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Saturday, May 31, 2008

Bluegrass Festival

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.

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."

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

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.

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.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Wayne Theatre Alliance

Wayne Theatre Alliance Announces Parade of Events

For immediate release: The Wayne Theatre Alliance announced its first Parade of Events. Carole Hill, chair of the WTA Events Committee says, WTA is committed to bringing a variety of entertainment to the community and presenting it at affordable prices. The list of spring entertainment packs a variety of activities for all ages and tastes. The Parade of Events will happen once a month from February until June.

The first event in the Parade is the dessert theatre performances of Greater Tuna, starring the hilarious duo of Bob Wright and Duane Hahn. Ms. Hill said, The encore presentation of their memorable performances is sure to please anyone who loves comedy and delights at watching talent actors at the top of their game.Greater Tuna will take place at Fairfax Hall at 7pm, with an additional show March 1st. Tickets are $20 for the performance, dessert and silent auction.

Other events this spring will include Waynesboro first ever St. Patrick Day Children Parade, with a special Irish Dance performance by the Shenandoah Irish Dance Arts. Look forward to face painting, crafts, and a costume competition following the parade. Pay only $1 to enter the parade, which will take place at Willow Oak Plaza.

April brings the return of the ever-popular Mystery, Murder at Fairfax Hall III.The Italian Job murder mystery and dinner will take place on April 5th at 7pm . A prominent art director is the victim in the latest mystery. Work in teams to uncover hidden evidence and bring the murderer to justice. A traditional Italian dinner will be included.

Other upcoming events include: Horses and Hats, a Kentucky Derby Party; Walk Down Memory Lane , Home Tour;Blue grass, Blue Jeans, and Barbeque, blue grass concert. For more information on these events, please call the WTA office, 943-9999, or visit the website, www.waynetheatre.org.



Wayne Theatre Alliance Presents Greater Tuna Dessert Theatre and Silent Auction

For immediate release: The Wayne Theatre Alliance kicks of its Parade of Events with the hilarious comedic duo of Bob Wright and Duane Hahn starring in A Greater Tuna. WTA Carole Hill promises an evening to remember.Bob and Duane are in their element in this delightful comedy. They are truly outstanding, said Ms. Hill

WTA two performances will take place at Fairfax Hall at 7pm on February 29th and March 1st. Tickets are $20 each, and seating is first come first serve. There will be a silent auction and dessert following the performance with an opportunity to meet the performers.

Bob Wright has appeared on stage for many local theatre productions, such as the Blue Ridge Theatre Festival, Waynesboro Players, Oak Grove Theatre, ShenanArts, and Mary Baldwin College Theatre. He is a graduate of James Madison University and UVA, and was an educator for 33 years before retiring. Along with Barbara Spilman Lawson, Bob is co-founder of Bob & Barb Productions, providing motivational/entertaining speeches for schools, public, and private organizations.

Duane Hahn, teacher, director, actor, playwright, writer, ceramic artist, has been involved in all area theater groups as an actor or director. He received a B.A. in English, Speech and Theatre from Morehead State University in Kentucky, and after retirement, he was hired as an extra casting director on the major film, Gods and Generals. For the past several years he has been developing, writing and directing childrens theater for the area elementary schools. He is the co-author of 8 childrens plays (SOL related) and authored a script for a historical musical that will eventually be used by a Virginia arts organization to bolster tourism, and soon to be published novel, Shenandoah Moon.

For more information about the WTA Parade of Events, please call (540) 943-9999, or email, assistant@waynetheatre.org. Also visit our website, www.waynetheatre.org, for up-to-date information.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

River City Radio Hour

River City Radio Hour To Feature The Boogie Kings with Special Guests Tim Williams and John Coleman

For Immediate Release:

The River City Radio Hour returns this month with the third installment of Beth Massie's cliff-hanging serial "The Mystery of the Meandering Music Box." The performance will take place on February 15th at the Blue Ridge Christian Fellowship Café and Music Hall, with performances at 6:30 pm and 8 pm.

Richard Adams and the Boogie Kings will provide the music for the February River City Radio Hour. Grammy-nominated vocalist Tim Williams, magician John Coleman, and comedian Marsha Howard are the featured performers.

The third chapter of the Meandering Music Box continues the saga of the four time travelers. In the latest installment, we find them just as they watch in horror the impeding destruction of the music box and their only route back to 2008. The River City Players include Marsha Howard, Crystal Graham, Duane Hahn, Bob Lunger, Savannah Lunger, and Clair Myers. Tim Williams will narrate

Tim Williams has a long career as a gospel singer with various groups. He has toured across the United States and Europe and recorded on the Sunsound Record label. Currently, Williams is a member of the Crestman Quartet. He is also a member of the Waynesboro City Council.

John Coleman has a long fascination with magic and comedy. He has performed throughout the region.

The River City Radio Hour is a production the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, The Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. and The Wayne Theatre Alliance.

For more information on River City Radio Hour, please call (540) 943-9999 or email assistant@waynetheatre.org.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Conversations With ...

For immediate release

Conversations With ... returns this month with a shift from artist to author.

Cynthia Long Lasher will be the subject of the second installment of Conversations With ... a live interview presentation offered by Augusta Free Press Publishing and The New Dominion magazine.

The series will take part at the AFP office at 539 W. Main St. in downtown Waynesboro on Jan. 18. The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. - with free admission and light refreshments.

Cynthia Long Lasher is a grief support specialist and program coordinator for Shenandoah Valley Grief Services, part of Lutheran Family Services of Virginia. She has recently written a book titled "Death is no Stranger: Helping Children Grieve." Long Lasher and Augusta Free Press editor Chris Graham will talk about the book and discuss resources available to help children deal with the loss of a loved one.

For more information on Augusta Free Press, visit www.augustafreepress.com. For more information on The New Dominion magazine, visit www.thenewdominion.com. For more infomation on Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, visit www.lfsva.org.

River City Radio Hour Returns

River City Radio Hour Returns with Special Guests Llyn Walker and Tom Reynolds

For Immediate Release:

The River City Radio Hour returns this month with the second installment of Beth Massie's serial "The Mysterious Meandering Music Box." The performance will take place on January 18th at the Blue Ridge Christian Fellowship Café and Music Hall, with two shows at 6:30p and 8pm. "MC" for the evening will be Mason Hulen.

This month’s River City Radio Hour will welcome special guest vocalists Lynn Walker and Tom Reynolds, piano player extraordinaire William Hayes with Chris Wray on percussion, and comedian Marsha Howard.

The second chapter of the Meandering Music Box continues the saga of the four time travelers. In the second chapter, we find them just as they flee their pending doom at the mouth of the Crozet Tunnel. The River City Players include Marsha Howard, Bob Lunger, Savannah Lunger, Clair Myers, Deena Warner and Matthew Warner.

A man of many talents, Tom Reynolds is a well known vocalist in the area, performing with various musical groups. He is currently Senior Pastor at Jollivue United Methodist Church and was the band director for Fishburne Military School. He currently serves as the Mayor and member of the City Council of Waynesboro.

Llyn Walker is a professional singer/performer whose repertoire includes opera, jazz, dance and drama. Her recent performances include Stage Door Productions, Lake of the Woods Players, Richmond Symphony and the Fredericksburg Jazz Ensemble.

The River City Radio Hour is a production the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, The Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc. and The Wayne Theatre Alliance.

For more information on River City Radio Hour, please call (540) 943-9999 or email assistant@waynetheatre.org.

Wayne Theatre Alliance Call for Volunteers

Contact:Dr. Clair MyersExecutive Director, Wayne Theatre Alliance (540) 943-9999 or cfm399@comcast.net Wayne Theatre Alliances Gives Call for Volunteers For Immediate Release: The Wayne Theatre Alliance is looking for community volunteers to assist in the preparation for the reconstruction of the historic structure. The volunteers will provide the”sweat equity” to help reduce the cost of the restoration. They will assist in the demolition of the few remaining partitions and will help clear away of the last of the debris in the Wayne Theatre . Volunteer work days will be on the second, third, and fourth Saturdays of January (January 12, 19, and 26). The Saturday work days will have two sessions: 8 am -Noon and 1pm-5pm. John Curry who is leading the effort said, “This is an opportunity to help make the Wayne Project become a reality. We need twenty willing volunteers for each session to help move our project forward and to put their mark on the restoration.” Men and women interested in volunteering should call the Wayne Theatre Alliance at 943-9999 between 9am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday, to schedule their sessions. For more information, please call the Wayne Theatre Alliance at 943-9999, or email assistant@waynetheatre.org.