FILM: John Brown’s Holy War
John Brown was seen as a farmer, warrior, family man, avenger, and inspiration to the Civil Rights movement. From witnessing brutality against a slave boy as a child to his execution after raiding the federal armory at Harper’s Ferry, this film takes a closer look at this complex man.
Lives in Limbo: Contraband Camp in the Shadow of John Brown’s Fort
Runaway slaves who came into Union lines were called contraband, or enemy property confiscated by the Union Army. Step back to the tense times when the lives of these freedom seekers were in limbo.
Back Alley Garden Tour and Tea
Join us to see an old Town in a very personal way. Become backyard friends in 15 or so gardens
BooFest — Halloween in Shepherdstown
Freedoms Run
An Event for Health and Heritage, helping promote healthy lifestyles, walking and biking paths, and more involvement in the nearby national parks. Schedule: 5:30am - 6:00am: Shuttles to Marathon Start from Shepherd University Wellness Center 6:00 - 8:30am: Race Day Registration for Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Run 7:30am: Marathon start (Harpers Ferry) 8:30am: Half Marathon start (intersection of German St and King St Shepherdstown) 8:50am: 10K start (German St, Shepherdstown) 9:00am: 5K start (German St, Shepherdstown) 11:00am: Kids Run Start (Intersection of King St and High St, Shepherdstown 10:00am After Party Begins at Bavarian Inn 12:00noon: Awards at Bavariann Inn
Rivers Studio & Gallery Exhibit Reception: Impermanence
Ceramic Artist Joy Bridy explores questions of permanence in our lives. Through sculptures using native clay and weathered wood, she investigates the connection with our natural environment. Join us for an opening reception on June 30th from 6pm-8pm. Artist talk from 5:30-6pm. The exhibition runs through August 11th.
A Handmade Christmas in Shepherdstown
Second annual free event at Town Run Brewing Co. in historic Shepherdstown, featuring holiday gifts from 18 local artists and artisans, free chair massages by Replenish Wellness, food and drink, family friendly event.
Outdoor Classical Music Concert
The Friends of Music will present the fifth and final concert of their current season at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 25 in Shepherdstown, WV. This will be a special outdoor concert, held under a tent with chairs on the front lawn of Shepherd University's Popodicon mansion on Shepherd Grade Road. The concert will feature the Two Rivers Brass Quintet playing a variety of spirited works appropriate for an early-summer day. The program will be as follows: • Eric Ewazen (b. 1954) — A Western Fanfare • Anonymous — Sonata from Die Bankelsangerlieder (c. 1684) • Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) — Selections from West Side Story, arr. by Jack Gale • John Cheetham (b. 1939) — Scherzo • J.S. Bach (1685-1750) — Contrapunctus IX from "The Art of Fugue," arr. by John Glasel • Victor Ewald (1860-1935) — Quintet No. 1 Admission will be free for Friends of Music members. The ticket price for others will be $20 per person ($18 before June 11). Tickets can be purchased on the Friends' website at www.friendswv.org or by mail (FOM, PO Box 220, Shepherdstown, WV 25443). Visa and Master Card will be accepted. Some parking will be available on the Popodicon grounds but concertgoers will mainly be encouraged to park in the southernmost end of Shepherd University's "H" parking lot, which is located directly behind Popodicon, off University Drive on the West Campus. From there, they can either walk a short distance to the mansion or take a shuttle bus that Friends of Music will provide. In the weather is adverse that afternoon, the concert will be moved indoors to the Shepherd University Wellness Center nearby. Watch the Friends of Music website and Facebook page for updates. For more information, contact the Friends office at 304-876-5765 or info@friendswv.org. The Friends of Music is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1999 to support and promote musical excellence in the Eastern Panhandle. For full information about the Friends and their concerts go to www.friendswv.org.
Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival
Join us for the 2nd annual Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival, to be held at the historic Peter Burr Farm in Shenandoah Junction, WV, featuring over 50 Blue Ridge artists and artisans, live music, local food and drinks, free children's activities, tours of the historic property, artist demos, door prizes, and more, with free admission for everyone.
18th Annual Ranson Festival & Car Show
Craft Vendors - Food - Entertainment Batman and Batgirl will be arriving in the Batmobile from 10 to 2pm. Kids can stop by and get their autographs and pictures taken. Car Show for all types of Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles.
20th Annual Shepherdstown Back Alley Garden Tour and Tea
The historic town of Shepherdstown WV will hold its 20th annual Back Alley Garden Tour and Tea the weekend of May 21 and 22. The event, which is sponsored by the Shepherdstown Community Club, will include a self-guided walking tour of some 20 private gardens rarely open to the public and an elegant afternoon tea. Incorporated in 1762, Shepherdstown has many interesting 18th- and early 19th-century homes. Many of the gardens on the Garden Tour will be located on the grounds of those homes. The town will be hosting other garden-related activities both days, including a Native Plant Sale on Saturday and a Farmers' Market on Sunday. Both days will also include a variety of other activities for visitors: live music, children's events, carriage rides, displays by local artists, access to local historic sites, and special spring menus at many local restaurants. The Tour and Tea and all the other weekend activities will be held rain or shine. Garden Tour hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. The Teas will be offered from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. each day. Admission to both the Garden Tour and Tea will be $20 per person before May 17, and $25 after that. Advance tickets to the Garden Tour and Tea and more information are available online at www.backalleygarden.org. The Saturday Native Plant Sale will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Sponsored by the Potomac Valley Audubon Society, it will emphasize plants that benefit endangered pollinators like honeybees and butterflies, and it will include informational displays as well as vendors. The Sunday Farmers Market will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All the weekend's other activities will follow the same hours as the Garden Tour.
45th Celebration- Community Day at River and Trail Outfitters
Spend the day with River & Trail Outfitters as they celebrate their 45th season! The first 45 people to make a reservation will receive 45% OFF Shenandoah Mellow Tubing. Park your car where the tubing trip ends, and take a shuttle 1 ½ miles upriver where you can splash and play through small rapids before beginning your leisurely float down the river. Dropping over shallow ledges along the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you are sure to enjoy this mellow and beautiful stretch of river. Add on a cooler tube, or a tube with a back rest, and spend the day with River & Trail staff! For those who are available, a tubing purchase will also give you free unlimited same-day climbing on the 25-foot rock wall! You can also stop by the Blue Heron Grill for a free hot dog. Reservations may be booked online or over the phone. Use promocode: 45YEARS for the savings. Reservations must be booked by June 10th at 8 PM. Rain date: Sunday, June 18th.
Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre – “Murder in the Choir Loft”
Join the Friends of Music for a murder mystery dinner theater performance at Shepherdstown's Bavarian Inn the evening of Friday, May 19. It will combine a plated three-course dinner and an original, lighthearted murder mystery performed by Murder Mysteries Will Travel, a professional acting troupe from Winchester, VA. The mystery will be entitled "Murder in the Choir Loft." Like all the troupe's productions, it will be a comedy that spoofs the murder mystery genre, and it will be interactive; diners will work to solve the crime, and they may play roles in the drama if they wish. The evening will begin with hors d'oeuvres, wine and a cash bar at 6:30 p.m. Dinner and the performance will follow at 7:15 p.m. Tickets will be $100 per person, with $45 of that amount tax-deductible. All proceeds will benefit the Friends organization and its Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra. Seating will be limited to 55 couples or 110 people. Attire will be evening casual or your best detective outfit. Tickets are available through the Friends website at www.friendswv.org. Or call or email the Friends office at 304-876-5765 or info@friendswv.org. The Friends of Music is a non-profit organization founded in 1999 to support and promote musical excellence in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and the surrounding region. It is governed by a board of directors made up of local-area citizens. The Friends' Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra is the only professional chamber orchestra in the Eastern Panhandle and one of only three professional classical music orchestras in the state. It was established by the Friends of Music in 2007 and has been sustained by the Friends since its inception.
5th Annual Shepherdstown “DogFest”
Shepherdstown WV will hold its fifth annual "DogFest" the weekend of April 29-30. Originally held during August, the event has been shifted to the spring the past two years to get away from the summer heat. This year's DogFest will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. It will include a wide variety of activities for dogs, their owners, dog lovers, and the general public. Most of the activities will be located on King Street, downtown. All the activities will be free and everyone will be welcome. One of the main events will be a Saturday parade of rescue dogs that will showcase adoptable dogs from different breed-specific rescue organizations and local all-breed shelters. As each dog goes on parade, a representative of the sponsoring organization will provide commentary on the animal. DogFest coordinator Marianne Davis says this parade format offers a good opportunity to educate the public about the needs of different breeds and adoption and fostering options. Other highlights of the weekend will include a community dog show on Sunday afternoon open to all dogs owned by both visitors and residents. Both days will include blessings of the dogs; exhibits and demonstrations by trainers, rescue organizations, and others; and children's activities. Throughout the weekend, many restaurants and stores will let dog owners bring their dogs inside. Many will also be offering special dog-themed food, drinks, and items for sale. DogFest is sponsored by the Shepherdstown Visitors Center; watch the Center's website at www.shepherdstown.info for schedule details. For more information, contact Ms. Davis at 304-876-2786 or SVC@shepherdstown.info.
Two Rivers Piano & Wind Ensemble Concert
The Friends of Music will present the fourth concert of their current season at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Shepherdstown. The concert will feature the Two Rivers Piano and Winds Ensemble. The pianist will be Shepherd University's Scott Beard. The program, entitled "Windswept," will include the following works by American, German and French composers: Paquito D’Rivera (b. 1948), Invitación al Danzón for clarinet, horn and piano Friedrich W. Voigt (1833-1894), Nocturne for clarinet, horn and piano Op. 75 Francis Poulenc (1899-1963), Trio for oboe, bassoon and piano (1926) Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 16 Admission to the concert will be free for Friends of Music members. The ticket price for others will be $20 per person ($18 before April 16). Tickets and Friends' memberships can be purchased on the Friends' website at www.friendswv.org or by mail (FOM, PO Box 220, Shepherdstown, WV 25443). Visa and Master Card will be accepted. The Two Rivers Piano and Wind Ensemble includes the following musicians: Scott Beard, Piano. Dr. Beard has performed as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestra soloist throughout the U.S. and Canada and in Europe and South America. He was Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at Shepherd University from 1998-2011, and currently serves as Shepherd's Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies & Continuing Education. Noelle Drewes, Oboe. Dr. Drewes is the principal oboe with the Apollo Orchestra and is a founding member of the Capital Reeds. She has performed on numerous occasions as a guest with the National Symphony Orchestra and many other orchestras in the region. She teaches at Montgomery County Community College, and maintains a private teaching studio out of her home in Bowie, Maryland David Drosinos, Clarinet. Mr. Drosinos has performed in Greece, Ireland, Moscow, Finland, the Bahamas and all over the continental U.S. He teaches at the Baltimore School for the Arts, the Peabody Preparatory, and Shepherd University. Lynn Moncilovich, Bassoon. Ms. Moncilovich is the principal bassoonist of Central Maryland's Londontowne Symphony Orchestra, and second bassoonist with the Keystone Wind Ensemble in Pennsylvania. She also performs frequently with the Lancaster PA Symphony Orchestra. Daniel Carter, Horn. Mr. Carter is adjunct horn instructor at Shepherd University and teaches Elementary Band and Strings in the Howard County MD Public System. He is principal horn of the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra. The piano used for this concert has been graciously provided by the Steinway Piano Gallery of Washington, DC. The Friends of Music is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1999 to support and promote musical excellence in the Eastern Panhandle. For full information about the Friends and their concerts go to www.friendswv.org.
Apollo Jazz Orchestra featuring Chris Vadala
The Eastern Regional Jazz Education Foundation presents their first concert hosted by Washington High School. Concert Lineup: *Washington High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Donnie Showen. *Apollo Jazz Orchestra featuring Chris Vadala under the direction of Mr. Jordan S. English. Tickets: $12 In Advance | $15 at the Door https://www.eventbrite.com/e/apollo-jazz-orchestra-featuring-chris-vadala-tickets-33396749577?aff=eac2. CHRIS VADALA One of the country's foremost woodwind artists, Chris Vadala is in demand as a jazz/classical performer and educator. He has appeared on more than 100 recordings to date, as well as innumerable jingle sessions, film and TV scores, performing on all the saxophones, flutes, and clarinets. A native of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., he graduated from the Eastman School of Music, earning the honor of the Performer's Certificate in saxophone as well as a B.M. in Music Education, received an M.A. in clarinet from Connecticut College, and pursued postgraduate study in woodwind doubling at Eastman. Professor Vadala, Director of Jazz Studies and Saxophone Professor, is a UM Distinguished Scholar-Teacher at the University of Maryland. Previous academic appointments include teaching studio woodwinds and conducting jazz ensembles at Connecticut College, Montgomery College, Hampton University, Prince George's Community College and Mount Vernon College, as well as serving as Visiting Professor of Saxophone at the Eastman School of Music, 1995 and 2001. Mr. Vadala's performing career has been highlighted by a long tenure as standout woodwind artist with the internationally recognized Chuck Mangione Quartet, which included performances in all 50 states, Canada, Australia, Japan, Phillipines, China, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, England, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, and Switzerland, and performing credits on five gold and two platinum albums, plus two Grammy, two Emmy, one Georgie (AGVA) and one Golden Globe Award. In addition, he has performed and/or recorded with such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Chick Corea, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Placido Domingo, Sarah Vaughn, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Henry Mancini, Doc Severinsen, New York Voices, Frankie Valli, Johnny Mathis, Diana Ross, Michael Feinstein, Patti LaBelle, Kendrick Lamar, and many others. In 2009, he became a member of the Award-Winning Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and has been the first call saxophonist with National Symphony Orchestra and NSO Pops Orchestra for many years. Visit his www.chrisvadala.com website for additional information on discography, bio info, publications, calendar of performances, booking request form, CD purchases, sound bytes and more!
Uniquely West Virginia
The show offers a free opportunity for the public to sample and buy dozens of state-grown products as well as meet the faces behind these products.
RHYTHM IN THE NIGHT – THE IRISH DANCE SPECTACULAR
Experience the Irish dance phenomenon that is sweeping the country, Rhythm in the Night, The Irish Dance Spectacular, as it returns this Spring for ‘The Celebration Tour’! Named ‘The Celebration Tour’ for achieving a multi-sellout and record-setting 2016 Spring Tour, along with becoming the fastest growing Irish dance show in the country, returns the Irish dance spectacular for its fourth consecutive U.S tour that critics and audiences alike have been raving about. Rhythm in the Night, The Irish Dance Spectacular is an epic journey derived from a tale of good versus evil with a storyline that will capture the imagination of everyone in the family and transport them to a mystical time and place of heroes and redemption. The battle scenes transcend the struggle of dark versus light as lightning fast rhythms and a thunderous world-class dance troupe display Irish dance like never before seen. Adding to the drama and excitement of the production, Rhythm in the Night features an original soundtrack that delivers an orchestral atmosphere of epic proportions. Rhythm in the Night turns an age-old art form into an exciting Irish dance spectacular the whole family can enjoy!
Spa Night: Bath Bombs at Elle’s Niche
You're invited to Ladies’ Spa Night at @Elle's.Niche in historic Charles Town, WV, a boutique shop offering all handmade local gifts. Free goodie bags to the first 10 people! Enter to win a spa door prize! Enjoy complimentary sweets and tea. Bring your friends or come make some new ones at Ladies’ Night! If you would like, register to learn to make bath bombs with the Wild Rose Soap Co (10 spots available for the class, beginning at 7pm for $20). Bath bombs are fizzy natural 'bombs' to make a home spa treatment. Made with moisturizing oils and sea salts, customizable with your favorite scent and dried herbs, they will be your new favorite addition to a relaxing bath. Each attendee of the workshop will receive a bath bomb and mold to take home, plus recipes and instruction. To register: https://ellesniche.net/product/ladies-spa-night-bath-bomb-workshop/
Flower Shadow Box Workshop
Join Erin from M.E. Designs and learn how to make a beautiful flower shadow box! Great for celebrating Spring or thinking ahead for Mother’s Day! This class will teach you how to roll your flowers as well as weeding your vinyl quote for the front of the glass. All supplies and tools will be provided. Your kit will include a small (5x7 or 8x8) or large (6x14) shadow box, pre-cut paper to roll for your flowers in a variety of colors, and pre-cut vinyl with a quote that you will learn to weed and apply yourself (multiple quotes will be available for you to choose from). If there is a special quote you would like, please let the artist know by April 28th. Cost of class is $35 for a small box/ $40 for a large box. Class size is limited so pre-registration is required! Registration: https://ellesniche.net/product/flower-shadow-box-workshop-may-6th/.
Flower Shadow Box Workshop
Join Erin from M.E. Designs and learn how to make a beautiful flower shadow box! Great for celebrating Spring or thinking ahead for Mother’s Day! This class will teach you how to roll your flowers as well as weeding your vinyl quote for the front of the glass. All supplies and tools will be provided. Your kit will include a small (5x7 or 8x8) or large (6x14) shadow box, precut paper to roll for your flowers in a variety of colors, and precut vinyl with a quote that you will learn to weed and apply yourself (multiple quotes will be available for you to choose from). If there is a special quote you would like, please let the artist know by April 28th. Cost of class is $35 for a small box/ $40 for a large box. Class size is limited so Pre-registration is required! Registration: https://ellesniche.net/product/flower-shadow-box-workshop-may-6th/
Bavarian EV Run
Have you challenged the tourability of your EV? Join us on June 6th for our annual West Virginia meetup. This event will feature a meetup in Charles Town, group drive to Shepherdstown, and lunch at the Bavarian Inn. This year we celebrate the Bavarian's addition of 4 charging stations (2 of which are Tesla). Tentative Agenda (Subject to change) Friday - May 5: • 7 P.M. - Dinner/Drinks at The Devonshire Arms Cafe & Pub (for those who arrive the night before) Saturday - May 6: • 10 A.M. - Meetup at American Public University System, starting at 10 A.M. -Pickup car flag. Light breakfast and coffee will be served. • 12 P.M. - Leave for Shepherdstown. • 1 P.M. - Lunch at the Bavarian Inn. -Tour of new solar installation at Bavarian by MTV Solar.
Shepherd University MBA Summit: Re-Inventing West Virginia
The Shepherd University MBA Program will host a day-long Summit: “Re-Inventing West Virginia: Respecting the Heritage and Realizing the Future” on Saturday, March 18, 2017 on the campus of Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV. This Summit will discuss and analyze ways to overcome traditional challenges to the State in order to position and brand West Virginia as a State that is attractive, beautiful and successful. This Summit will address West Virginia’s economy as it is impacted by education, technology, energy, tourism, and marketing. Finally, utilizing these discussions and analyses, a branding forum will summarize the highlights and provide a plan for the future success of Almost Heaven, West Virginia! Four one-hour long forums will be held. Education and Technology’s Role in Re-Inventing WV Energy’s Role in Re-Inventing WV Marketing and Branding’s Role in Re-Inventing WV Tourism’s role in Re-Inventing WV For more information or to register, visit www.shepherd.edu/mba-summit.
16th Annual Audubon Race for the Birds
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will hold its 16th annual "Race for the Birds!" in Shepherdstown WV on Saturday, April 8, 2017. The event will be held at the same location as last year: Wild Goose Farm at 293 Shepherd Grade Road. The farm is just across the road from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services' National Conservation Training Center. The 2017 event will include two professionally timed races—one 5 kilometers long and another 10 kilometers long. There will also be a 1-mile "Fun Run" for children under 10 years of age. In addition, adults and families who wish to walk or jog the 5K course at their own pace may do so. The 5K and 10K races will follow non-technical cross-country trails through the farm's scenic fields, rolling hills and woods. The course will be suitable for all runners. The 5K and 10K races will begin at 9:00 a.m. The children's Fun Run will be held at about 10:45 a.m. The children's Fun Run will be free. The fees for the 5K and 10K races will be $25 and $30, respectively, for those who pre-register before March 25. Same-day registration will be $5 more for both distances. Registration for the 5K and 10K races will be capped at 400 for both, so same-day registration may not be available. To register and for more information, go to the race website at www.raceforthebirds.org. You may also contact Nan Johnson at 304-870-4414 or race4birds@potomacaudubon.org.
International Water Tasting Festival
The award-winning 29th annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting welcomes more than one hundred waters from across the country and
Boots – Brews – BBQ
BOOTS-BREWS-BBQ will offer 30+ crafts Beers, dig into some amazing local BBQ pop-ups and listen to live music by Mark Bray and the Steel Soul Cowboys. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the event. Ticket gets you 10 pours of brews. Additional ticket for $12.50 may be purchased for additional pours of brews at the event.
Eastern Panhandle Home Show
The Home Show offers the public an opportunity to view more than a hundred businesses under one roof, from home builders to re-modelers, banks, lenders, landscape companies and heating and air conditioning contractors, to ask questions and receive information from the the exhibitors. Visitors can also participate in a silent auction with a large variety of items from exhibitors and businesses. Admission is free for the two days.
Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra Concert
The Friends of Music will present a Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra concert in Shepherdstown, WV on March 25. The concert will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at 7:30 p.m. Entitled "Songs and Dances of Love," it will feature three works: Johannes Brahms' "Liebeslieder Waltzes," Edward Elgar's Serenade, and the Marimba Concerto No. 1 of Brazilian composer Ney Rosauro. The soloist will be Michelle Humphreys, the Orchestra's Timpanist and Principal Percussionist. Humphreys, who formerly taught at Shepherd University, is now Professor of Percussion at Towson University. An early music specialist, she performs regularly with many of the region's top ensembles, including the Washington Bach Consort, Folger Consort, National Cathedral Baroque Orchestra, Philadelphia's "Tempesta di Mare," and the Handel Choir of Baltimore. Music Director Jed Gaylin will conduct. The Brahms waltzes were composed in 1869. Sumptuous in style, they are based on a collection of folk songs and love poems. It has been said that Brahms was moved to write them by his frustrated love for Clara Schumann, the wife of fellow composer Robert Schumann. Elgar's Serenade is a work of great lyricism. The composer wrote it in 1892 to commemorate the third anniversary of his marriage to his wife, Alice, whom he loved deeply. Elgar retained a great fondness for this work throughout his life and referred to it often as his favorite. It was the last piece he recorded before he died in 1934. Rosauro's Marimba Concerto is another very lyrical work that blends classical, jazz, and Brazilian motifs. The composer dedicated it to his son Marcelo, who was born around the time of the composition in 1986. Its four-movement structure is based on a Brazilian "Serenata," a lover's serenade that consists of a greeting, a lament, a dance, and a farewell. Admission to the concert will be free for Friends of Music members. The ticket price for others will be $25 per person ($22.50 before March 12). Tickets can be purchased on the Friends' website at www.friendswv.org or by mail (FOM, PO Box 220, Shepherdstown, WV 25443) or, if space is available, at the church the evening of the performance. Visa and Master Card will be accepted. In addition to on-street parking around the church, free parking will be available at the Bavarian Inn's upper parking lot, with free shuttle bus service to and from the concert. Full information about the Friends, the Orchestra, and the concert season is available at www.friendswv.org.
Shepherdstown Rotary Club Wine-Tasting Dinner
The Rotary Club of Shepherdstown, WV, will hold its annual wine-tasting dinner on Friday, March 10. The event will be held at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown starting at 6:30 p.m. Members of the community are welcome to attend. Admission is $70 per person; $20 of that amount is tax-deductible. The event, now in its 16th year, includes an elegant multi-course dinner featuring wines carefully chosen to complement each course. Wine expert Christina Morris Thornton, of Winesellers Ltd. and The Country Vintner, will preside over the dinner, explaining the history and characteristics of the various wines served. The wines will come from the Inn's award-winning wine list, which contains over 600 different labels. Go to the Shepherdstown Rotary web page at www.shepherdstownrotary.org to download an information packet that includes a registration form, the dinner menu with the wine pairings, and details about the Inn's special room rates. You'll find this packet by clicking on "Activities and Events" in the menu on the left side of the page and then clicking on "Wine Tasting Dinner." The wines served, which are always chosen to be affordably priced, will be available for purchase afterwards by the bottle or case. All proceeds from the sale of dinner tickets and wine purchases will be used to help fund Shepherdstown Rotary programs that benefit children and young adults. Dress for the event will be business formal, with black tie optional. Special room rates will be available at the Inn that weekend for those who choose to stay there while attending the event. The deadline for registering is March 7. For more information, contact sheprotarywtdinner@gmail.com.
Olde Town Christmas Parade
Watch Christmas come to life at Martinsburg's annual holiday parade. You'll see familiar characters like Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph as well as festive floats, antique cars, firetrucks and more.
Martinsburg’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Usher in the beginning of the holiday season at Martinsburg's annual tree lighting ceremony in the beautifully decorated town square. Drink hot chocolate, listen to carols and watch Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a horse-drawn sleigh to light up the tree.
Santa Claus – Cacapon State Park
Bring your entire family and get your Christmas picture taken with Santa! Craft time with the kiddies and also a yummy bake sale will be available for purchase. Want to write a letter to Santa instead of setting on his lap? Elves will be on the premises to help write your letter and Santa will respond via USPS! For overnight reservations, call Cacapon Lodge at 304-258-1022. Need the naturalist's email to ask what time Santa is visting Cacapon? It is renee.m.finchman@wv.gov, one of Santa's helpers.
Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra All-Mozart Concert
The Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra will launch its new season on November 19 with an all-Mozart concert in Shepherdstown, WV. The concert, which is sponsored by Friends of Music, will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at 7:30 p.m. The program will include Mozart's Symphony No. 39, the overtures to the "Marriage of Figaro" and "Cosi Fan Tutte," and arias from these and other Mozart operas. The Orchestra's Music Director, Jed Gaylin, will conduct. The featured artist will be Washington DC-based soprano Jennifer Casey Cabot, who has sung in venues throughout the world, including the Boston Lyric Opera, Washington Opera, New York City Opera, and many others. Admission to the concert will be free for Friends of Music members. The ticket price for others will be $25 per person ($22.50 before November 6). Memberships and tickets can be purchased on the Friends' website at www.friendswv.org or by mail (FOM, PO Box 220, Shepherdstown, WV 25443) or, if space is available, at the church the evening of the performance. Visa and Master Card will be accepted. In addition to on-street parking in the vicinity of the church, free parking will be available at the Bavarian Inn's upper parking lot, with free shuttle bus service to and from the concert. For more information contact the Friends at 304-876-5765 or info@friendswv.org.
Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival
Celebrating its 38th year, the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival is one of the longest standing festival traditions in Berkeley County, celebrating the area’s rich history and agricultural roots. The four day event features a wide range of activities, from an elegant grand ball, to a sportsman and outdoor show, a craft show, agricultural events, a royal gala and the grand feature parade that fills downtown with performances, antique cars, fire trucks and more. This festival is a local favorite and will create a special memory for visitors and families who attend and share in this time-honored tradition.
Fall Family Farm Days Festival
The Fall Family Farm Days festival is a great way for families to welcome the changing of the seasons and create memories together. Join us for live local bluegrass, delicious food, tasty baked goods, hayrides, visit our pumpkin patch, craft vendors, and children’s activities. This year we’re also featuring a LIVE visit from Spookley the Square Pumpkin! You’ve probably seen his popular kids’ movie on the Disney Junior t.v. network. He’ll be walking around both days to greet the children between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Christmas Marketplace at Charles Town
We are so excited to announce The Christmas Marketplace in Charles Town. Similar to the pop-up arts & crafts boutique that was held in December 2015. This year The City of Charles Town has granted permission to hold the event in the beautifully renovated Charles Washington Hall and will feature the work of local & regional artists, artisans, crafters and designers. You'll find a variety of outstanding handmade goods and bespoke gifts that are truly special and made with love! Two days only!! The Handmade Market will be open Saturday, November 26th (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) and December 3rd (10 a.m. -4 p.m.). Admission to the public is free!
WVPB + NPR Generation Listen’s #WhyListen Music Party in Shepherdstown
Join us for #WhyListen, a first listen music party and music conversation, on Sunday, August 28 from 4-6pm at Town Run Brewing in Shepherdstown, WV. Listen to new music from West Virginia and beyond & chat about it with Larry Groce (NPR's Mountain Stage), Joni Deutsch (West Virginia Public Broadcasting's A Change of Tune), and Jordan Hudkins (Martinsburg native & Rozwell Kid rocker). Enjoy local craft brews, order from Town Run Brewing's delicious menu, and grab some free public radio / music swag! The August 28 event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. RSVP's are required on whylistenWV.splashthat.com.
Trails and Trees Studio Tour
Welcome to our studios. Travel through beautiful Berkeley County, West Virginia and visit the studios of our 13 talented artists who call the area, “Home”. We invite you to this special weekend where we share our creativity, skills, stories, and distinctive art work with the public. Take your time and enjoy the arts and Berkeley County. Take a peek at “Creativity Where it Lives”, purchase artwork, view demonstrations, or win a door prize - and it’s all free!
Fridays @ Five
Cozy up with a blankets and chairs to Fridays @ Five, a fun, free summer concert series featuring amazing local and regional talent every Friday in the heart of Martinsburg. The concerts take place in the Town Square in downtown Martinsburg, providing easy access to the shops and restaurants, lasting from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Arrive for the concert an hour early to browse through the Martinsburg Farmers Market for the area's best produce, meats, jams and jellies, breads, baked goods and more.
Wine and Arts Festival
Held on the expansive grounds of the historic Boydville Mansion, the annual Wine and Art Festival offers guests the best West Virginia wines, all-day live music, vendors and entertainment for a relaxing and fun experience. Guests will be able to sample state wines, ranging from very sweet to very dry-even honey and fruit wines, in a complimentary glass. After tasting, select a bottle of your favorite to enjoy in the shade of the lush trees adorning the property as you listen to the eclectic variety of bands, including jazz, blues, folk and rock.