Hard to believe someone so famous is going to be just down the road from Smith Mountain Lake. But sure enough you can buy tickets for Friday, September 10th at 8pm at the Roanoke Civic Center to see Maestro David Stewart Wiley and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, performing  with Liza Minnelli!

As you can imagine all seats are reserved for this fabulous event. Tickets range from $25 seats in the upper corners of concourse on up to $75 seats at tables (which seat 8 people). Dinner is an extra $25 served by the well-known Encore Catering by Ovations. Dinners are available for purchase in advance and will be served at 6pm. allowing plenty of time to eat before the entertainment.

Tickets on sale through HometownBankTix.com, the Roanoke Civic Center Ticket Office, or charge by phone at (877) 482-8496. For more info. or to see the coming season of events visit RoanokeCivicCenter.com.

The Little Gallery is proud and excited to announce an art show by Greg Osterhaus beginning on Saturday, August 7, with a demonstration.  Drawings will be held for an original Osterhaus and other prizes.  The show runs through August 28th. Visit the Little Gallery at www.thelittlegallerysml.com.. If you need more info. you can all them at 540-721-1596.

Goose Creek Studio, 330 W. Washington St. in Bedford, presents an exhibit of works by the Bald Knob Artists – August 13-September 4.  Goose Creek Studio offers quality custom framing and hospitable exhibition space featuring local and regional artists.  Contact (540) 586-8482 or www.goosecreekstudio.com

At Goose Creek Studio, which can be found at 330 W. Washington St. in Bedford, you will find the “Garden Party”. Does Chinese brush watercolors sound interesting? This presentation of beautiful art is by Lee Walker  and will be on exhibition until July 31st. 

Goose Creek Studio offers quality custom framing and hospitable exhibition space featuring local and regional artists.  Contact (540) 586-8482 or visit www.goosecreekstudio.com.

I am happy to announce that Lake Effects has officially green lighted and will be produced in the Fall of 2010.  

I feel so honored to have such a wonderful group of investors who believe in this film and for the abundance of community support we have received over the last year.
 
Every investor we have has gone above and beyond to help guide and support me and make sure that this film happens… and it has just amazed me!  I am especially thankful for Bart and Lynn Wilner, who were the first to jump on board with financial support.  Without their leadership and belief I don’t know that we would be making this announcement today, so I am very grateful for them.  
 
We are reminded every day that without this community, the making of Lake Effects would not be possible and so we will continue to promote local businesses, incorporate Virginia professionals and encourage people to participate hands on in the creation of this film,which will showcase the beauty of this region.
 
Our next step is to attach recognizable talent to the lead roles which is a key factor in the film’s success.  We will also continue to work with the community and begin to secure the many resources needed to produce the film.
 
Although local casting for speaking roles will not occur until after the summer and closer to the start date, we have begun collecting information for locals interested in volunteering and being extras.
 
We encourage anyone who is interested in getting involved, receiving the newsletter or making a resource or service donation to sign up on the Life Out Loud Films website at www.lifeoutloudfilms.com.
 
I hope you all reach for the stars and never let any one crush your dreams because you can make anything happen if you have passion, preparation, integrity and persistence.
 
DARE to Live Life Out Loud!  Dream, Act, Risk, Embrace!!
 -Sara Elizabeth Timmins, Producer

Grand Home Furnishings will be furnishing 12 small bare wood chairs for 12 different artists to paint in their own unique style. The artistically painted chairs will then be auctioned off on March 6, 2010 at The Grand Winter Gala and all profits will be donated to the above listed charities.

The Grand Winter Gala will be held at the Waters Edge Ball Room on March 6th from 7pm. to 11pm. You can purchase tickets in person from Grand Home Furnishings Westlake, Lynchburg, Valley View and Tanglewood, or fill out an online order form to receive your tickets in the mail. Individuals are $60 and couples are $100.

On Wednesday, November 18th from 5 to 7:30 at Westlake you can bring your female friends for the Ladies Night Out. Then on Nov. 28 from 1 – 4pm. take the kids to meet Santa at Bridgewater Plaza.

And last but not least is their Christmas Open House on Dec. 5th and 6th. That Sunday afternoon (the 6th) there will be a reception from 1 – 3 to meet the artists on display at the Little Gallery. There will also special holiday discounts and free wrapping available.

If you have never tried Greek food, then you may be in for a treat. The Greeks don’t go in for drab foods, they love rich flavors and tastes. The culture as a whole is full of loving, intense, laughing, hard working folks. I can’t say I have experienced another culture that I liked better. When I was a kid, we had good friends who were very Greek and my sister and I adored visiting them. They played hard, loved the Lord and were rich in compassion, honesty and ever enjoyed good food. I was exposed to some great new ideas and taste experiences during those visits.

If you love all things Greek or enjoy new things, go check out the Greek Festival at http://www.roanokegreekfestival.com. Besides the great food there will be live music, traditional costumes and dancing, pottery, jewelry, painting, contests, and children’s events. A fantastic time to be had by all!

You can have some unique fun with this concert by pretending it is already spring and bringing a picnic! Pack your own picnic basket filled with your favorite food and non-alcoholic drinks, bring the family or a favorite friend, relax and enjoy the songs of this popular artist . (Vaden will be accompanied by guitarist Don Larson in several song selections.)

 The concert admission for the concert is FREE, but donations are welcome. So join in the fun for a good cause and come to the “Imagine It’s Spring”  concert on Sunday March 8th at the Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, Va. Doors open at 5:30pm.

Reservations are required due to limited seating – Call 540-297-7262 or 540-297-4243.

The Elderhostel Program Itinerary will consist of ‘Trails Across America’, ‘Comedy in Film’, ‘Kings and Queens of England’. Prepare to be amazed, entertained and educated when it comes to any Elderhostel production.

‘Trails Across America’ covers the wide variety of scenic and historic trails in our country and allows you to learn how and why they were created.

‘Comedy in Film’ will be a wonderfully funny and lively time with some of the best film comedy of all time. Remembering Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, Bob Hope, Martin and Lewis and many more.

‘Kings and Queens of England’ is a fascinating study. Learn how English rulers such as King Henry and Queen Elizabeth I built their empires. Also covers current royalty.

These 5 grand days are produced in association with the Smith Mountain Lake 4-H Center. All lodging and meals with full amenities, along with programming will be provided at the center at a package price of $572.

See the Elderhostel website for further information.

The musical element is usually very good with a mix of professional and amateur voices, and in the process of this feast for the eyes and ears, you may even learn little known facts and history about our neck of the woods!

The Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre is an outgrowth of the Dramatic and Theatre Arts department at Ferrum College and the Jack Tale Players. Our patrons, area businesses, civic organizations, and Ferrum College provide the many kinds of support necessary to make the BRDT a viable enterprise. Founded in 1978, the BRDT has produced four to five major plays per season as well as a number of other productions. Every year the BRDT also premieres, at least, one original drama.

The BRDT began as an effort to share with Franklin County its past and grew to the present enterprise that celebrates a whole variety of theatrical endeavors. From the beginning, three important principles have guided our work. For the audiences, the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre promises wholesome family entertainment that blends the educational purpose of theatre with the powerful force of drama. For all, the BRDT reminds us that drama began as a religious ceremony and continues best when it keeps the spirit of fellowship and the joys of celebration. Contact them for more info. at (540) 365-4335.