Apr 25 Thursday
In Clare Barron’s raucous pageant of ambition and ferocity, these young dancers in DANCE NATION have more than choreography on their minds, as every plié and jeté is a step toward finding themselves, and a fight to unleash their power. The play examines the challenges and triumphs of growing up, coming of age, and finding one’s soul in the heat of it all and interrogates what “womanhood” is, and embodies a powerful release of rage, joy, and liberation. Contains adult language, adult and sexual content. Contains adult language, adult and sexual content.
Apr 26 Friday
Ten Thousand Villages of Harrisonburg hosts a special Fair Trade Rug Event April 24-28, featuring over 300 hand-knotted rugs, from intricate florals to hand-spun wool natural dye tribals, from 2’x3’s to 10’x14’s.
Ten Thousand Villages partners with Bunyaad, a fair trade rug company that works with over 850 families throughout 100 villages in Pakistan. Working with artisans in their homes, increasing employment opportunities for women and paying a living wage, Bunyaad is making lifetime changes in so many families across Pakistan. "These rugs are much more than just amazing pieces of art for your floors. They represent lives changed through fair trade. Every Bunyaad rug artisan earns a living wage,” said Yousaf Chaman, Bunyaad Director “We know that with every rug we sell, we are empowering women, fueling artisan's creativity and preserving their cultural heritage.”
And by paying artisans a living wage, quality rugs are produced.
"It's quite simple. When artisans know they are paid for every knot they tie, they can take their time, pay attention to the fine details of these intricate rugs and use high-quality materials, all leading to producing a rug that will last for generations and generations," said Chaman.
"We know our community wants to make a positive mark in this world by purchasing their carpets where it makes a true difference for the families crafting them," said Kara Miller, Ten Thousand Villages store manager. "It's a win-win situation. Artisans in Pakistan earn a living wage and North American consumers get an excellent quality rug with an excellent mission behind it. Home decorating was never more beautiful!"
For more information about these rugs or the upcoming rug event, go to www.bunyaad.com.
The Westminster Organ Concert Series continues its 43rd season on Friday, April 26, at 7:30 pm, with an organ recital by local organists Alex Johnson, Florence Jowers, Jonathan Schakel, and Jeremy Thompson. The program, entitled “Musica Ensalada,” is an eclectic mix of music from the 17th to the 20th centuries, including works by Bach, Buxtehude, Heredia, Mendelssohn, and Matter. The concert is free and open to the public and will be followed by a reception.
Please note that this concert replaces the recital with Sietze de Vries originally scheduled for April 21.
Westminster Presbyterian Church is located at 400 Rugby Road in Charlottesville. Ample parking is available behind the church, and the sanctuary is wheelchair-accessible.
The Westminster Organ Concert Series was begun in 1980 to share the newly installed all-mechanical baroque-style pipe organ with the community. The organ, built by Taylor & Boody Organbuilders of Staunton, Virginia, has 18 stops and over 1100 pipes.
Spring (migration) has sprung! Join Blandy Director and birding enthusiast Dr. Dave Carr in search of early breeding warblers (e.g., Pine, Yellow, Palm, and Yellow-rumped) and other neotropical migrants.
What to expect: We will walk ~1.5 miles over lawn and gravel paths with gently rolling terrain.
Who can come: Adults and children aged 12 and up. No pets, please!
What to bring: Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable walking shoes that can withstand a bit of early morning dew on the grass. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from Blandy.
Where to meet: Meet at the flagpole at the front parking lot close to the “Arboretum Information” kiosk.
Apr 27 Saturday
Amy Martin. Originally from Harrisonburg, Virginia, Amy Martin spent the majority of her adult life in her beloved hometown. On her recently released album, “Travelin’ On”, Martin explores the breaking point between investing in a problematic, yet beloved place, and moving on to fully realize one’s self and one’s dreams.For Bonnie & the Mere Mortals, the term “Southern gothic” is very literal, as they find themselves with one foot in country and the other in goth and shoegaze, all with queer lyrical themes. It’s a creative blending of genres that seems to attract listeners of both the country and gothic persuasions and finds odd connections between the two cultures.
The Staunton Augusta Art Center opens the Staunton Emerging Artist Showcase, running April 5 – May 11, featuring the work of the next generation of Staunton artists.
STAUNTON, VA— The Staunton Augusta Art Center announces the opening of the Staunton Emerging Artist Showcase, running from April 5 – May 11 in the downtown galleries. This exciting and unique showcase features the multi-media artwork of over a dozen emerging artists, a next generation of local artists at various stages in their artistic careers who redefine the cultural landscape within their community. These artists reflect remarkable backgrounds and cross-cultural roots.
An opening night reception will be held in the galleries on Friday, April 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
This exhibition is proudly sponsored by the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity ReStore whose staff and volunteers support the creative work of local artists and affordable housing.
Openings are FREE and ALL are welcome.
Location: Staunton Augusta Art Center, R. R. Smith Center for History & Art,
20 S. New Street, Staunton, VA 24401
Admission: FREE and open to the public, all are welcome.
Website: https://www.saartcenter.org
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Angus Carter and Carolyn Maloney
(director@saartcenter.org/info@saartcenter.org), 540-885-2028
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The Frazier Quarry 5K is not just another race; it's a community-driven initiative with proceeds benefiting a community nonprofit each year. This year, proceeds from the race will go to the Collins Center and Child Advocacy Center; their mission is to promote healing through compassionate and collaborative services to all affected by sexual harm.
Apr 30 Tuesday
Featuring Miko Marks & Kristina Train
Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton revolutionized country music and blazed a trail for future generations of female artists. With their chart-topping hits, record-breaking sales and designations in the Country Music Hall of Fame, their singular voices defied restrictive social norms, proving that women can be at once beautiful and strong, vulnerable and powerful. In an entertaining and inspiring tribute to these trailblazing women, singer/songwriter Miko Marks (named CMT’s 2022 “Next Woman of Country”) and Nashville-based singer Kristina Train lead a five-piece all-star female band in an evening of music that harnesses country’s rich storytelling traditions and the shared legacy of musical excellence and unapologetic authenticity of these unforgettable legends of American music.
May 03 Friday
Arts Council of the Valley invites you to join in the arts-focused fun on the First Friday of EVERY month! Throughout Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, 40 venues offer a variety of new art exhibitions, live performances, poetry, comedy, music, artmaking activities, food, and so much more. You can find a list of venues, online map, and pdf with links to First Fridays of the Valley events – all updated monthly – at valleyarts.org/first-fridays-venues! Thanks to Kathy Moran Wealth Group, Exclusive Sponsor for 2024 First Fridays of the Valley.
May 05 Sunday
9 to 5 The Musical is a musical based on the 1980 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It features a book by Patricia Resnick based on the screenplay by Resnick and Colin Higgins.
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL tells the story of three women pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the ladies manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?
All tickets will have a fee of $6 added at purchase. ($3 for the Historic Preservation of the Wayne and $3 for Ticket Handling)
Your confirmation email will come from Etix.com with the subject line: 'Thank You For Your Purchase'. Please check your SPAM folder if it isn't found in your inbox.
Learn the basics of stand up! Registration is open now online and throughout April for X2 Comedy Classes at Explore Museum where the BIG kids can play too! Just a few slots left…
Classes begin May 1st and meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6pm-9pm with Showcase on June 1.
Learn the basics of stand up and joke writing in these interactive fun workshops! You'll develop a 5-minute set in this 4-week course and perform it in the student graduation showcase. Tune into your unique funny bone to find your authentic comedic voice. Learn skills to be funnier at social gatherings, storytelling, speaking engagements, writing and more. If you like comedy or just want to be funnier then this is the class for you.
To get more information and registrar visit the Classes Tab at www.x2comedy.com. Questions call Dawn 540-560-3356 or email hello@x2comedy.com.
Now-April: The Eastern Mennonite student show continues; this show is well worth a trip to OASIS! T his student show celebrates the hard work & creativity of secondary students at Eastern Mennonite School. Students grades 6-12 were encouraged to submit work to this show, whether they are currently taking an art class or not. Although the majority of the artwork you see has been created in class for a specific assignment, students add their own meaning and creative decisions to their artwork. Whenever possible students are given opportunities to develop their own ideas and follow their own artistic interests. Join us as we share our curiosities, struggles, happiness, and love of creating!
The EMU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo team up with local group Just Jazzin' to present a concert of big band favorites and popular arrangements! This concert will highlight EMU senior jazz musicians Luke Haynes, Indigo Gott, Thaddeus Jackson, John Jantzen, and vocalist Maggie Garber McClary.
Thursday, April 25, 2024 @ 7:00 PM in Lehman Auditorium
In the SVAC Member’s Gallery the theme is “Black!” Presented will be unique works of art, priced to accommodate art collectors seeking pieces to expand their collection. The public is invited to view the exhibit remembering that the art center serves the community by recognizing talent, encouraging creativity, and joining lives through art! (Opening April 6, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., exhibition dates: April 6 - 27, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday, 126 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro 22980)
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center during the month of April, in the 416 W. Main Street Gallery, will be presenting an exhibit by Marsha Heatwole, a native of Waynesboro. Heatwole has had the good fortune to continue her 40 years and ongoing career in artmaking. Her work has won numerous awards and is proudly displayed locally and internationally. Her studio is tucked next to a spring in an idyllic mountain hollow near Lexington Virginia. Art making is a healing therapy. A way- “Of knowing that we are tied to the land—the trees and animals and soil and water—and to one another, and that we have a responsibility to care for these connections and resources, ensuring the sustainability of these ecosystems for future generations and to honor those who came before. Of treading lightly, taking only what gifts we need, and giving back. Of showing humility toward and tolerance for all we are connected to in this circle of life.” All the paintings are her perceptions about nature and our world. Marsha strives to tell a story of what beauty we have and what we are in danger of losing. The Ambassadors of Gaia are a group of animal portraits portraying that the whole Earth is a living organism, alive with communication, pathos, and cooperation. The exhibition will be open April 1 – April 27, Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 416 W. Main St., Waynesboro, Va.
The Shenandoah Valley Art Center during the month of March, in the Cabell/Arehart Invitational Gallery, is presenting an exhibition, Stay on Your Cloud, featuring works by Coco Roshi. In this compelling exhibition, acrylic and mixed media paintings serve as a vibrant homage to the rich tapestry of African American female creative genius, weaving through the realms of logos, iconography, and memes—the modern symbols through which our culture processes and digests the complexities of our world. As we navigate the overwhelming currents of our own lives, these artworks offer a sanctuary, inviting us to find solace and inspiration in the ethereal clouds of another creator's imagination. This body of work stands as a testament to the unbroken chain of innovation and resilience, celebrating the enduring spirit and transformative power of African American women's creativity. The exhibition will be open to the public April 6 – May 24, Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at 126 S Wayne Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980. Come join us and meet the artist at the exhibit opening’s Conversation with the Artist on April 6, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.