Arts Council of the Valley awarded a total of $28,760 to 11 Advancing the Arts grant recipients during the Spring 2023 funding cycle.

Advancing the Arts grants are awarded twice each year in two categories: Arts for Education, provided to educators and educational organizations, and Creative Inspiration, allocated to individual artists. Also, new this year, is a $15,000 grant to support public art installations.

The grants support community-based initiatives in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

“All three types of Advancing the Arts grants invest in the vital arts infrastructure of our community,” said ACV Executive Director Jenny Burden. “These awards tangibly express ACV’s continuing commitment to creative projects designed to cultivate the arts, create experiences and connect communities.”

Spring grants cover projects that occur between April 1 and October 31.

Since launching the grants program in 2001, ACV has granted more than $483,500 to area artists and art educators.

To learn more, visit valleyarts.org.

Arts for Education grants

• Joseph Arbaugh of Lacey Spring Elementary School, for More Than A Click with a Blick Printing Press; allowing students to work with collagraphs, monographs, dry-point etching and linoleum block printing.
• Jo Enke of Mountain View and Fulks Run Elementary Schools, for Music A la Carte: A Cross Curricular Musical Storytelling Project for students in grades pre-K through 5 to compose and create sound stories based on children’s literature.
• Megan Frantz Kaspar for Harrisonburg Songtuary, a group that promotes community singing through public song circles, as well as mentorship of potential song leaders.
• Harriet Flynn, Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation, for Art in the Park, a recently-concluded six-week summer series offering a variety of outdoor art projects that use nature as an inspiration for creativity.
• Amanda Gookin, Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival, for Book Notes, a storytelling hour held at Massanutten Regional Library during the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival.
• Leeanne Shepherd, Second Home Learning Center, for a production of It’s The Hard Knock Life at Second Home.

Creative Inspiration recipients

• Jeffrey Guinn for Ink Drops, a new mural in downtown Harrisonburg highlighting the natural landscape of the area, local activities and people, as well as the history of the property.
• Aili Huber of Silk Moth Stage, to sponsor accessible tickets for underserved populations to attend the world premier of Wonder of Our Stage, a play about a Renaissance-era automaton trying to be human.
• Rachel FitzGerald for recording Spectator Bird Sings Songs for the Very Young and holding an album release show.
• Rebecca Porter for an inclusive music video titled Rebecca Porter Music Video.

Public Art Forward grant

New this year, a Public Art Forward grant was awarded to Ben Hughes and Andy Keeler for a MODdisplays Building mural by artist Laura Thompson.

The new $15,000 grant, made possible by the generosity of the Forward family, will be awarded once each year through 2025 to create a new work of public art in downtown Harrisonburg.

The next Public Art Forward funding cycle opens in Spring 2024.

The post Advancing the Arts grants awarded to 11 recipients in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

The Blue Ridge Music Center is sponsoring a performance by The McKenzies on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at Humpback Rocks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The free outdoor concert is one in a series of Milepost Music sessions offered at popular destinations in the national park.

Woody and Marcia McKenzie have played music together since 1983. Their variety of styles and instrumentation, strong individual and duet vocals, and repertoire of lively tunes all come together to create an energetic brand of entertainment. As former members of two clogging groups, they even incorporate a little flat-foot dancing into their performances on occasion.

Visitors are invited to bring a camp chair and sit a while to hear songs and stories about local musical traditions.

The final Milepost Music session at Humpback Rocks will feature Uncle Henry’s Favorites on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Milepost Music concerts showcase regional musicians playing traditional music at Humpback Rocks, Peaks of Otter, Mabry Mill, Doughton Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center on rotating Sunday afternoons.  The programs are a collaboration between the Blue Ridge Music Center, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, and National Park Service.

For more information, visit BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org.

The post The McKenzies to perform at Humpback Rocks on Blue Ridge Parkway on Sunday appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

Rita S. Wilson was Staunton’s first Black councilwoman.

She served the city for 17 years, starting in 1991. The city’s council chambers were named in her honor in 2020.

The Wheels for Wilson Bike-A-Thon fundraiser returns to Gypsy Hill Park for a second year on Saturday, August 19, 2023. Proceeds benefit the Rita S. Wilson Memorial Scholarship, which is administered by the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge.

The scholarship supports Staunton and Augusta County residents who seek to continue their education. The scholarship is open to high school seniors and adults in the workforce who, like Wilson, chose to pursue higher levels of education and new skills.

Bike riding held a special place in Wilson’s heart.

“Our family had a bicycle club called Tour De Gap,” Tony Davenport, Wilson’s grandson and bike-a-thon event chairperson, said. “That went on for 25 years. One of the things we did as a family was we rode bicycles in different cities every other weekend. My grandmother was a huge lover of this bicycle club. This was a way for me to not just raise funds, but also to pay homage to that bike club and my grandmother’s love for it.”

The Office on Youth will provide the use of bicycles for any child or adult who would like to participate but does not have a bicycle. The main loop around Gypsy Hill Park will be closed off to vehicles early Saturday morning for the bike-a-thon.

“The purpose of it is to raise funds for the scholarship by people riding around the park that morning, without any vehicles,” Davenport said. “It’s a safe environment where we can enjoy each other and the pleasure of riding a bike in an environment where it’s safe and conducive for doing so.”

And it supports a great cause.

“During an orientation, I observed my child talking to his English teacher about the upcoming school year,” Davenport said. “The teacher was Makeba Robinson. She was the first-ever recipient of the Rita S. Wilson Memorial Scholarship. She would eventually teach all three of my kids English.”

That stoked a fire in Davenport.

“Seeing this real-world tangible impact on not only my children but the whole school system gave me the drive do what I could do to help others achieve their dream of being an educator,” he said. “And what better for that than my grandmother’s memorial scholarship.”

Pre-registration is $10 per bicyclist, and is available online. On-site registration begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday and is $12 per bicyclist. The ride begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. in Gypsy Hill Park.

The post Bike-A-Thon honors Staunton’s first Black councilwoman, raises scholarship funds appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

A new coffee shop is coming to town.

Happ Coffee Roasters aims to redefine the coffee experience in the River City with a grand opening of its roastery and café on Saturday, August 19, at 1010 E. Main St., Suite 101.

The new coffee shop will bring the intoxicating aroma of freshly roasted coffee to the old Virginia Metalcrafters building, while encompassing inclusivity, education and a transparent connection to the world of coffee.

An immersive and enriching coffee journey for the Waynesboro community is Happ’s mission. The roastery and café will be dedicated to fostering inspiration and learning, and cultivating an inviting atmosphere for coffee enthusiasts of all levels. Happ Coffee Roasters strives to be a haven where patrons can connect, unwind and enjoy the local beauty of Waynesboro.

The vision comes to life within the expansive 3,100 square-foot space at the iconic Virginia Metalcrafters building at into a 600 sq. ft. roastery/education center and a 2,500 sq. ft. café. As patrons indulge in expertly prepared coffee, they will also find themselves surrounded by the works of local artisans, fostering a spirit of collaboration and appreciation for the creative soul of Waynesboro.

“We are not just opening a roastery and cafe; we are creating a space where coffee becomes a catalyst for connection and discovery,” Co-founder Clifton Santiago said. “Our commitment to exceptional quality, social engagement, environmental responsibility, and customer transparency finds its true expression in this new space.”

A grand opening event will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 19, 2023.

The post An invitation to explore, learn, connect: Happ Coffee Roasters schedules grand opening appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

Tomorrow night Staunton’s Wilson Fairchild will take the stage at the West Virginia State Fair.

Cousins Wil and Langdon Reid, the sons of original Statler Brothers Harold and Don Reid, respectively, are excited to play the fair.

“We’ve been going to this fair all of our lives. Our dads played it almost every year and it was the last close fair date that the family would go to before school started,” Langdon Reid said.

The cousins know every corner of the backstage and the gate usher’s name.

“So, it’s very cool for us to be playing on the grandstand stage after many years of standing on the side of that very stage watching the Statlers,” Langdon Reid said.

Audience members can expect to hear a set list from the duo that would be heard at any of their shows: a mixture of traditional country, original songs, Statler Brothers songs to showcase their heritage, “and plenty of fun and energetic songs that keep the crowd right there with us.”

Gaither Records will release a new album by the duo in January 2024, and the audience will hear a few new songs from that album Tuesday night.

After the “fun and fair food” at the West Virginia State Fair, Wilson Fairchild will travel to Nashville for a couple weeks to film a DVD of songs from their new album, which will be released in January with the album.

Wilson Fairchild is excited to bring new music to fans, an album of 12 songs “we’ve chosen that really showcase who we are as artists and our love for country and gospel music.”

Entry to Wilson Fairchild’s 7 p.m. concert is free with a paid fair admission ticket.

The post Wilson Fairchild returns to West Virginia State Fair to share their music, Statler Brothers heritage appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

The State Fair of Virginia will be held Sept. 22 through Oct. 1 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.

The 10-day event will feature a mix of attractions, food, music, rides and exhibitions—all while honoring Virginia agriculture and natural resources.

“2023 is a celebration of the many ways fairgoers enjoy the event,” said Marlene Jolliffe, the fair’s executive director. “We wouldn’t be who we are today without our loyal fairgoers who create traditions and have their own approach on what makes their visit special.”

Music enthusiasts can see a variety of concerts on the fair’s Main Stage. This year’s performances feature several Virginia artists, including the Bart Chucker Band, Chase Payne, Gone Country and Wilson Fairchild. Other artists taking the stage are The BRENCORE Allstars Band with Motown’s greatest hits, rock band Pablo Cruise, new country artist Megan Moroney, bluegrass artists the Travelin’ McCourys, country legend John Anderson and TikTok sensation George Birge.

Details and a schedule for the Main State Concert series can be found at StateFairVa.org.

All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and are included in the cost of fair admission.

Fairgoers may bring their own blankets and lawn chairs for the concerts.

Among other experiences fairgoers can choose from are new acts, including DanDan the Farmer Man, a family-friendly comedy show. Also performing is the Cast in Bronze bell carillon, a unique musical experience featuring the world’s largest and heaviest musical instrument.

And this year’s Kidway and Midway include new thrillers like a monkey ride for the youngsters and a new storm ride and Italian wave swinger for adults.

“We continue to expand our grounds attractions and entertainment so guests can build their fair adventure the way they want,” Jolliffe said.

Returning crowd-pleasers include two nights of Revenge Roughstock Rodeo Company’s adrenaline-pumping professional bull riding, bronc riding and barrel racing; and families can root for their favorite speedy swine at the famed Rosaire’s Royal Racers track.

Master chainsaw carver Ben Risney will wow guests by sculpting logs into one-of-a-kind masterpieces, with some auctioned off to benefit the fair’s scholarship program.

The fair also showcases the best of Virginia, featuring hundreds of unique creations from talented artisans, cooks and crafters, with winning entries displayed for baking, quilting, woodworking, metalsmithing and more.

Families can get their animal fix by visiting Young MacDonald’s Farm on the fair’s south side to interact with farm animals and see the iconic duck slide and chick incubator. Guests also can experience hands-on farm fun at the petting zoo in Harvest Landing.

After exploring the fairgrounds and taking a spin on carnival rides, indulge fair food cravings from vendors serving up traditional treats like funnel cakes, turkey legs and deep-fried delights.

Many vendors also are debuting new fair foods for the “Flavor of the Fair” contest. Current contenders on the menu include dessert turtle beignets by Parnell Foods, crabcake eggrolls by Phat Boyz Catering and breakfast macaroni and cheese by Holy Macaroni.

Fairgoers are encouraged to vote for their favorite “Flavor of the Fair” on Facebook Sept. 22 through noon on Sept. 27.

Winning foods, including the fan favorite, will be announced on Facebook.

For local fare, check out the first-ever “Taste of Virginia,” a ticketed event for sampling Virginia foods and beverages in the historic Meadow Hall. Ticket proceeds will benefit the fair’s scholarship program and Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.

And finally, what would be the fair without a fun, educational peek into Virginia agriculture? Families can learn all about the state’s largest private business sector at the commodities pavilion; see gargantuan pumpkins, watermelons and squashes in the horticulture tent; and witness all kinds of equine and livestock exhibits and competitions.

Online ticket sales begin Sept. 1. Visitors who purchase a ticket and wish to leave and re-enter the fair on the same day must get a hand stamp from a gate attendant before exiting. No re-entry is permitted after 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and after 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Visit StateFairVa.org, for more information.

Additional live updates can be found by following the fair on Facebook at Facebook.com/StateFairVa and Instagram at statefairva.

The post Preview, schedule: State Fair of Virginia set for 10-day run beginning Sept. 22 appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

The story and characters in this month’s production at The Wayne Theatre may appear to behave differently than in previous shows.

Most of the characters in this month’s production live under the sea, and one of them wants to be a part of the world of humans.

The Wayne will bring to the stage the story of “The Little Mermaid.”

“I think exploring identity is important,” said The Wayne Theatre Artistic Director Leslie Larsen, who directed this month’s production. “And exploring self-discovery is something I think that everyone, no matter how old they are, they go through that.”

The Wayne’s production approaches Ariel’s father differently than the 1980s cartoon by bringing tenderness to his character, who is portrayed by Waynesboro High School Choir Director Jeff Ryman.

Forty-two actors will bring “The Little Mermaid” to the Waynesboro stage.

“One of our largest casts in a very long time,” Larsen said.

Larsen said she hopes that, first of all, the audience has a great time when they see the production, which is intended for individuals of all ages to enjoy. But she also hopes the production encourages them to think of how they relate to their own journey of self-discovery and how they fit in their own lives. And if you do not fit in, then what do you do?

“And, that’s what I really love about Ariel’s journey. She leaves her world. She changes species to chase after a dream,” Larsen said.

Merab Yeomans has been seen before on The Wayne Theatre stage as one of the urchins in “Little Shop of Horrors.” For the next two weeks, however, she will bring Ursula to the stage in all her octopus-ness and villain glory.

“She is big shoes to fill,” Yeomans, who grew up in Stuarts Draft and lives in Staunton, said. “There are a lot of things about her where it’s like ‘why is she the way she is and why does she do these things?’”

She spent time preparing for her role by unraveling Ursula’s story with Larsen, and pinpointing how she became the villain of “The Little Mermaid.”

“What does being an octopus do to the character?” Yeomans said. “How does she walk and stand and talk, and all of the little details?”

She has seen the 1980s Disney cartoon, but not the new movie.

“[Ursula is] such a fun character to play,” Yeomans said. 

She added that when you play a villain, it is important to analyze the character’s behavior and learn lessons from them.

“It’s kind of tricky playing a villain because I’m not somebody who relates to a lot of things that she has been through,” she said. Villains are often not perceived with compassion for why they became who they are.

For example, Ursula is an octopus, but the rest of her family, including her brother, King Triton, are mermaids. Yeomans had to work out for herself how that would have an impact on Ursula’s life.

“She’s very misunderstood,” Yeomans said.

Following Disney’s recent take on “The Little Mermaid” with a Black actress portraying Ariel, Chloe Rogers of Charlottesville makes her Wayne debut. She previously performed in “Twelfth Night” at UVA and “Into the Woods” at Live Arts.

To prepare for her role as Ariel, Rogers said she thought a lot about what she would do if she were 16 years old again and in Ariel’s situation.

“I feel like I forgot what’s it like to be a teenager,” Rogers said, so she watched current television shows about teenagers. “OK, so I understand everything now.”

In other performances, Katey Hallock will bring red-haired Ariel to the stage. Hallock was previously seen in “Little Shop” and also performed in ShenanArts’ production of “Newsies.” She watched the 1980s cartoon and the new movie.

Rogers hopes audience members take away from the production inspiration to always go after what you want.

Hallock said she hopes audience members get a new look at the story: the classic story of family and friendship and love.

“The Little Mermaid” will be on stage August 18 to 20 and August 25 to 27. Tickets are available online.

The post Under the sea: Wayne Theatre invites audience to explore a journey of self-discovery appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

Before Charlottesville children and teens go back to school, the city’s parks and recreation department is hosting a community celebration on Sunday at Washington Park.

The Sunday Sundown will be offered on Aug. 13, from 4-6 p.m. and will feature free swimming, music, a cookout, games and activities for the family.

Most activities will take place on the lawn adjacent to the swimming pool.

Washington Park is located at 1001 Preston Avenue. Parking is available in the lot next to the pool or at the lower level of the park.

For more information, call (434) 970-2607.

The post Charlottesville: Free community celebration offered Sunday at Washington Park Pool appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

The Court Square Theater ACT ONE program will be auditioning actors ages 60 and up for Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling on Aug 21-22 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Auditions will take place at the theater at 41-F Court Square in Harrisonburg.

The show is directed by Steve Winegard, and show dates are Nov 29-Dec 3.

Auditioning actors are asked to prepare a one-minute monologue (from any play) or a monologue from the CST website Audition Materials link.

A headshot and acting resume are appreciated, although not required.

ACT ONE is also seeking production crew members: assistant director, stage manager, set designer, set construction, scenic painter, lighting designer, sound designer, costume designer, props master, run crew, light board operator and sound board operator. Interested individuals should email Managing Director J.P. Gulla at courtsquaretheater@gmail.com

“Experience is not required,” Gulla said, noting that ACT ONE is an educational program. “The program is designed to foster a love for and understanding of theater through instruction in the various aspects involved in bringing a production from script to stage,” he explained. “ACT ONE offers a great opportunity for people who enjoy theater to learn – in a fun and engaging way – more about what happens on and off stage.”

Court Square Theater is operated by Arts Council of the Valley. ACV manages Court Square Theater and Smith House Galleries, local art projects through its Advancing the Arts grant program (awarding more than $483,500 since 2001), supports public art initiatives, and coordinates monthly First Fridays of the Valley community gatherings.

CST is supported in part by the Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the City of Harrisonburg and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

To learn more, visit valleyarts.org.

The post Court Square Theater to hold auditions for ‘Steel Magnolias’ production appeared first on Augusta Free Press.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will dedicate the new paddle craft launch at Widewater State Park on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 10 a.m.

This project is part of many upgrades to this park’s amenities since being acquired in 2006.

The launch was funded by a grant from the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Gateways Program.

The purpose of Widewater State Park is to provide premier water and land-based educational outdoor recreational opportunities while protecting and interpreting the unique natural, historical and cultural resources of the peninsula of land cradled between Aquia Creek and the Potomac River in Stafford County.

The event includes a possible ranger-led kayak or canoe paddle and is open to the public.

Widewater State Park is located at 101 Widewater State Park Road in Stafford.

The post Stafford County: New paddle craft launch dedication at Widewater State Park Wednesday appeared first on Augusta Free Press.