Updated 8/30/10

Café Scientifique
Café Scientifique in Blacksburg is presenting the Director of Virginia Tech’s EARTHWORKS, Christy Gabbard, tomorrow, August 31st at 7 pm at the Easy Chair coffee shop in University Mall, Blacksburg.  She will talk on Locavores, people committed to eating foods grown or produced locally.  Discussion will follow.  (540 231-1946)

Music at Lime Kiln
Several big musical weekends are coming up at Lime Kiln in Lexington.  On Friday, September 3rd, the Key West Band will perform A NIGHT AT THE KEYS, and on Saturday, September 4th, it’s Bluegrass and Roots with Walker’s Run and Borden Grant.  Gates and concessions open at 6 pm, with concerts starting at 7:30.  Tickets are on sale online at theateratlimekiln.com and at the Lexington Visitors Center. 

Wilderness Road Chorus
Women who enjoy singing are invited to join the Wilderness Road Chorus, meeting and rehearsing every Tuesday evening at 6:30 at the old Christiansburg Middle School Choral Room.  The chorus sings traditional four-part harmony in a wide variety of styles.  (540 980-0501) 

Art at Washington and Lee
An exhibition of artworks by Charles Hall, former professor of painting and drawing at Columbus College, will open at the McCarthy Gallery in Holekamp Hall on the campus of Washington and Lee University on September 1st, and run to December 15th.  The works represent the period in the artist’s life from his cancer diagnosis in 1996 to his death in 2002. 

Call for Artists
The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge has announced a call for artists for ARTVIEW: VISIONS AND VOICES, an international art exhibition.  Deadline for registration is September 3rd.    For more information visit www.artview2010.com.

Reformers Unanimous
Reformers Unanimous, International, now has a chapter in the Roanoke Valley, helping people deal with the bondage of addictions.  For help, the group meets Friday nights at 7 at the Heritage Baptist Church in Vinton.  (877-hbf-hope)

Manna Ministries
Manna Ministries, a local, non-profit organization helping families in the Roanoke Valley is collecting non perishable food donations for the needy. Donations may be dropped off at Barker Chiropractic on Electric Road, across from Ruby Tuesdays Monday through Thursday during business hours, and all donations are tax deductible. 

Noon Worship Services
Wednesday noontime worship services begin September 1 at Green Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown Roanoke, and will run through December 15th.  The 25 minute services offer messages from various Roanoke area clergy and are followed by a lunch, with a suggested donation of $6.  (540 344-6225)

September is Library Card Sign up Month
The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library in Charlottesville reminds you that September is Library Card Sign Up Month.  It won’t cost you a thing, and the benefits are limitless!  Stop by a branch today!  (www.jmrl.org/librarycard)

Mosby Foundation Pet Food Pantry
The Mosby Foundation’s Pet Food Pantry needs donations of pet foods to be distributed through the Verona Community Food Pantry.  Donation bins are in place in Staunton, Verona, Fishersville, Waynesboro, and Stuarts Draft.  For information and locations, visit www.themosbyfoundation.org. 

Film at the Paramount
The Paramount Theater in Charlottesville will screen DON’T LOOK BACK, a 1967 documentary covering Bob Dylan’s 1965 UK concert tour.  The film also features Joan Baez, Donovan, Marianne Faithfull and others.  The showing is tonight, August 30th, at 7 pm.  (434 979-1333)

Third Coast Percussion Ensemble
The Third Coast Percussion Ensemble will be performing in Virginia Tech’s Squires Recital Salon tonight, August 30th at 8 pm.  The group performs on an impressive battery of percussion instruments.  (540 231-5615)

School Supply Day
Running through August 31st, The United Way of Montgomery, Radford, and Floyd will have drop zones around the New River Valley for school supply donations.  All donated items will be given to needy area children.  (540 381-2066)

French Bluegrass
The French bluegrass group Blue Railroad Train will be appearing at a free show on Wednesday, September 1st, at 7:30 at the John W. Eye Conference Center at Mountain State University in Beckley.  Also featured will be local group Songcatchers.  (800 766-6067, ext 1376)

Marionettes at Sweet Briar
The Cashore Marionettes will perform their show LIFE IN MOTION at Sweet Briar College’s Murchison Lane Auditorium on Thursday, September 2nd at 7:30.  (434- 381-6120)

Amherst in Pictures
CENTENNIAL KIDS: PICTURING THE TOWN OF AMHERST will be on display in Benedict Gallery at Sweet Briar College through October 3rd.  On Thursday, September 2nd, an opening reception and gallery talk will be held from 4:30 – 6.  (434 381-6120)

Blue Ridge Bird Life
On Saturday, September 4th, Park ranger Mark Mullinax will present an hour long program BLUE RIDGE BIRD LIFE at the Otter Creek Campground, milepost 60.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The program is free and begins at 7 pm.  (434 299-5496)

Song of the Mountains
Doc Watson, Jeff Little, and many others will be performing on SONG OF THE MOUTNAINS at the Lincoln Theatre in Marion on Saturday, September 4th, at 7 pm.  Tickets are $25 at the theater box office.  (276 783-6093)

Fluvanna SPCA Wine Tasting Fundraiser
Enjoy wine tasting, a dessert bad, and a silent auction while supporting the Fluvanna SPCA, at the Keswick Vineyards on Saturday, September 4th, from 1 – 4.  (www.fscpa.org)

20th Annual Cincoteague Island Decoy and Art Festival
The 20th annual Cincoteague Island Decoy and Art Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 4th  from 9 to 5, and 5th, from 10 to 4, at the Cincoteague Community Center.  There will be over 40 exhibitors, food, and activities.  Proceeds go to the Artists Association Scholarship Fund.  (410 546-1635)

Mountain Music Fest
Peaks of Otter will host three performances of traditional mountain music on Saturday, September 4th, at the visitor center.  Appalachian Heritage plays from 2 – 4 pm, and Lonesome Pine begins at 6:30.  On Sunday the 5th, Henry, Judy and Jack play from 2 – 4.  All performances are free.  (540 586-4496)

Fun-Raising Meal
Our Community Place is Harrisonburg is hosting a night out fundraiser to help make a place for those who have none and a community in Haition September 4th t 5 pm.  Music, a gourmet dinner, and more.  (www.ourcommunityplace.org)

Meet Yer Eats
Market Central and Whole Foods Market of Charlottesville present their largest farm tour yet, with MEET YER EATS from 10 am to 4 pm on Labor Day, September 6th.  For a $10 car pass ($15 the day of the event) you can tour 18 working farms, buy garden fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese, and more, and see where your locally grown foodstuffs come from.  (434 531-3957) 
Teachers invited to UVa Art Museum
Teachers from local and regional public and independent schools are invited to a reception at the UVa Art Museum on September 7th at 5 pm.  How teachers can benefit from museum displays and expertise will be discussed.  A light supper will be served, and registration is required by September 1st.  (434 243-2050)

Tutors Needed!
Literacy Volunteers of the Roanoke Valley are looking for tutors to help people learn to read and speak English.  A five week training session begins September 9th in the downtown library.  (540 265-9339) 

Monticello Bird Club
The Monticello Bird Club presents VIRGINIA IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS: CONSERVING HABITAT, COMMUNITY OUTREACH, AND YOU.  The program will take place on Thursday, September 9th at 7 at the Education Building at Ivy Creek on Earlysville Road.  (www.monticellobirdclub.org)

Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival
The 11th Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival opens on September 9th and runs to the 23rd at the Paramount and Jefferson Theaters on the downtown mall and at UVa’s Old Cabell Hall.  Internationally renowned musicians will perform music from all periods.  (www.cvillechambermusic.org)

Montana Skies in concert
The Friends of the Bedford Public Library present Montana Skies, cello-guitar fusion, in concert on Friday, September 10th, at 7:30 in the Bedford Room at the central library.  (540 586-8911)

“Bud” Robertson to speak
The Virginia Tech Roanoke Center presents Dr. Bud Robertson, author, historian, and civil war expert, speaking on THE MANY FACES OF CIVIL WAR CAVALRY, at the Dumas Center in Roanoke, at noon on Friday, September 10th.  The forum is free and open to the public.  (540 767-6100)

Book Sale
The Roanoke Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women will hold its annual book sale from September 10th to the 13th on the upper level of Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke.  A wide variety of items will be available.  (797-2760) 

Pianist at Sweet Briar
Internationally renowned pianist Gustavo Romero will present a recital in an all Chopin program at Swerrt Briar College’s Memorial Chapel on Friday, September 10th at 7:30.  Tickets are $50.  (434 384-8771)

Poe and Piedmont
On Friday, September 10th, Piedmont Arts will present SAVORY SEPTEMBER EX-POE-DITION: TRAVELLING WITH EDGAR ALLAN, a food filled fundraiser for the arts, with Edgar Allen Poe as the central theme.  (276 632-3321)

Traditional Mountain Music
The Blue Ridge Parkway celebrates its 75th Anniversary with traditional Mountain Music at Cumberland Knob, NC (Milepost 217) and the Blue Ridge Music Center (milepost 213) near Galax.  Ralph Stanley and Sierra Hull, among others, will perform.  (828 777-9493)

Organ Concert
The Westminster Organ Concert Series in Charlottesville begins its 31st season on Friday, September 10th, at 8 at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Rugby Road.  Music for organs and harpsichords will be featured.  (434 963-4690) 

Bike Racing at Beech
Beech Mountain Resort in Banner Elk, NC, has teamed up with Lees-McRae College’s cycling program for downhill and slalom racing events on September 11th and 12th.  Race feels will include all classes, and amateur and professional categories are offered.  (Steve Solt, beechmtndh@live.com)

Ruritan Fish Fry
The Mount Tabor Ruritan Club holds the last fish fry of the season on Saturday, September 11th at Slulsser’s Chapel Picnic Shelter in Blacksburg.  Simple Gifts of the Blue Ridge will also perform.  (540 449-6178) 

Talk on Raptors
September 11th at 7:30 pm, the President of the Roanoke Bird Club will present a talk on Raptors of the Peaks at the Peaks of Otter, milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  (540 586-4496) 

Midtown Street Fair
On Saturday, September 11th, West Main Street in Charlottesville will be closed between 4th and 7th streets for the first annual Midtown Street Fair.  Vendors, entertainment, and food will be available.

Vinton Farmer’s Market
The Vinton Farmer’s Market is hosting the group Fuzzy Logic on Saturday, September 11th, from 7 to 11 pm, for the final MINGLE AT THE MARKET summer concert of the season.  Bring your own seating, and this is an adults only event.  (540 343-1364) 

Jazz in the Parlor
The Staunton Performing Arts Center presents JAZZ IN THE PARLOR, featuring singer Stephanie Nakasian and pianist Hod O’Brien on Saturday, September 11th from 4 – 6 in downtown Staunton.  Seating is limited, reservations at (540 885-3211)

Organ Concert in Lynchburg
The James D. and Eleanor J. Taylor Organ Concert Series presents Ken Cowan, Sunday, September 12th at 4 for a free concert at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg. 

Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
The Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will appear in concert on Sunday, September 12th, at 6 at First Presbyterian Church on Park Street in Charlottesville.  Music of Tchaikovsky and others will be featured, and the concert is free and open to the public (434 296-7131) 

Writer House offers classes
Writer House in Charlottesville, a non-profit organization, is offering classes in writing, with registration running through September 21st.  There are classes in Flash Fiction, Storytelling, Creative Non Fiction, Poetry, and more.  Also Writer House is hosting an Open House on Sunday, September 12th, from 3 to 5 at 508 Dale Ave., behind the Preston Ave. Bodo’s,(www.writerhouse.org)

Grandparents’ Day
Grandparents’ Day will be celebrated on Sunday, September 12th, with live music, games, and other events at the old Hallmark Store in Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke.  (540 387-6455)

Elegbra Folklore Society
The Lincoln theater in Marion presents the Elegbra Folklore Society, performing music and dance that transports audiences on a journey through the holistic experience of African culture.  The performance is on Sunday, September 12th, at 2:30.  (www.thelincoln.org)

Senior Switchboard
Do you know an older adult who is homebound?  Senior Switchboard can help combat the isolation and loneliness that can result from a loss of mobility or illness with free games, discussions, and support groups, all over the phone.  Sponsored by Lutheran Family Services of Virginia and Virginia Lutheran Homes.  For more information, 1-866-946-4598 or www.lfsva.org.

Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic opens
Mountain View Humane has opened a low cost spay/neuter clinic at 53 West Main Street in Christiansburg.  Costs range from $45 to $90, depending on size, gender, and type of dog or cat.  (540 382-0222)

Newcombe Hall Art Gallery
A watercolor exhibit titled AUSTRALIA by artist David Duncan Sorenson is on display at UVA’s Newcombe Hall Art Galley through September 4th.  The galley is open from 8 to 5 on weekdays, and there is no admission charge.    

UVa Ruffin Gallery: Katie Bines
The Ruffin Gallery at UVa will display recent paintings by Katie Baines, running to September 17th.  Baines is a visiting professor in the McIntire Department of Art.  A FINAL FRIDAY reception will be held on August 27th from 4 to 5:30 pm in the gallery in Ruffin Hall.  (434 924-4298)

Art in Blacksburg
50 works of art by the husband and wife team of Joanna and Donald Sunshine are on exhibit in the atrium at VTLS, in the Corporate Research Center at Virginia Tech, 1701 Kraft Drive.  The works can be seen from 9-5, Monday through Friday, through October 15th.  (540 951-7234) 

Shared Doings and Sayings
SHARED DOINGS AND SAYINGS, an exhibit of works and quotes by artists with dementia, is on display in the Dean’s Gallery at UVa’s School of Architecture through October 15th, open weekdays from 9 to 5.

Powwows!
Enjoy an Indian Summer in Virginia, attending a powwow, held through October at various Virginia locations.  The family friendly events include food, dancing, and arts.  More information at www.virginiaindianprogram.org.
Smart Beginnings
Smart Beginnings of Greater Roanoke is a collaborative of community leaders working to improve the quality of early care and education for children.  They provide support and services to parents, childhood professionals, preschools and childcare centers.  For more information, go to www.smartbeginningsroanoke.org.

UVa Art Museum African Art
The exhibit: AFRICAN ART: BEYOND THE MODERNIST LENS at the UVa Art Museum runs to December 23rd, and examines the way African Art is currently perceived and displayed in Western Museums.  The museum is open from Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 5, and admission is free.  (www.virginia.edu/artmuseum)

• Staff