metropolis | march 2008

Music
March 14th at Gunther O’Darby’s Irish Pub—Beggar’s Circus
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebration a day early in the perfect fashion. Beggar’s Circus bring their brand of self-proclaimed “hardcore traditional Celtic” music to Gunther O’Darby’s for a St. Patty’s Eve shindig. Known regionally for their impressive musicianship and dark sense of humor, Beggar’s Circus perform songs of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and Galacia -—with a repertoire of songs spanning some 800 years of musical tradition. The music feels absolutely genuine, thanks in large part to the band’s talented multi-instrumentalists and their handle on the traditional tools of the Celtic music trade. Be prepared to enjoy not only bagpipes, hammered dulcimers, concertinas, flutes, and bouzoukis—you’ll probably even catch a lead or two on the pennywhistle. The subject matter of the songs commonly found in a Beggar’s Circus set can be borderline depressing. But while the band’s delivery certainly pays respect to said trials and tribulations, they also manage to have an irony-driven sense of humor that helps turn even the saddest tale into a danceable ballad. Be sure to pick up Beggar’s Circus’ latest CD, Stolen Heart, in Roanoke at Barnes and Noble or Fret Mill, or in Salem at Flat 5 Studio.

March 27th at the Jefferson Center—Angelique Kidjo
The Jefferson Center continues with its non-stop parade of exciting, critically acclaimed artists. Fresh off of an exciting win at the Grammy’s—her latest release, Djin Djin, brought home the hardware in the category for the Best Contemporary World Music Album—Angelique Kidjo is bringing her soulful blend of culturally diverse music to Roanoke on March 27th. And when I say diverse, I really mean it. Just take a look at the guest list on Djin Djin: Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Ziggy Marley, Carlos Santana, Joss Stone, and Josh Groban are just some of the heavy-hitters who make an appearance on the album. But the real strength behind the music is Kidjo herself. After beginning her career as a performer at the tender age of six, Kidjo was forced to flee her homeland of Benin due to political turmoil. She honed her craft in Paris before eventually arriving in New York, where she now resides. Her fluency in multiple languages and cultures gives a sincere and powerful credibility to her genre-mashing soul music that truly must be heard to be understood. Come out to the Jefferson Center and experience an artist that the Village Voice says “demands your undivided attention with her electrifying stage presence and forceful voice.”

March 31st at Martin’s—The Bastards of Fate
As the hardest hit victims of the January warehouse fire here in Roanoke, The Bastards of Fate, it seems, have more than lived up to their moniker. But despite losing thousands upon thousands of dollars in equipment in devastating fashion, the Bastards have faithfully continued on. And even in the face of tragedy, they’re taking the Valley’s best live act on the road. March 31st will mark the homecoming show of their East Coast tour. Even though he has recently dropped his own name from the band’s title, frontman Doug Cheatwood still steers the ship as he continues to consistently make some of the most creative and exciting music in the Roanoke Valley. The band’s experimental brand of pop-rock walks the line between rock ‘n roll and performance art, occasionally slipping off said line onto either side—and sometimes managing to do both simultaneously. They really are one of the most exciting live shows in town, and even though the local scene has come together tremendously to help them out, they could still use a lot more. If there was any good to come out of the unfortunate warehouse fire, I think that it has to be the knowledge of the fact that we really do have an amazing —albeit very underappreciated— music scene in this town. The way that local musicians, retailers, and media came together to support the people who were affected was a great testament to what we have and it made me extremely proud to say that I’m a part of it. Thanks so much to everyone

Performing Arts
Cherish the Ladies
Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra
E.C. Glass Auditorium
Friday, March 7, 8:00 pm
One of the most engaging ensembles in Irish music visits Lynchburg for this pre-St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This Irish traditional music and dance sensation is the most successful and sought-after Irish-American group in Celtic music history.
434.845.6604 or www.lynchburgsymphony.com

Shakespeare’s King Lear
June Bug Center, Floyd
Friday, March 14, 7 pm
An extraordinary performance by actors from the Mary Baldwin College MFA program in conjunction with American Shakespeare Center Blackfriars Playhouse. King Lear is one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies and most challenging production.

George Carlin
Still Bringin’ It
Saturday, March 28 - 8 pm
Performing Arts Theatre
Tickets can be purchased at the Civic Center Ticket Office, located on the East end of the Coliseum, facing Williamson Road. Hours 10 AM - 6 PM Mon thru Fri; hours vary on show days; charge-by-phone 888-397-3100; or online at Tickets.com. Please note additional charges will apply to purchases made online or by phone. For more ticket information, contact the Civic Center Ticket Office at 540-853-LIVE (5483).

The Little Dinner Theater Players present “Contempt of Court”
2008 Miracle Tour Dates & Venues:
Jefferson Center – Fitzpatrick Hall - Roanoke VA
Friday, March 28, 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 29, 7:00 pm
Sunday March 30, 1:00 pm

Holiday Inn Select – Lynchburg, VA
Friday, April 4, 7:00 pm
Saturday, April 5, 7:00 pm
Sunday, April 6, 1:00 pm

Mariners Landing – Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Friday, April 18, 7:00 pm
Saturday, April 19, 7:00 pm
Sunday, April 20, 1:00 pm

You are hereby summoned by The Little Dinner Theater Players to perform “jury duty” at this interactive dinner event to benefit The Children’s Miracle Network of central Virginia. Help decide the outcome of one of the most comical civil cases of the millennium while enjoying a scrumptious dinner. You may even be called upon as a plaintiff, defendant or witness during the course of this unique theatrical experience. The Little Dinner Theater Players have partnered with The Children’s Miracle Network together with Centra Health, Sunny FM, Lynchburg Music Center, and Jefferson Center to produce the “Miracle Tour”, a series of theatrical dinner events featuring the interactive comedy “Contempt of Court”. The Miracle Tour will benefit The Children’s Miracle Network of Central VA., whose mission is to raise funds and awareness for local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. These funds stay in the region and provide vital medical equipment, emergency transport, and special services involved in the treatment of babies and children here in our own communities. Please call The Little Dinner Theater Players at 434.239.7250 for ticket reservations and further information or visit www.littledinnertheater.com For tickets - Call 434.239.7250

Posted: March 1st, 2008 under Performing Arts.
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