Gal getaways: 6 women-only events and places
Would you and your girlfriends like to escape for a weekend or evening? Head to the Mountain State for indulgent
6 doughnut shops in WV that will make your mouth water
Whether you like yours topped with sprinkles or stuffed with raspberry jelly, donuts in the Mountain State are sure to
Community Music at Shepherd
Performances by the Shepherd Community Orchestra, Junior String Ensemble and Shepherd Youth Chorus.
If your group is planning a retreat, you’ve gotta check these stops out
Researching the activities. Booking the tickets. Collecting the money. Making the cabin reservations. Packing the sandwiches (2 with no mayo!),
very still & hard to see by Steve Yockey
In very still & hard to see, Yockey deftly stitches the real and the surreal, reminding us that the fuzzy line between good and evil can sometimes be a single choice. This is a fractured story of a cursed hotel, this haunting short play cycle unearths worlds populated by the desperate, the unlucky, and the monstrous, mixing comedic absurdity with raw heartbreak.
very still & hard to see by Steve Yockey
In very still & hard to see, Yockey deftly stitches the real and the surreal, reminding us that the fuzzy line between good and evil can sometimes be a single choice. This is a fractured story of a cursed hotel, this haunting short play cycle unearths worlds populated by the desperate, the unlucky, and the monstrous, mixing comedic absurdity with raw heartbreak.
very still & hard to see – by Steve Yockey
In very still & hard to see, Yockey deftly stitches the real and the surreal, reminding us that the fuzzy line between good and evil can sometimes be a single choice. This is a fractured story of a cursed hotel, this haunting short play cycle unearths worlds populated by the desperate, the unlucky, and the monstrous, mixing comedic absurdity with raw heartbreak.
P2P Festival
This family friendly spring festival brings together primitive skills like fire making and edible plants and traditional archery with more modern preparation and homesteading skills like food preservation, sustainable gardening and packing an emergency first aid kit. Activities include: demos and classes in wild edible foraging, trapping and tracking, archery, fire-making and much more! Evenings filled with music and campfires.
North American Bushcraft School
Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra Concert
The Friends of Music will present a Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra concert in Shepherdstown, WV on Saturday, November 18. The concert will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at 7:30 p.m. Entitled "Joyful Noise," it will feature three works: "Träumerei," by Robert Schumann; Prokofiev's 2nd Violin Concerto; and Beethoven's 7th Symphony. The featured soloist will be violinist Ruotao Mao. 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 5). 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. Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra Music Director Jed Gaylin will conduct. Gaylin says the evening's program "will demonstrate that classical music can, quite simply, be a lot of fun, and this is fun on overdrive!” The concert will open with Schumann's "Träumerei," a short, beautiful work that the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz frequently played as an encore. "It may look simple on the page," Horowitz said, "but it is a masterpiece." Prokofiev’s 2nd Violin Concerto is one of the finest examples of the composer's effort to establish a "new simplicity" in music, centered on graceful melodies. Beethoven’s 7th Symphony is full of relentless energy. It is generally regarded as one of the most innovative, compelling, and ecstatic symphonies ever written. Mr. Mao, the violin soloist, is a native of Beijing, China who graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with a "distinction in performance" award. He currently teaches violin and chamber music at The College of New Jersey and is the concertmaster of the Delaware Valley Philharmonic Orchestra, the Riverside Symphonia, the Bay Atlantic Symphony and most recently, the Glimmerglass Opera Orchestra. The Classical Network of New Jersey has described his playing as a "virtuoso display of world-class magnitude." This concert is dedicated to the memory of the late Sherman Ross of Shepherdstown, a longtime Friends of Music patron, by his wife Elinor. The Friends of Music is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1999 to support and promote musical excellence. The Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra was established by the Friends in 2007. Gaylin was named Music Director in 2012. He also serves as the Music Director of Baltimore's Hopkins Symphony Orchestra and the Bay Atlantic Symphony in New Jersey, and is an Artist in Residence at New Jersey's Stockton University. This year's Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra Concerts are being supported by a grant from the WV Division of Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts. Full information about the Friends, the Orchestra, and the concert season is available at www.friendswv.org.
The must-try beer from every WV brewery
West Virginia’s growing craft beer scene is creating a ton of delicious, must-try beers from all over the state. Here’s
The perfect fall day in West Virginia
Apple cider. Pumpkin carving. Corn mazes. Bonfires. Fall is one of the best times of the year, and there’s no
Meet West Virginia’s unique fruit: the pawpaw
Have you ever tried a pawpaw? This oblong, greenish brown or yellow fruit that has a sweet, custard-like flavor similar to
The Nutty Nutcracker
The Nutty Nutcracker is fun for the entire family. This show will CRACK you up!
These 11 WV tacos will satisfy those Tex-Mex cravings
West Virginia is a culinary mecca – with everything from high-end French cuisine to traditional Appalachian fare. But, sometimes, nothing
West Virginia’s oldest movie theater is still going strong
West Virginia is home to dozens of grand old theaters harboring a century’s worth of memories dating back to the
Berkeley Springs Studio Tour
This is a free, self-guided tour of artists studios in and around Berkeley Springs, WV. You'll see contemporary and traditional art and fine crafts in many different media as artists demonstrate and describe the processes they use to create their unique work. Studios will be open from 10AM until 5PM on both days. See works being created and creations displayed for sale.
BooFest — Halloween in Shepherdstown
African American History Hike
Bike Your Park Day
Charles Town/Ranson Christmas Parade
Charles Town Car Show
African American Cultural Heritage Festival
Annual Shepherdstown Christmas Parade
Santa’s Polar Party
Holiday Craft Fair and Vendor Show
Wee Warrior Dash
Halloween Happening
Community Center Yard Sale
Movie in the Park — Featuring Hocus Pocus
Movie in the Park–Featuring Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Allison Coles Severance — Art for Food
Poker Ride Metric Century & Trail Ride
Back Roads Century
American Conservation Film Festival
Cut To The Chase Film Festival
Old Tyme Christmas
Friends of Music Concert featuring Two Rivers String Quartet
The Friends of Music will launch their new concert season on September 23 with a performance by the Two Rivers String Quartet and a featured clarinet. The concert will be held in Shepherdstown's Trinity Episcopal Church, on German Street, at 7:30 p.m. The program will include two works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, his Quartet No. 21 in D Major and his Clarinet Quintet in A Major; and "Bagatelles for Clarinet and Strings"(Op. 23), by 20th Century British composer Gerald Finzi. Admission to the concert will be free for Friends of Music members. The ticket price for others will be $20 per person ($18 before September 10). 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. The Friends of Music is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1999 to support and promote musical excellence. It is governed by a board of directors made up of local-area citizens. For more information, contact the Friends at 304-876-5765 or info@friendswv.org. This year's concert season is supported in part by a grant from the WV Division of Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts. The featured clarinetist for the September 23 concert will be David Drosinos. 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. The Two Rivers String Quartet includes the following musicians: Heather Austin-Stone, Violin. Ms. Austin-Stone is currently the Concertmaster of the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, the Assistant Concertmaster with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and a section 1st violinist with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. Camilo Perez-Mejia, Cello. Mr. Perez-Mejia is a member of the Temple Trio, Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington, and principal cellist for the National String Symphonia. He is also the Music Director and Conductor of the Charles Washington Symphony. Dana Rokosny, Viola. Ms. Rokosny is principal violist of the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra and performs regularly with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and other orchestras in the Baltimore-Washington area. Petr Skopek, Violin. Mr. Skopek is a member of the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, the Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra and the Shippensburg Festival Orchestra.
Nahkeeta Campsite
Happy Retreat Craft Beer and Music Festival
Please join us on Saturday, September 9, 2017, for the second annual Happy Retreat Craft Beer and Music Festival, held on the historic grounds of Happy Retreat, former home of Charles Town founder Charles Washington, brother of George Washington and certified National Treasure by the National Trust of Historic Preservation. The event will feature music all day from touring bands as well as samples from multiple brewers of the best craft beer available in the State of West Virginia. Share this event with your friends and family and save the date for the second annual Happy Retreat Craft Beer and Music Festival! Ticket prices VIP – $40 in advance/$45 at the gate. VIP ticket holders will receive a souvenir 6.5 oz. glass General Admission – $20 in advance/$25 at the gate. General admission ticket holders will receive a souvenir 5 oz. mini tasting mug and 4 free tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets may be purchased. Designated Driver/Underage — $15 either online or at the gate. Awesome Bands Jah Works Black Masala The Primate Fiasco The Woo Yeahs
Rodeway Inn & Suites
Quality Inn Spring Mills – Martinsburg North
Quality Inn & Suites
Stone River House
Wild, wonderful fun on the Fourth
West Virginia’s rich with hometown pride, and we sure know how to celebrate our nation’s birthday! From small-town picnics
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.
Rivers Studio and Gallery
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.
Man-cations: ATV and off-road escapes
Take your vacation for a spin in the Mountain State. If your weekend needs some horsepower, West Virginia’s ATV trails
Town guide: Martinsburg
Fresh, traditional cuisine, whimsical entertainment and 19th-century attractions— that’s Martinsburg. Dining The Colandrea family has owned King’s New York Pizza,
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.
Town guide: Shepherdstown
West Virginia’s oldest town treats you to sophisticated restaurants, colonial ambience and Old World elegance. Dining When it comes to
Back Creek Valley Homesteading Festival
A day of workshops on topics and skills of homesteading, self sufficiency, outdoor survival, bushcraft and preparedness. Also there will be vendors, food, pony rides, horse drawn carriage rides, live bluegrass music, kids activities and more. $5 for adults, kids under 12 get in free
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.
Fresh? How ‘bout straight from the vine! 6 you-pick farms
Whether you like your berries in pie, cobbler, or just straight out of the bucket – West Virginia is the
Gal getaways: glamping
Want the fun camping with the gals, but the comfort of something a little more upscale? Try mountain “glamping.” From
Mountain murals: 5 stops for a DIY public art tour
The Mountain State is full of funky art galleries and sophisticated art museums. But during the warmer months, get your
Seasonal sips
Absence makes limited-availability flavor even better! Nature isn’t the only thing that’s seasonal. Visit West Virginia’s distilleries, wineries, and meaderies
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.
Go ahead, mix business and play with blissful mountain ‘bleisure’ travel
Welcome to wild, wonderful Wi-Fi. Restore your spirit and keep tabs on the office while you travel. It’s possible to
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.
Pack Horse Ford Cannonball Run Irish Road Bowling, Shepherdstown
September 10 Pack Horse Ford Cannonball Run, Shepherdstown, WV http://www.battleofshepherdstown.org Sunday 1:30 p.m. Come join the fun of this annual competition for a weekend rich in history and plenty of entertainment all situated amidst the enchanting natural surroundings of Shepherdstown, WV. Throw cannonballs on historic Trough Road, where in 1862 Confederate and Union troops fought, as the Confederate army retreated from Antietam. To be a part of history contact Road Master Mary Wolfe at (304) 258-4958, e-mail mwolfe4@frontier.com
Cacapon Resort State Park Irish Road Bowling
July 15 Morgan County Fair, Cacapon State Park, Berkeley Springs, WV Saturday 11:00 a.m "Gravity is your friend" on this mostly downhill roll through the woods with rocky cliffs alongside. This shaded 1.2 mile course will be cool in the hot summer time and great for beginners. Afterward, lake swim, tennis, golf, hiking trails, horseback rides. Lodge reservations (304) 258-1022. Road Master Mary Wolfe (304) 258-4958 or mwolfe4@frontier.com
You, too, can soak in George Washington’s old tub!
George Washington was a regular visitor to Berkeley Springs from the age of 16, where he first visited as a
The 1 “Must Try” At 9 Mountain Resorts
There’s a ton of fun to be had at West Virginia’s resorts—especially when the warmth of summer arrives. So much
4 places you don’t have to be a high roller to play big
Play big without going broke in West Virginia. Here’s where to get the high-roller experience without having to break out
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!
7 wildly quirky finds for urban explorers
Sometimes, surprises hide in plain sight. It’s always fun to turn a corner and discover an intriguing passageway or artwork.
Make every moment count on these 48-hour family escapes
Wild, enchanting backcountry is yours for the weekend. West Virginia’s immersive adventure packages get everybody back to nature. Get ready
Taylor’s Farm Market
This will definitely convince you to take a family spring break in the mountains
Are you hoping to take the family on a spring break trip this year but want to keep it safe?
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.
9 stunning photos that capture winter in West Virginia
The Mountain State in winter is a sight to behold. Every contour and fold stands in sharp relief, revealing
6 unique historic districts in West Virginia
The story of West Virginia’s very birth is one for the (history) books! But since our inception in 1863, we’ve
Spring break deal roundup
Whether you’re a college student, a teacher, or a family with young kids, you’re going to want to take advantage
7 Wild, Wonderful West Virginia Women
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s take a look at some Wild, Wonderful West Virginia women who helped shape
Laugh, cry, and be awed at these 5 WV film festivals
If you think film festivals are just for watching stuffy foreign art pieces in far-off places like Cannes or
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!
5 really (really) unconventional WV activities
So you think you’ve tried everything the Mountain State has to offer? Check out these unconventional activities that are uniquely
7 adventures the grandkids will never forget
What better way to spend time with the grandkids than to relive fond memories from your own childhood? These fun
Best winter weekends
Rain or shine, hot or cold, there’s always something exciting to do in the Mountain State. Discover real West Virginia
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/
8 memorable mountain Valentine’s Day dates for every budget
Valentine’s Day is your official excuse to woo. From affordable treats to glamorous outings, there’s something dazzling for your West
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.
You don’t need a date to do these anti-Valentine’s activities
So you’re single on Valentine’s Day, huh? Just because you don’t have a sweetheart on this holiday doesn’t mean you
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.
How many of WV’s 101 unique places to dine have you tried?
The winners of 2017’s “101 Unique Places to Dine in West Virginia” are up! This year was the first time
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
Think you know WV? Bet you didn’t know these 9 wild facts!
1. What is the name of the tiny (as 2×4 inch tiny!) sculpture that hangs out on a building in downtown
Who says adults can’t have snow days? 5 winter escapes
The Mountain State is one of the mid-Atlantic region’s hotspots for cold-weather fun. Whether you want to stay in
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.