There is rarely a dull moment at Smith Mountain Lake. The only down side of all the fun things happening this month within driving distance of my home in Franklin Co. is that I can’t possibly fit them all into my schedule. Personally I think if I had to pick only one of the events below, I would go see the Reel World String Band, as I greatly enjoy Appalachian style music. 

Mar 15 - The Reel World String Band - 7:30pm - The Reel World String Band of Lexington, Kentucky is celebrating 30 years of making toe-tapping, join-in-the-fun music together. Whether it’s a tour of Italy, a concert at NYC’s Lincoln Center or a rally against mountain top removal, Reel World explores their own blend of American roots-based music. The trio of Karen Jones (fiddle), Sue Massek (banjo), Bev Futrell (guitar/harmonica) shares a love for Southern Appalachian traditional music. They fire up audiences with fiddle tunes, tight harmony singing, honky-tonk blues, humor and grit.

The songwriting of Bev and Sue reflects the band’s commitment to preserving the environment, as well as celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Kentucky. Reel World has many fine recordings from “Mountain Song: Reflections” 1981-84 (the vinyl years) to “Live Music” (2005). - Bedford Central Library, 321 North Bridge Street, Bedford - $10.00 suggested donation - 540-586-8911 ext 211 - www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org

Mar 16 - Sunday Afternoon At The Bedford City/County Museum - 2:00 PM - Rodney Franklin, a native of Bedford, and an author will be at the Museum to speak on Bedford County Gristmills. Mr. Franklin is a member of the Smith Mountain Lake Writers Group. He researched and contributed two articles to Vol I of The Mills of Bedford County available at the Museum. - Bedford City/County Museum, 201 East Main Street. - Free - Open to the Public - 540-586-4520 - www.bedfordvamuseum.org

Join The Little Gallery in March for these exciting events:  Saturday, March 8, artist Nikifor, demonstration 1 - 3 p.m.  March 18 - 24, Trunk Show, Maximo Laura Tapestries.  Wednesday, March 19 features artist Kay Sutherland, demo from 1 - 3 p.m. Coming Sunday, April 27, best selling author David Baldacci will be here for a book signing from 1 - 3 p.m.

Mar 20 - The Harlem Globetrotters 2008 Tour - $82 Courtside-east & west floor 1-25 & South 1-50 $34 VIP Box Risers & Box, $28 Concourse 23-29 & 6-12, $21 Concourse 1-5, 30-34, 13-22 & corner wheelchairs. - Roanoke Civic Center, Williamson Road, Roanoke - 540-853-5483 - www.roanokeciviccenter.com

HOT SHOTS is kicking off spring with the lakes first ever Spring-Fling Mini-Golf League.  League play starts March 31 and you play 1 evening a week for 8 weeks.  Weekly green fees are just $6.50 and that includes a hot dog and a drink.  Cash prizes awarded for the winning teams.  540-719-1547