SDDA plans special shopping, dining event
Two dozen of Staunton’s independent merchants will be showcasing the sights and sounds of a vibrant downtown at the Staunton Downtown Development Association’s annual Sparkles & Sweets shopping and dining event on Friday, Nov. 4 from 6-9 p.m.
Participating shops and restaurants will pamper guests with delicious treats and sparkling drinks while inviting them to explore the downtown experience. Free entertainment will add to the festive atmosphere, featuring strolling musical groups Baldwin Charm and Bella Voce Singers, the Blue Ridge Magic Club, costumed characters and the Queen City Fire Circus. Carriage rides will be available throughout the evening for small fee.
Participating Businesses
17 East Beverley Antiques
Bears & Buddies
Cocoa Mill Chocolate Company
Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery
Crown Jewelers
Design @ Nine
Downtown at the Clocktower
The Emporium
Fretwell Bass & Acoustic Instruments
Grandma’s Bait
Golden Tub Bath Shop
H.L. Lang & Company Jewelers
Monica Wilson Photography
Mugshots Coffeehouse & Café
Ox-Eye Vineyards Tasting Room
Pufferbellies Toys & Books
Queen City Marketplace
Schmid’s Printery
Short Box Comics
TEASE hair design
Turtle Lane
Virginia Accents
Wilderness Adventure
The Wine Cellar
Other special events going on around downtown that evening include:
Carriage Rides by Classic Carriage~6 & under free/7-12 $3 /adults $5
Fill Out a Wish List at Crown Jewelers & $5 will be donated to charity
See the Last Minute Band at Fretwell Bass & Acoustic Instruments
Visit H.L. Lang & Co. Jewelers & Receive 15% off your next purchase
FREE Buff & Polish/Make-up Application at TEASE hair design
Cupcakes & Sparkling Drinks at The Darjeeling Café
The return of ELFis, Staunton Downtown Development’s popular gift card mascot.
Changes to Augusta Parking Lot to take effect
Beginning Nov. 1, the Augusta Parking Lot in Downtown Staunton will change from a free parking lot to a pay-by-space lot.
The Augusta Parking Lot is located between Augusta Street and New Street. A centralized pay station kiosk has been installed near the center island of the lot. All available parking spaces are numbered. The fee for parking is $0.50 per hour. Fee parking is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. All other times there is no charge.
To use the kiosk, simply press any key to bring it out of sleep mode, enter the “stall” (parking space) number and then enter the number of hours needed for parking. The kiosk will display the cost required for that time. Patrons may deposit any combination of nickels, dimes, quarters, dollar coins, or one or five dollar bills. Credit cards are not accepted.
A two-week grace period will be offered; after this, parking enforcement personnel will issue tickets to any violators. Please note that the lot contains several reserved spaces, and they are marked as such.
Additional information on the parking kiosk may be found at
Interactive Fridays in Downtown Staunton
Friday evenings in Downtown Staunton will go interactive on August 26 when the Staunton Downtown Development Associationhosts seven weeks of free live music, art, theater, dance, and games. Activities will be scattered throughout the downtown district every Friday night from 6-9pm through October 7. Friday Nights Downtown is part of the SDDA’s Extended Hours Program, a promotion that encourages later evening shopping and dining through incentives. More than 30 stores and restaurants are participating in 2011.
Friday Nights Downtown is being produced this year by Ampersand Arts, a local non-profit production company known for staging innovative plays, improvisation and dance events. Staunton Parks and Recreation will be contributing to the activities, as well as many local performers. Entertainment is free and family-friendly.
SDDA Executive Director Julie Markowitz has this to say about this year’s Friday Nights Downtown:
“The SDDA is delighted to partner with Ampersand Arts and Staunton Parks and Recreation to provide a truly unique entertainment option. These organizations definitely have a finger on the pulse of a segment of our creative community we would like to showcase. We believe their participation will enrich and expand this increasingly popular downtown program and bring the community together in fun and interactive ways. Our slogan, ‘You never know what you might find Friday Nights Downtown’ aptly describes the creatively eclectic talent that always turns out to support this program.”
This is the third year for Friday Nights Downtown. The SDDA has partnered with a wide variety of local non-profit arts organizations and performers to add a festive atmosphere to Staunton’s historic downtown. Visit www.stauntondowntown.org for more information.
Friday Nights Downtown Entertainment Schedule
Aug. 26
- Hoop de Ville —Beverley St.
- Quentin Clark—Beverley St.
- Gabby Haze—Beverley St.
- Fata Morgana Belly-Dancing —Roaming
- Sidewalk Chalk Activity—The Wharf
- Murder Brothers—Sunspots Parking Lot
Sept. 2
- The Judy Chops—Beverley St.
- Streethoppers Improv—Roaming
- Photo Stand—Beverley St. & the Wharf
- LIVE Pictionary —The Wharf
- Sterling Olson—Sunspots Parking Lot
- Queen City Fire Circus ~ The Wharf 9pm
Sept. 9
- Maugy—Beverley St.
- Hoop de Ville—Beverley St.
- Let Us Rec Your Life—Beverley St.
- Quentin Clark—Beverley St.
- Rocktown Rollers—Roaming
- Giant Scrabble—The Wharf
- Queen City Fire Circus ~ The Wharf 9pm
Sept. 16
- Scavenger Putt—Beverley St.
- Bolt Swiftpace—Beverley St.
- LIVE Pictionary—The Wharf
- Concrete Dust Bunnies—Sunspots Parking Lot
Sept. 23
- Sidewalk Chalk Activity—Beverley St.
- Let Us Rec Your Life—Beverley St.
- Jason Ring—Beverley St.
- Butoh Dance—The Wharf
- Queen City Fire Circus ~ The Wharf 9pm
Sept. 30
- MBC Theater Group—Roaming
- Streethoppers Improv—Roaming
- Photo Stand—Beverley St. & The Wharf
- Queen City Fire Circus ~ The Wharf 9pm
Oct. 7
- Scavenger Putt—Beverley St.
- Let Us Rec Your Life—Beverley St.
- Ethan Hawkins—Beverley St.
- MBC Theater Group—Roaming
- Giant Scrabble—The Wharf
- Queen City Fire Circus ~ The Wharf 9pm
Entertainment acts and times subject to change without notice. These are rain or shine events.
Staunton City Council defers hearing on noise ordinance
Staunton officials announced today that a planned public hearing on a noise ordinance amendment has been postponed. The deferral is designed to explore other possible options.
The previously proposed draft amendment, to be advertised for public hearing, would have provided a cut-off time of 11:30 p.m. for outdoor music. There have been numerous complaints this year as a result of outdoor bands performing outside until as late as 2 a.m., raising questions about impact on neighbors and neighboring properties and businesses.
As one member of City Council who has been a strong supporter of downtown businesses, Vice Mayor David Metz, said, “I want to see what other arrangements can be made to solve the problem. As much as I enjoy music and support the local arts community, I believe everyone, including our tourist guests, is reasonably entitled to a good night’s sleep. But I remain open to—and welcome— exploring other options to resolve the matter”.
Mayor Lacy King said, “Council is looking for a potential win-win solution to this issue, which has so far eluded us. I hope further dialogue and compromise will help mediate the problem, possibly without the immediate need for a new ordinance. We all take pride in the vitality of our downtown area, and I fully support Vice Mayor Metz’s open approach to exploring other options.”
Staunton ready to jam
Staunton Jams are once again about to take over Downtown Staunton. Right outside of the Baja Bean, located at 9 W. Beverley St., on Saturday, Sept. 4, will be a stage with performances beginning with the Steal This Band as the opening act, and ending with the Findells who will begin their performance at 8 p.m.
This event has been going on twice a year since 2005. This is Sarah Lynch’s eighth time organizing the event. “It’s just a fun day for all ages to spend all day downtown. It’s a very family-friendly event,” says Lynch.
All eight performances will be by local musicians who have donated their time. Lynch says, “It is really great of these people to donate their time, and the thing is they want to be here and help support Staunton, which is also great.”
Not only will there be fantastic bands appearing throughout the day, but there will also be giveaways by WRNR, which will be broadcasting live, as well as things for the kids to do. Face painting, games and prizes all await the coming of the children at the Staunton Jams this year. ShenanArts will also be giving a sneak peek of their newest show, Sweeney Todd.
This is a free event that you will not want to miss. Last September’s Staunton Jams drew roughly around 800 people.
“This is just really a fun-filled day of great music and activities in beautiful Downtown Staunton,” says Lynch.
Music begins at noon and will go until around 10 p.m. Other events including belly dancing will go on all day as well. Baja Bean, WNRN and Staunton Department of Parks and Recreation have all helped in putting this event together.
For more information and to check out the music lineup, visit the Staunton Jams Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=146708960294.
Story by Jenny Hypes. Jenny can be reached at jenny.hypes@emu.edu.
Downtown Staunton plans special Fridays nights
Heading to Downtown Staunton after 5 on Friday evenings this summer and fall has its rewards, as 33 stores, salons, theaters and restaurants are keeping their doors open until 9 p.m. and offering special bonuses for their customers.
Shoppers who spend $25 Fridays after 5 p.m. at participating stores will receive a $5 bonus. The $5 certificate can be redeemed at any downtown retailer through Oct. 1. Certificates are not valid at restaurants, and some restrictions apply. More information about “Spend $25 · Fridays after 5 · Get $5″ is available at participating stores and at www.stauntondowntown.org.
Friday evening shoppers and diners will also find live music, art, theater, dance, and interactive demonstrations of skill scattered throughout the downtown district each week until October. The free entertainment program is part of Staunton Downtown Development Association’s 2010 Extended Hours Program, a promotion that encourages later evening shopping and dining through incentives.
“Friday Nights Downtown” will run from 6-9 p.m. each Friday through Oct. 1 and feature a wide variety of acoustic musicians, casts of musicals and plays, artists, living chess matches for charity, improvisational and dance troupes and jugglers. Entertainment is free and family-friendly.
Interested performers should contact sdda_assistant@ci.staunton.va.us or call 540.332.3867.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
Kids’ Night Out in Staunton
Edited by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
The Staunton Downtown Development Association, in conjunction with local merchants, will celebrate the kickoff of the SDDA’s popular Street Entertainment Program with Kid’s Night Out on Friday, July 9 from 6-9 p.m.
Staunton residents and visitors are invited to participate in an evening of free magic, juggling, face painting, crafts, store specials and more while they shop and dine in Downtown Staunton.
Stop by Mugshots Coffeehouse and Café to decorate your own cupcake. Stroll the streets and enjoy juggling, unicycling, and magic tricks and don’t forget to stop by Arthur’s for Popcorn and Cowboy Music. Meet Famous People from Augusta County and enjoy juice and snacks at The Smith Center Museum Store. Explore a Staunton Fire Department Fire Truck in the Wharf. Continue reading “Kids’ Night Out in Staunton” »
Happy Birthday, Earth Day!
Story by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
Earth Day hits the big four-oh this year, and like a person turning 40, it’s going through a sort of midlife crisis.
“I see a growing awareness to how our own consumption has completely hurt and damaged the earth. What I don’t see happening is the desire for wholesale change,” said Steve Grande, a Mary Baldwin College professor and one of the founders of Staunton Green 2020, a local group dedicated toward building a sustainable green economy in Staunton and Augusta County. Continue reading “Happy Birthday, Earth Day!” »
Sink-hole repairs to close a block of New Street
Edited by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
The Staunton Department of Public Works will have New Street closed from Beverley Street to Frederick Street on Thursday, April 1, for repair to a sink hole.
The closure is expected to last most of the day. Emergency vehicles will not be able to get through.
Central Ave. project to get going next week
Construction biggest in Downtown Staunton since the Big Dig
Staff Report
News Tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
The City of Staunton announces the launch of a major downtown construction project, the largest such undertaking since the Big Dig 10 years ago. The ten-month project will install a new sewer line along Central Avenue from the Wharf Parking Lot to Pump Street. DLB Inc. from Hillsville is the contractor that has been selected for the project.
The project is expected to begin the week of Jan. 18, and DLB will begin staging equipment on the East side of the Wharf Lot the week of Jan. 11. The East side of the lot will remain partially open for customer parking through Jan. 17, after which it will be closed through phase two of the project. The West side of the lot will not close.
The $1.5 million project will involve burying an 18-inch sanitary sewer line some 15 feet below the street. This deep excavation requires the streets to be closed to through traffic to allow room for work and equipment. The new line is expected to pass under existing utilities and no power, phone, water or other interruptions are expected. Continue reading “Central Ave. project to get going next week” »
Acoustic with a mission
Music Guild Night set for Saturday night
Staff Report
News Tips: freepress2@ntelos.net
The Staunton Music Guild has recently partnered with several local businesses and organizations to benefit community and cultural causes, and on Saturday, Dec. 26, from 7-10 p.m., will join with Mockingbird Roots Music Hall, 123 W. Beverley St., to hold “Staunton Music Guild Night.” Continue reading “Acoustic with a mission” »
Smith celebrates release of new CD
Posted by afp on October 18, 2010 · Leave a Comment
The party was to begin at 9 p.m. By 8:30 p.m., there was a 40-minute wait to get into the Bistro with everyone wanting to hear the smooth sounds of Smith and his backing band, The Wild Hearts wh,ich include Jeff Miller on the banjo and Jay Austin on the fiddle.
Smith’s sound is a pleasant mix of folk with a hint of blues and rock; the music was very reminiscent of the great Bob Dylan. An interesting thing about this performance was that there was no drum kit, it was simply guitar, banjo and fiddle. In most cases the lack of drums would make people feel as though something was missing from the performance, but not in the case of these three men. The sound filled the restaurant and poured over into the street, where passersby could hear and join in the celebration of the newest CD for Smith.
Only a couple of cover songs were thrown into Smith’s set list on Saturday night; the rest were all originals written by this award-winning musician. By the end of the night, people were dancing and signing along with Smith and The Wild Hearts.
“I’ve been playing instruments since I was 5, but I have made music my career for about two years,” says Smith. “There’s so much I do outside of performing. I work a regular work week with booking shows and producing myself, you always have to think three months ahead.”
Smith has his own recording studio right in his house and has been recording and producing for over six years. This local musician is known all up and down the East Coast.
“I do shows in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, and I do shows in New York City sometimes, too,” he says.
Reflecting on past shows, Smith says, “My favorite thing about performing is trying to break down the walls people have built and just show them a good time.”
The album, Pour On Me, is on sale for $15. For upcoming shows, and to hear some tracks from the newly released album, check out Smith’s website www.myspace.com/bryanelijahsmith.
Story by Jenny Hypes. Jenny can be reached at jenny.hypes@emu.edu.
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