Saturday, May 31, 2008
It's all in the detail
It's all in the detail
Banjo part of fundraising efforts for Wayne Theatre
It's not your everyday banjo.
With musical instruments being cranked out of big factories every day, Geoff Stelling's handmade banjos are a true rarity. The Afton-based business produces just 200 or so banjos annually.
Geoff's son, Jimmy, who works with his dad in the business, is a banjo player who has played music professionally. He's been playing Stelling banjos since he was 8 years old.
Together, the family has dedicated themselves to making what Geoff calls a "better banjo" - working 25 hours plus on each banjo - spread over six to eight weeks. A process that is precise because you have to wait an ample amount of time for the glue to dry and the finishes to cure between coats, among other details that make Stelling's banjos stand out in the industry.
Geoff moved to Virginia in 1984, 10 years after starting his business in California, and enjoys the setting that the rural countryside provides him. He's even been able to use local walnut trees - even some on his property - in his banjo-making.
"We live on a small farm with goats and cows and lots of animals," Stelling said. The mountains, steams, and woods are "ideal for making banjos."
Because relatively few banjos are made each year by Stelling, the instruments aren't inexpensive. Most start around $4,000, but they have sold for as much as $35,000.
The Stelling brand has a reputation dating back to 1974 - when Stelling completed his first banjo, The Bellflower.
"The Bellflower was one of the first two banjos that I made," said Stelling. "It was the first banjo that I ever completed and sold to a banjo student of mine in San Diego. It was made out of black walnut, which was one of my favorite woods from the very beginning."
While the Bellflower has been made out of a variety of woods in its history including Japanese birch, mahogany and maple, Stelling has returned to making the banjo out of the walnut in the original design.
The Bellflower, which retails for $4,300 and is available at approximately 40 retailers worldwide, is making an appearance on this side of the mountain, with a special drawing at a bluegrass festival. Tickets are available now in advance of the upcoming "Bluegrass, Blue Jeans and Barbecue" event on June 14 at Laurick Farms in Fisherville. For a $10 chance, anyone could own their own Stelling banjo with proceeds benefitting the Wayne Theatre Alliance, a 501(c)3 organization based in Waynesboro. The non-profit group is working to renovate and restore a closed theatre into a first-class performing arts center.
"We are excited that we can offer a Stelling banjo to collectors and others in the community at our first ever bluegrass festival," said Clair Myers, executive director of the Wayne Theatre Alliance. "We know that whoever the lucky person is to take home the banjo will treasure it, and we look forward to the boost that the event will bring to our project."
"And it just seems fitting," Myers said, "to have a banjo with this excellent reputation to serve as a fundraising tool at a bluegrass festival."
While Stelling would agree that bluegrass music isn't bluegrass without a banjo, he is also quick to point out that banjos are used in all musical genres.
"Banjo is played in many different styles of music," he said. "Classical, jazz, blues, country ... it's a crossover instrument."
The banjo is a percussion instrument with roots back to the 1800s, said Stelling. "The banjo is what's known as the hot rod of the stringed instruments. It's one of the loudest, most obnoxious instruments you can make with strings on it."
For more information on tickets for the Bellflower Stelling Banjo or the bluegrass festival, contact the Wayne Theatre Alliance at (540) 943-9999 or www.waynetheatre.org.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
April River City Radio Hour
April River City Radio Hour Features Final Chapter of the Massie Serial, The Spilman Sisters, and Elvis
For Immediate Release:
The River City Radio Hour will celebrate Waynesboro’s Fly Fishing Festival with an evening of comedy and music.
Richard Adams and the Boogie Kings will provide the music with guest appearances by “Elvis” and the Singing Spilman Sisters Marsha Howard will add her special brand of humor in her monthly comedy routine.
April will also conclude the final chapter of Elizabeth Massie's cliff-hanging serial "The Mystery of the Meandering Music Box." In the final installment, three of the time travelers land in a snowstorm in 1969 without their one hope of rescue. The River City Players include Marsha Howard, Bob Wright, Bob and Savannah Lunger, Barbara Lawson and Clair Myers. Police Chief Doug Davis will narrate the final installment.
The April 18th performances will take place at the Blue Ridge Christian Fellowship Café and Music Hall at 529 West Main, with performances at 6:30 pm and 8 pm.
The River City Radio Hour is a production the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, The Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. and The Wayne Theatre Alliance.
For Immediate Release:
The River City Radio Hour will celebrate Waynesboro’s Fly Fishing Festival with an evening of comedy and music.
Richard Adams and the Boogie Kings will provide the music with guest appearances by “Elvis” and the Singing Spilman Sisters Marsha Howard will add her special brand of humor in her monthly comedy routine.
April will also conclude the final chapter of Elizabeth Massie's cliff-hanging serial "The Mystery of the Meandering Music Box." In the final installment, three of the time travelers land in a snowstorm in 1969 without their one hope of rescue. The River City Players include Marsha Howard, Bob Wright, Bob and Savannah Lunger, Barbara Lawson and Clair Myers. Police Chief Doug Davis will narrate the final installment.
The April 18th performances will take place at the Blue Ridge Christian Fellowship Café and Music Hall at 529 West Main, with performances at 6:30 pm and 8 pm.
The River City Radio Hour is a production the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, The Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. and The Wayne Theatre Alliance.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
African roots explored at KCMS
African roots explored at KCMS
Walking into Kate Collins Middle School is like walking into a night club or a music video. At least on the days that Dr. Sheila Ward is at the school.
Ward, an associate professor at Norfolk State University and executive director of the Eleone Dance Theatre in Philadelphia, has been introducing students at KCMS to the historical journey of black dance from its African roots to today's style of dance.
The exploration into dance and movement was made possible through a partnership with Waynesboro Public Schools and the Wayne Theatre Alliance. The 10-day experience was funded through a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
"We approached the school system last year about working together on a grant to bring an artist of some kind to the public school system," said Clair Myers, executive director of the Wayne Theatre Alliance. "We wanted to begin to build a partnership with the schools that will continue once the theatre is operational."
The Wayne Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Waynesboro, has plans to re-open in the Fall of 2009. Regional performances will be a big part of the success of the theatre.
Although the Wayne Theatre isn't available now, a performance is still planned as a culmination to the instruction that 270 students received from Ward. From the classrooms, a group of students were selected and have formed a group called The Celebration Dancers.
The dancers will present a public performance to showcase what they learned at the upcoming Celebration of the Arts 2008.
The event, to be held on March 4, will take place at Waynesboro High School and will feature artwork from all ages of students, kindergarten through 12th grade, displayed in the gym. The music portion of the evening will begin at 6:45 p.m. in the Spilman Auditorium at the high school.
"This is a wonderful way for the community to see these young students bring their creativity to the stage," said Myers. "It seems to me that it was an opportunity for students to explore all cultures, and I for one, cannot wait to see what the students learned from this experience."
Walking into Kate Collins Middle School is like walking into a night club or a music video. At least on the days that Dr. Sheila Ward is at the school.
Ward, an associate professor at Norfolk State University and executive director of the Eleone Dance Theatre in Philadelphia, has been introducing students at KCMS to the historical journey of black dance from its African roots to today's style of dance.
The exploration into dance and movement was made possible through a partnership with Waynesboro Public Schools and the Wayne Theatre Alliance. The 10-day experience was funded through a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
"We approached the school system last year about working together on a grant to bring an artist of some kind to the public school system," said Clair Myers, executive director of the Wayne Theatre Alliance. "We wanted to begin to build a partnership with the schools that will continue once the theatre is operational."
The Wayne Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Waynesboro, has plans to re-open in the Fall of 2009. Regional performances will be a big part of the success of the theatre.
Although the Wayne Theatre isn't available now, a performance is still planned as a culmination to the instruction that 270 students received from Ward. From the classrooms, a group of students were selected and have formed a group called The Celebration Dancers.
The dancers will present a public performance to showcase what they learned at the upcoming Celebration of the Arts 2008.
The event, to be held on March 4, will take place at Waynesboro High School and will feature artwork from all ages of students, kindergarten through 12th grade, displayed in the gym. The music portion of the evening will begin at 6:45 p.m. in the Spilman Auditorium at the high school.
"This is a wonderful way for the community to see these young students bring their creativity to the stage," said Myers. "It seems to me that it was an opportunity for students to explore all cultures, and I for one, cannot wait to see what the students learned from this experience."
SAW 2010
Friday, March 14th, SAW 2010 will be preparing to do a mailing of over 750 postcards to area businesses, community groups, schools, and civic groups. This will be taking place at Augusta Medical Center Educational Building Room 215 at 8 a.m. We invite you to come and see this event. Mailings are one way we are trying to get the word out about the SAW 2010 Community Rally on Friday, April 4th from 7-9pm at the Staunton Holiday Inn.
SAW 2010 monthly committee meeting:
At 9 a.m. we will break to have a SAW 2010 committee meeting. At this meeting, we will give updates on the rally and other announcements on what SAW 2010 is doing to impact the community. We also invite you to stay for this meeting, as you will find it very informative about the work of this group in preventing gang involvement among the youth in our community.
For more information contact Diane Kellogg at 942-6757.
PRESS RELEASE SENT BY:
Amber B. Ham
Program Manager
Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth
COMMUNITY RALLY
On Friday, April 4th, you’re invited to become a “Part of the big picture” of Gang Prevention by attending the SAW 2010 Community Rally from 7-9pm at the Staunton Holiday Inn off of Route 275 and I-81, Exit 225.
“SAW” stands for Staunton , Augusta County , and Waynesboro . In an effort to improve our community by the year 2010, we need your help! Gang prevention in a community only works if the community is involved! Make the investment in the lives of our young people! Be Involved! “Be a part of the big picture”
This evening will bring you into the depths of the gang activity in our community. A new Gang Awareness video will be unveiled that portrays actual local gang related activities with local inactive gang members sharing their gang-related stories. You will experience the impact and the reality of gangs in our community and will be inspired to ask yourself, “What can I do?”
FREE Refreshments & Childcare. Indoor Vendor Fair, Engaging Speakers, Gang Awareness Video, & Entertainment!
For more information contact Diane Kellogg at 942-6757.
PRESS RELEASE SENT BY…
Amber B. Ham
Program Manager
Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth
SAW 2010 monthly committee meeting:
At 9 a.m. we will break to have a SAW 2010 committee meeting. At this meeting, we will give updates on the rally and other announcements on what SAW 2010 is doing to impact the community. We also invite you to stay for this meeting, as you will find it very informative about the work of this group in preventing gang involvement among the youth in our community.
For more information contact Diane Kellogg at 942-6757.
PRESS RELEASE SENT BY:
Amber B. Ham
Program Manager
Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth
COMMUNITY RALLY
On Friday, April 4th, you’re invited to become a “Part of the big picture” of Gang Prevention by attending the SAW 2010 Community Rally from 7-9pm at the Staunton Holiday Inn off of Route 275 and I-81, Exit 225.
“SAW” stands for Staunton , Augusta County , and Waynesboro . In an effort to improve our community by the year 2010, we need your help! Gang prevention in a community only works if the community is involved! Make the investment in the lives of our young people! Be Involved! “Be a part of the big picture”
This evening will bring you into the depths of the gang activity in our community. A new Gang Awareness video will be unveiled that portrays actual local gang related activities with local inactive gang members sharing their gang-related stories. You will experience the impact and the reality of gangs in our community and will be inspired to ask yourself, “What can I do?”
FREE Refreshments & Childcare. Indoor Vendor Fair, Engaging Speakers, Gang Awareness Video, & Entertainment!
For more information contact Diane Kellogg at 942-6757.
PRESS RELEASE SENT BY…
Amber B. Ham
Program Manager
Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth
WTA Presents First Waynesboro St. Patricks Day Childrens Parade
For Immediate Release: The Wayne Theatre continues its Parade of Events with Waynesboros first St. Patricks Day Childrens Parade. The festivities will take place in the Willow Oak Plaza, with check in at noon. The parade will begin at 12:30pm, with prizes awarded for best costume and decorated tricycle, wagon, bicycle, walker and baby carriages. There will be a special dance performance by the Shenandoah Irish Dance Arts following the parade. Pony rides will be provided by Dixie Pony Rides for $4 each.
Entrance to the parade is $1, with all proceeds donated to the Wayne Theatre Alliance, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Other activities to include face painting and a craft table. The craft materials were generously donated by Ben Franklin Crafts.
Please call the Wayne Theatre Alliance office with any further questions, (540) 943-9999. Young children should not be left unattended at anytime. Childcare services will not be provided.
Entrance to the parade is $1, with all proceeds donated to the Wayne Theatre Alliance, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Other activities to include face painting and a craft table. The craft materials were generously donated by Ben Franklin Crafts.
Please call the Wayne Theatre Alliance office with any further questions, (540) 943-9999. Young children should not be left unattended at anytime. Childcare services will not be provided.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
March River City Radio Hour To Feature The Big Read and the Boogie Kings
For Immediate Release:
The River City Radio Hour will join in Augusta Countys Big Read when it returns for its March 21srperformances. The author of To Kill a Mockingbird will appear in the guise of Boomie Pedersen, co-artistic director of Nelson Countys Earl Hamner Theatre. Harper Lee will talk about her experiences as a writer and read from the novel.
Richard Adams and the Boogie Kings will provide the music with guest vocalist, Llyn Walker.
Radio Hour will also include the fourth chapter of Elizabeth Massie's cliff-hanging serial "The Mystery of the Meandering Music Box." In the latest installment, the four time travelers find themselves in a dark forest, unable to hide from the on-coming terror. The River City Players include Llyn Walker, Duane Hahn, Elizabeth Massie, Savannah Lunger, and Clair Myers. Doug Walker, Waynesboro city manager will narrate this month installment.
The March 21st performances will take place at the Blue Ridge Christian Fellowship Cafa and Music Hall, with performances at 6:30 pm and 8 pm.
The River City Radio Hour is a production the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, The Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. and The Wayne Theatre Alliance.
The River City Radio Hour will join in Augusta Countys Big Read when it returns for its March 21srperformances. The author of To Kill a Mockingbird will appear in the guise of Boomie Pedersen, co-artistic director of Nelson Countys Earl Hamner Theatre. Harper Lee will talk about her experiences as a writer and read from the novel.
Richard Adams and the Boogie Kings will provide the music with guest vocalist, Llyn Walker.
Radio Hour will also include the fourth chapter of Elizabeth Massie's cliff-hanging serial "The Mystery of the Meandering Music Box." In the latest installment, the four time travelers find themselves in a dark forest, unable to hide from the on-coming terror. The River City Players include Llyn Walker, Duane Hahn, Elizabeth Massie, Savannah Lunger, and Clair Myers. Doug Walker, Waynesboro city manager will narrate this month installment.
The March 21st performances will take place at the Blue Ridge Christian Fellowship Cafa and Music Hall, with performances at 6:30 pm and 8 pm.
The River City Radio Hour is a production the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, The Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. and The Wayne Theatre Alliance.
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