Pickin’ Indoors
Pickin’ Indoors, a local old-time, bluegrass and country jam sessions, will take place, from 6 p.m. -10 p.m., Wednesday, October 19 in The Joni and Buck Smith Arts Forum in Myles Center for the Arts on the campus of Davis & Elkins College. The sessions are hosted weekly by the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College. For additional information, visit augustaheritagecenter.org, call 304-637-1209 or email augusta@AugustaHeritageCenter.org.
Film premiere of “The Crooked Tune, an Old-Time Fiddler in a Modern World”
Film premiere of “The Crooked Tune, an Old-Time Fiddler in a Modern World” will take place at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, October 19 in Myles Center for the Arts Harper-McNeeley Auditorium on the campus of Davis & Elkins College. The work features the life story and music of West Virginia old-time musician Dave Bing. There is no admission fee. The screening is part of Augusta’s October Old-Time Week, October 16-21, featuring West Virginia musicians. For additional information, visit augustaheritagecenter.org, call 304-637-1209 or email augusta@AugustaHeritageCenter.org.
The Mountain State Forest Festival Comedy/Magic Show
The Magic of Autumn, featuring Elkins native and illusionist Joshua Jordan, begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 1 in Myles Center for the Arts Harper-McNeeley Auditorium. Revealing the natural lessons in the sleight of hand and misdirection, Jordan aims to motivate his audience to avoid deception and reach for the truth. The show is free for children and students in elementary school through college. Admission for adults is $5 at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is hosted by the Campus Activities Board of Davis & Elkins College and sponsored by Elkins Express Care.
Curt Anderson Christian Pop Concert
Christian pop musician Curt Anderson is bringing his message of hope to Elkins in performances during the 80th Mountain State Forest Festival. For his recent debut release, “Every Moment” on Dream Records, Anderson teamed up with Grammy and Dove Award winning producers and songwriters to bring listeners a fresh collection of anthemic songs that will both encourage and challenge. The album’s first single, “Keep It Beating,” is a fun-filled song about hope and redemption. Sunday, October 2 at 10 a.m. Summit Church in the American Mountain Theater Sunday, October 2 at 8 p.m. Robbins Memorial Chapel, Davis & Elkins College Monday, October 3 at 7 p.m. Celebrate the Spirit!, Elkins Town Square. For additional information, visit www.forestfestival.com or call 304-636-1824.
Film Screening of “George Rashid: The Leper of Pickens”
The Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College will present a film screening of “George Rashid: The Leper of Pickens” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 20 in the Halliehurst Library. The event is free and open to the public. Producers Jason Harman and Peggy Proudfoot Harman will introduce the film and a question-and-answer session will follow. In her research, Peggy Harman discovered that “George Rashid of Pickens was diagnosed with leprosy, but probably didn’t actually have leprosy at all. His medical case is thought to have started the public health system in West Virginia.” The film follows Rashid’s life, including his journey across the United States and through Randolph County, and includes interviews with several Randolph County historians and residents. The screening is part of Augusta’s October Old-Time Week, October 16-21, featuring West Virginia musicians. For additional information, visit augustaheritagecenter.org, call 304-637-1209 or email augusta@AugustaHeritageCenter.org.
West Virginia Open Fiddle, Old-Time Banjo and Bluegrass Banjo Contest
The Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College welcomes musicians and spectators from across the region to the College’s Outdoor Amphitheatre for the West Virginia Open Fiddle, Old-Time Banjo and Bluegrass Banjo Contest on Saturday, October 1, 2016. Registration for the contest begins at noon. The contest will start at 2 p.m. and run until all contestants have competed. There is no registration fee to compete. participants from any state or region are welcome to enter. Five cash prizes will be awarded in Fiddle, Old-time Banjo and Bluegrass Banjo categories, as well as a Best Senior Musician prize for those age 60 and older, and a Best Youth Musician prize for those age 15 and younger. Awards are $400 for first place, $200 for second place, $100 for third place, $50 for fourth place and $25 for fifth place. The event is sponsored by Smakula Fretted Instruments, Valley Supply and McNeer, Highland, McMunn & Varner LC, Elkins-Randolph County YMCA and several anonymous donors. The contest is part of the Mountain State Forest Festival Celebrating Appalachia – Banjos, Burgers and Beer Festival. For more information, visit www.augustaheritagecenter.org, email augusta@AugustaHeritageCenter.org or call the Augusta Heritage Center office at 304-637-1209.
Davis & Elkins October Open House
Square Dance
A square dance called by Mack Samples of Nicholas County, W.Va., with music provided by Bluegrass Staff Inflictions, will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, August 5. Admission is $6 general or $4 for students and AmeriCorps members.
Presentation on the History of Bluegrass Music
A free presentation on the history of bluegrass music is planned for 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 1 in Madden Student Center. Bluegrass jam sessions will take place throughout campus afterward.
Ceili Dance and Square Dance
A Ceili dance and square dance will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, July 29 in the Augusta Dance Pavilion on the campus of Davis & Elkins College. The event will feature the Augusta Ceili Band with calling from Padraig McEeany and followed by a square dance with Dave Bing, Mark Payne and Andrew Dunlap playing old-time music with Mack Samples calling. Admission is $6 general or $4 for students and AmeriCorps members.
Craft Showcase
A craft showcase and reception featuring exhibits and demonstrations by Augusta Heritage Center students in arts, craft and folklore classes will take place from 6-7:15 p.m. Thursday, July 28 in The Joni and Buck Smith Arts Forum in Myles Center for the Arts at Davis & Elkins College. Admission is free.
Ceili and Square Dance
Ceili and Square Dance, presented by the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College, will take place at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 24 in the Augusta Dance Pavilion. Dave Bing, Andrew Dunlap and Mark Payne will provide old-time tunes and Bill McComiskey, Joey Albarta and Nathan Gourley will provide Irish tunes. Admission is $6 general or $4 for students and AmeriCorps members. Location: Davis & Elkins College campus, Augusta Dance Pavilion
Augusta Festival and Craft Fair
The Augusta Festival celebrates Appalachian heritage arts and folk life with a juried craft fair, live music, dancing, workshops, craft demonstrations and children’s activities. This year’s juried Craft Fair includes more than 50 of the region’s finest artisans selling their unique creations. Concessions will be available.
Augusta Concert, Cajun/Creole and Classic Country Music
The concert will feature performances by master musicians, vocalists, and dancers who are instructors at Augusta for the summer sessions. Tickets can be purchased online at www.augustaheritagecenter.org or at the Davis & Elkins Box Office on the night of the show.
Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre-Mountain Memories Christmas Dinner Show
The Gandy Dancer Theatre is West Virginia's ONLY Branson-style dinner theatre. This season features the Mountain Memories Christmas Dinner Show. Enjoy all your beloved songs from the past, new favorites, family-friendly comedy with the areas most beautiful dancers, talented singer and amazing singers. This award winning show will become a family tradition for years to come.
Beverly Heritage Days / Battle of Rich Mountain Reenactment
Living history from Pioneer Days, Civil War and World War II; Craft demonstrations, Music, Food, and more. Historic periods dance. All-weekend event culminates in the Battle of Rich Mountain reenactment on Sunday. Experience centuries of history in historic Beverly. Small town. . .big history!