to select works and to judge. Like the show-stopping new home of the museum currently under construction, “We want to make [Sidewalk Art Show] a major draw for tourists throughout the Southeast, and artists, too,” says Georgeanne Bingham, the museum’s director. “It’s one way we’re showing our support for local and regional artists, who are very important to us,” she adds. Each year the Sidewalk Art Show attracts over 10,000 visitors to downtown Roanoke and features nearly 200 artists from across the country. All proceeds benefit the Art Museum’s education and outreach programs. ~EP
www.artmuseumroanoke.org    540.342.5760

signs of summer
And so begins another glorious summer of fun and music as Party in the Park kicks off on Thursday, May 31 in Elmwood Park with Chairmen of the Board. And don’t miss out, because this band has long been a staple of the beach music scene. Starting out as the lead singer of the Showmen in the spring of 1966, General Johnson began down the long road to success. Soon the Showmen were brewing hits such as “39-21-46” and “It Will Stand.” Seeking a bigger scene, the General went north and, in 1968, began his career in Detroit with Chairmen of the Board. The band enjoyed international success soon thereafter. Following some record label disagreements, Chairmen of the Board moved down to the Carolinas in 1974 to independently perform the songs they love. Party in the Park will continue with an evening concert each Thursday throughout the summer from 5:30 to 8:30 pm through September 6. Some of the great bands on events calendar include the Embers, the Tams, Band of Oz, and more. For a complete summer listing visit the EventZone website, listed below. Admission for each show is $6 at the gate, or buy an “Any-10” Ticket for $45.00. Children under 12 are free.
www.eventzone.org

from tuscany to tunisia in a day
It’s time for one of City’s favorite festivals as Roanoke’s premiere multi-cultural program celebrates it’s 17th year on Saturday, May 19 at the Local Colors Festival in Elmwood Park. Local Colors is a world renowned program that recognizes and embraces people of diverse origins and races; it works with schools, communities, businesses, and civic organizations to promote diversity and multi-cultural understanding. The organization’s annual efforts culminate in a festival so cool that the Library of Congress has dubbed it an “Outstanding Event”. The festival day begins at 10 am with a parade of nations and this year is expected to draw a crowd of 25,000 to 30,000 with entertainment, displays, activities, and food from more than 80 cultures and countries. There will be non-stop entertainment by Roanokers hailing from these various backgrounds; a native attire fashion show at 3 pm; a “Haiti Flag Day” performance; a return of last year’s popular Lithuanian and Polish dancers; a Native American Village; a Norwegian Viking ship, longhouse, and dual; the Italian game of Bacci ball and other sports; and delicious authentic food. The kids can wile the day away with their own international passports—to be stamped by all the countries while they learn about each one (special events for kids are planned and held on the area in front of the Roanoke Regional Library). The adults may want to hobnob with emcees of the event: WDBJ 7’s Robin Reed, “Survivor” star Cao Boi, Miss Roanoke Valley, or one of the many local and foreign dignitaries who are certain to appear. Governor Kaine may even turn up. “Countries” will be selling food, crafts, and drinks from their native lands and dancers and musicians will entertain on the main stage. It’s a trip around the world without leaving the Park.
www.localcolors.org    540.904.2234

 

 

where the grass is bluer

Visit Rocky Mount May 9-12 to hear some excellent bluegrass music as it should be heard—out in the woods, around a campfire in the mountains. Welcome to Tripple Creek Music Campground’s 27th Annual Festival in the Pines. The festival takes place the second weekend in May every year, now going strong for 27 years. A Bluegrass Showcase & Barn Dance will start the show off with a bang on May 9, and for the next few days, be prepared  to experience some of today’s hottest bluegrass acts. Some featured musicians include: the Larry Stephenson Band, Randy Waller & the Country Gentlemen, the James King Band, In the Tradition, Marcie Horn & Next Step, Mountain Music String Band, Wayne T. Holt Band, the Midnight Ramblers and dozens more. Tripple Creek Campground began this bluegrass tradition 27 years ago under the direction of Sterling Belcher, a Rocky Mount native. The Campground was constructed around 1980 but both town and county officials offered up a great deal of adversity, based on their experiences with other outdoor music festivals. With the support of family members and friends, though, the Belchers were able to negotiate what they thought would be a workable ordinance with officials and the first festival became a reality in 1982. First dubbed “the Lost & Found Homecoming,” after two years of controversy over police barricades, loss of directional signs, and the loss of several thousands of dollars, it was suggested to Belcher to appeal to the Attorney General—finally, county officials eased up and festival has continued for nine more years. In 1998, Sterling’s daughter, Dreama Belcher Stephenson, with her expertise and local support, took the festival to the expanse enjoyed today. In 2005 Sterling Belcher was presented the “Key to the Town” by the Mayor of Rocky Mount as a token of appreciation for his 25 years of promotion. The Tripple Creek Festival offers campsites, free trolley service, food, craft and instrument vendors, and plenty of hot showers
 don’t miss this historic music and cultural event.
www.tripplecreek.com

Photo credits top to bottom:
Governor Kaine Unveiling Flag At Godspeed Bon Voyage, courtesy of Jamestown 2007
Triathlon photo by Ted Pratt of www.prattphotography.com
Tony Rice and Alison Krauss & Union Station photo courtesy of Salem Civic Center and Outback Concerts
Showtimers Community Theatre photo by Doug Miller
Chairmen of the Board photo courtesy of EventZone
Festival in the Pines photo by Dreama Stephenson Photography at www.DreamBEEArtPhotography.com

 

 

Posted: May 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.