Apr 20 Saturday
Camps Offer - Team Building, Nature, Art, Games, Music and More…For Ages 5-17 (18-Still In High School)Must Register - Call 434-817-6915 or Email kidsgrief@hopva.orgSee www.hopva.org/kids for more info!Free!!!!
A stroll by the charming cottages and stately Colonial Revivals on Ridgeview Road provides a picturesque snapshot of Staunton’s early 20th-century residential development. Step inside four homes designed by noted local architect Samuel Collins of the T.J. Collins and Son firm and see his inspired use of classical details complemented by the owners’ creative updates. The gardens, one of which was designed by renowned landscape architect Charles Gillette, are graced with white picket fences, boxwood hedges, flowering borders, and landscaped patios.
The Staunton tour is a shuttle tour. Shuttle and parking access is located at Staunton High School, 1301 N. Coalter Sreet. Please plan ahead for shuttle transportation. There is no parking for tour visitors at the tour properties. Ridgeview Road will be closed to traffic the day of the tour. No drop-offs from Augusta Street will be permitted. There will be a drop-off available at the intersection of Ridgeview and Dogwood Roads.
All tour properties on this walking tour are located within a compact city block. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. More information and tickets available here.
The Staunton Augusta Art Center opens the Staunton Emerging Artist Showcase, running April 5 – May 11, featuring the work of the next generation of Staunton artists.
STAUNTON, VA— The Staunton Augusta Art Center announces the opening of the Staunton Emerging Artist Showcase, running from April 5 – May 11 in the downtown galleries. This exciting and unique showcase features the multi-media artwork of over a dozen emerging artists, a next generation of local artists at various stages in their artistic careers who redefine the cultural landscape within their community. These artists reflect remarkable backgrounds and cross-cultural roots.
An opening night reception will be held in the galleries on Friday, April 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
This exhibition is proudly sponsored by the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity ReStore whose staff and volunteers support the creative work of local artists and affordable housing.
Openings are FREE and ALL are welcome.
Location: Staunton Augusta Art Center, R. R. Smith Center for History & Art,
20 S. New Street, Staunton, VA 24401
Admission: FREE and open to the public, all are welcome.
Website: https://www.saartcenter.org
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Angus Carter and Carolyn Maloney
(director@saartcenter.org/info@saartcenter.org), 540-885-2028
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Apr 21 Sunday
Revel in the delightful sound of glorious classical music as JMU’s Symphony Orchestra joins the winners of the esteemed 2023 School of Music Concerto Competition to bring you a delightful concert. Majors from each of the five areas of the School (woodwinds, brass and percussion, strings, piano, and voice) compete. Two finalists are then selected to compete in the finals for a coveted spot in this concert.
Local musician, Terry Houff, performs the music of Bill Staines as a tribute to his artistry. Terry was a member of the Northern Virginia-based Mill Run Dulcimer Band from 1981 - 1986. During this time, he was introduced to the music of Bill Staines and the band recorded two of Bill's songs, Piney River Girl, and A Place in the Choir, on their "Sweet Songs from Yesterday" album.
THIS APRIL, GIRLS ON THE RUN SHENANDOAHVALLEY WILL HOST OUR CELEBRATORY 5K IN APRIL. PARTICIPANTS OF GIRLS ONTHE RUN ARE PREPARING TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A 5K AS THE CULMINATINGEVENT OF THE PROGRAM. THEY GAIN CONFIDENCE IN THIS ACCOMPLISHMENT ANDJOY IN SHARING IT WITH THE COMMUNITY. COME CELEBRATE THEIR SUCCESS BYRUNNING, WALKING OR SKIPPING IN OUR 5K EVENT: APRIL 20th INWINCHESTER, VA TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER, VISIT GIRLS ON THE RUN SVDOT ORG.
Renowned author and New York Times commentator David Brooks will deliver the 3rd annual Scoper Lecture in Christian Thought in Old Cabell Hall on April 21, 2024 at the University of Virginia: the anchor event of an in person and livestreamed community-wide, intergenerational experience.
David Brooks will speak on the topic “Know Better: Deepening the Bonds of Communal Life” drawing on the themes of his new book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen and exploring his sources in Christian thought.
The academic lecture will illuminate Brooks’s foundational work on the complexities and urgencies of living well in a democratic society. Following the public lecture, Brooks and Melody Barnes, Executive Director at UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy will engage in a conversation around Brook’s assertion that “there is one skill that lies at the heart of any healthy person, family, school, community organization, or society; the ability to see someone else deeply and make them feel seen - to accurately know another person, to let them feel valued heard and understood.”
The Scoper Lecture in Christian Thought is an annual series building off the Capps Lectures that brings eminent speakers to the university to deliver public lectures exploring the breadth of Christian expression in the arenas of scholarship, science and medicine, the arts, and culture. The series is generously funded by Nancy and Stephen Scoper, M.D., through their gift to the University of Virginia, designated to Theological Horizons.
The onstage lecture and conversation will be framed by music from The Porter’s Gate, a sacred ecumenical arts collective whose projects include “Neighbor Songs” and “Table Songs.”
Directly following the lecture at 4:45, guests are invited to enjoy the Charlottesville Welcome Table reception: a special event in the UVA Amphitheater. Gather with us for warm conversations and delicious homemade pie. Let’s reflect on the keynote, practice the art of listening, and turn strangers into friends to deepen the bonds of community.
Apr 23 Tuesday
In Clare Barron’s raucous pageant of ambition and ferocity, these young dancers in DANCE NATION have more than choreography on their minds, as every plié and jeté is a step toward finding themselves, and a fight to unleash their power. The play examines the challenges and triumphs of growing up, coming of age, and finding one’s soul in the heat of it all and interrogates what “womanhood” is, and embodies a powerful release of rage, joy, and liberation. Contains adult language, adult and sexual content. Contains adult language, adult and sexual content.
Apr 24 Wednesday
Ten Thousand Villages of Harrisonburg hosts a special Fair Trade Rug Event April 24-28, featuring over 300 hand-knotted rugs, from intricate florals to hand-spun wool natural dye tribals, from 2’x3’s to 10’x14’s.
Ten Thousand Villages partners with Bunyaad, a fair trade rug company that works with over 850 families throughout 100 villages in Pakistan. Working with artisans in their homes, increasing employment opportunities for women and paying a living wage, Bunyaad is making lifetime changes in so many families across Pakistan. "These rugs are much more than just amazing pieces of art for your floors. They represent lives changed through fair trade. Every Bunyaad rug artisan earns a living wage,” said Yousaf Chaman, Bunyaad Director “We know that with every rug we sell, we are empowering women, fueling artisan's creativity and preserving their cultural heritage.”
And by paying artisans a living wage, quality rugs are produced.
"It's quite simple. When artisans know they are paid for every knot they tie, they can take their time, pay attention to the fine details of these intricate rugs and use high-quality materials, all leading to producing a rug that will last for generations and generations," said Chaman.
"We know our community wants to make a positive mark in this world by purchasing their carpets where it makes a true difference for the families crafting them," said Kara Miller, Ten Thousand Villages store manager. "It's a win-win situation. Artisans in Pakistan earn a living wage and North American consumers get an excellent quality rug with an excellent mission behind it. Home decorating was never more beautiful!"
For more information about these rugs or the upcoming rug event, go to www.bunyaad.com.
May 03 Friday
Arts Council of the Valley invites you to join in the arts-focused fun on the First Friday of EVERY month! Throughout Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, 40 venues offer a variety of new art exhibitions, live performances, poetry, comedy, music, artmaking activities, food, and so much more. You can find a list of venues, online map, and pdf with links to First Fridays of the Valley events – all updated monthly – at valleyarts.org/first-fridays-venues! Thanks to Kathy Moran Wealth Group, Exclusive Sponsor for 2024 First Fridays of the Valley.
Apr 19 Friday
Learn the basics of stand up! Registration is open now online and throughout April for X2 Comedy Classes at Explore Museum where the BIG kids can play too! Just a few slots left…
Classes begin May 1st and meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6pm-9pm with Showcase on June 1.
Learn the basics of stand up and joke writing in these interactive fun workshops! You'll develop a 5-minute set in this 4-week course and perform it in the student graduation showcase. Tune into your unique funny bone to find your authentic comedic voice. Learn skills to be funnier at social gatherings, storytelling, speaking engagements, writing and more. If you like comedy or just want to be funnier then this is the class for you.
To get more information and registrar visit the Classes Tab at www.x2comedy.com. Questions call Dawn 540-560-3356 or email hello@x2comedy.com.
EMU's Music Department presents the EMU University Choir's Spring Concert: A night of beautiful choral music that brings joy and hope to a world in need. Highlights include a tribute song to Alice Parker, Eric Whitacre's hilarious "Animal Crackers," a rhythmically infectious creole piece, and more!
April 19, 2024 - 7:00 PM - Lehman Auditorium
SHOWTIMEFri (4/19) 7:30Doors opening at 7:00
The current lineup that will be continuing to perform on stage will include: Mike Phipps on guitar and vocals, David Propst on mandolin and vocals, Lynwood Lunsford on banjo and vocals, Kyle Windbeck on upright bass and Darren Beachley on dobro and vocals. This ensemble vows to continue to put its heart and soul into each performance, trying to help satisfy that musical hunger for the multitude of Country Gentlemen fans that still fill this country; especially the ones that truly do miss Charlie Waller & Bill Yates. We will continue to move forward and perform in tribute as closely as possible the tunes from yester-year thought to be long lost for the ages, as they attempt to re-create each tune, vocally and musically as best they can as it was previously originally presented and performed.
Court Square event website
The Country Gentlemen website:
Check them out on YouTube
Facebook page
FIREFLIES by Donja R. Love plays March 29 through April 20 at Live Arts Theater in downtown Charlottesville. A Virginia Premiere, FIREFLIES is Part Two of Donja R. Love’s "The Love* Plays" trilogy, which explores Queer love through Black history. A story of endurance and empowerment centered on the Civil Rights Movement, FIREFLIES is directed by Ti Ames and features Arianna Jones and Simeon Brown. Visit livearts.org for tickets and information.
Join us at the Saturday Market to:
🎶 Enjoy live music🛍️ Shop with 50 vendors📚 Learn from community organizations🌱 Find fresh, local produce🥚 Discover local eggs and 🥩 pasture-raised meats🥖 Taste artisan breads and pastries🍲 Enjoy prepared foods like crepes, wood-fired pizza, and kettle corn🎨 Find artisan goods like natural skincare, handmade candles, and wood crafts
The Staunton Augusta Art Center announces the opening of its annual Youth Art Show, running from March 1 - March 30 in the galleries featuring the artwork of hundreds of K-12 grade students from public and private schools from Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County. This remarkable exhibition not only provides students the unique opportunity to display their work in a professional art gallery and allows the public to enjoy the multi-media artwork of students in their community. The Art Center works closely with area art teachers who curate their students’ involvement in this eagerly anticipated art show.This exhibition is proudly sponsored by Susan Polly, who annually supports these talented students and their artwork.
Given the large scale of this exhibition, the openings are spread out throughout the weekend.The openings are open to the students, their friends and families, and the public.Openings are FREE and ALL are welcome.Saturday, March 2 from 1 pm - 4 pm - Augusta County Public Schools, Independent Studios, Private SchoolsSunday, March 3 from 1 pm - 4 pm - Staunton Public Schools, Waynesboro Public Schools
Location: Staunton Augusta Art Center, R. R. Smith Center for History & Art, 20 S. New Street, Staunton, VA 24401Admission: FREE and open to the public, all are welcome. Website: https://www.saartcenter.org
Over 180 posters of vintage photographs are arranged by families, churches, schools, communities, and other topics. Researchers can use Pat Turner Ritchie’s personal library of family, local, and regional histories. Other genealogists and local historians will share their material and gather new information, sell their books.Three programs:
11:00 Head for the Hills: The Refugees of Peggy's War by Karl Rhodes12:30 Speck Fulk's service in World War II, by Joe T. May 2:00 Mountain Women Live on: Life & Legacy of Appalachian Women by Dr. Peggy Shifflett Other participating organizations:
Rocktown History (Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society HRHS) selling new books & telling visitors about the work of the society.Plains District Memorial Museum, Timberville, highlighting their collections and mission.Chimney Rock Chronicle, the area's monthly newspaper with emphasis on good news from the local community.DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), photographing old family Bible records to transcribe and put in their national database. Joint project with HRHS.Donations accepted to purchase tombstones for family cemeteries in Brocks Gap: Dove, Caplinger, and others. Sponsored by Pat Turner Ritchie, patritchie@verizon.net
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center during the month of March, in the Cabell/Arehart Invitational Gallery, is presenting an exhibition, Stay on Your Cloud, featuring works by Coco Roshi. In this compelling exhibition, acrylic and mixed media paintings serve as a vibrant homage to the rich tapestry of African American female creative genius, weaving through the realms of logos, iconography, and memes—the modern symbols through which our culture processes and digests the complexities of our world. As we navigate the overwhelming currents of our own lives, these artworks offer a sanctuary, inviting us to find solace and inspiration in the ethereal clouds of another creator's imagination. This body of work stands as a testament to the unbroken chain of innovation and resilience, celebrating the enduring spirit and transformative power of African American women's creativity. The exhibition will be open to the public April 6 – May 24, Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at 126 S Wayne Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980. Come join us and meet the artist at the exhibit opening’s Conversation with the Artist on April 6, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
In the SVAC Member’s Gallery the theme is “Black!” Presented will be unique works of art, priced to accommodate art collectors seeking pieces to expand their collection. The public is invited to view the exhibit remembering that the art center serves the community by recognizing talent, encouraging creativity, and joining lives through art! (Opening April 6, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., exhibition dates: April 6 - 27, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday, 126 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro 22980)