Waynesboro Cultural Commission announces writers’ workshops
Always wanted to write? Or perhaps you’re a veteran writer who would like to improve your writing, try a new genre, or meet other writers. The Cultural Commission workshops are designed to give you an understanding of three types of expression, each with an accomplished mentor. All workshops are free and open to the public. Sessions are from 7-8:30 in the Wayne Theatre Office, 533 West Main Street in Waynesboro. Continue reading “Waynesboro Cultural Commission announces writers’ workshops” »
Elvis has entered the building for Radio Hour
Elvis has been sighted and will becoming back to The River City Radio Hour for the Friday, Sept. 16 performances at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. Also featured will be the Boogie Kings, Marsha Howard, Llyn Walker, and Chapter Two of Night Hawk and Murder Down On the Farm by Bob Crawford.
Elvis has been absent from the Radio Hour since August 2010. Audiences have been clamoring for his return. Fortunately, the Radio Hour caught sight of the absent singer and asked him to do a guest appearance at the September Radio Hour. Since Elvis is a fan of the Night Hawk series, he agreed to give his talent to the performances
Also on the bill are the Boogie Kings under the direction of the multi-talented Richard Adams. William Hayes with his amazing keyboard skills and J. T. Fauber on percussion complete the trio.
Waynesboro’s First Lady of Laughter, Marsha Howard, said “I watched the last Gateway Comedy Night and think I might just go on the road too.” Catch her before she decides to take on her own national tour.
Completing the evening will be jazz vocalist, Llyn Walker. Llyn gives Richard Adams a run for his money in the multi-talented arena. She will also join the River City Players for the second chapter of Night Hawk and Murder Down on the Farm. In the last chapter, the Night Hawk was trapped in the bull ring with a charging beast. No help was in sight.
The guest of the month will be Carmel Clavin of the Fall Foliage Art Show.
Tickets for the Radio Hour are $10. Food and beverages will be available. Reservations are available online at
www.waynesborogateway.com. Patrons can also call toll free 877-840-0457.
Radio Hour ends season on a high note
The Friday, June 17 Radio Hour will present a trio of singers for its 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows at 329 W. Main St. in Downtown Waynesboro. Duffy, Llyn Walker, and Gwynne Wood will join with the Boogie Kings to provide a musical finale to the Radio Hour’s fourth season.
Gwynne Wood is a young talent who is blessed with a pure vocal tone and a grasp of musical styles well beyond her years. Her last local appearance was in the Waynesboro Players’ production of A Little Night Music.
Llyn Walker, a favorite Radio Hour performer, can effortlessly slip from jazz to pop to blues.. Llyn is also an actor in many of the Radio Hour serials. Completing the trio is folksinger and songwriter, Duffy. A frequent performer on the Radio Hour, Duffy’s unique perspective on the world gives his songs a special insight.
Richard Adams and The Boogie King complete the musical segments of the Radio Hour with William Hayes on keyboard and Sam Brown on percussion.
Marsha Howard, Waynesboro’s First Lady of Laughter, will celebrate the finale with a set of new jokes promised to bring laughter to the end of the season..
The River City Players will present The Adventures of Flushing Potter. The new comedy will introduce a new set of characters to the Radio Hour’s line up of local eccentrics. Potter will join the Hens of Renown and Olivia Raw Frock in the Radio Hour’s Pantheon.
Seating is limited. Reserved seats are available for the Radio Hour for $7.50. Call 540-943-9999 to make a reservation.
The River City Radio Hour is a production of the Wayne Theatre Alliance with support from Waynesboro Cultural Commission, the City of Waynesboro, and The Virginia Commission for the Arts.
Cultural Commission offers essay-writing class
Anyone with an opinion is invited to express it, and anyone with a story is invited to tell it, in a two-part workshop designed to help you find your own personal voice.
Martha Woodroof of WMRA, who definitely has opinions and stories, is a nationally-published essayist, the moderator of FaithUnboxed.org in collaboration with On Faith at The Washington Post, and editor of WMRA’s “Civic Soapbox.” She will teach the interactive class at the Wayne Theatre Office, 533 West Main Street in Waynesboro, on two Tuesdays, June 7 and June 14, 7 to 8:30 pm.
“Why mutter about events in your community and your life alone?” Woodroof asks. “Once you learn to write short, first-person essays, you can mutter for all to hear.” Woodroof hopes that some good radio essays will come from the classes, and invites writers and non-writers alike to join her in finding effective ways to communicate your life experiences or your ideas for community improvement.
The personal essay class is free and open to the public and is a service of the Waynesboro Cultural Commission. Registration is required. Call 540.943.9999.
Third annual Mad Hatter’s Easter Festival April 23
Waynesboro will once again welcome spring to the Valley with the annual Mad Hatter’s Easter Festival on Saturday, April 23.
The Mad Hatter and the Moms Club’s White Rabbit will open the gates to the Easter Festival in Waynesboro’s Constitution Park at 10:30 a.m. For the next three hours, the park will be the place for magic, puppets, music, juggling, stilt walking, free pony rides, obstacle courses and arts and crafts. The Mad Hatter will also be joined by other characters from Alice in Wonderland, including the White Rabbit, Alice, the Red Queen and a set of her Cards.
The annual event is a joint project of the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, The Wayne Theatre Alliance, The Waynesboro Cultural Commission, and the Waynesboro YMCA.
The Blue Ridge Magicians of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 320, will take over the Green Valley Book Fair Stage for two hours of magic. Appearing on the show will be Steve the Magic Guy, Tobini Magic and other area magicians.
The Waynesboro Kiwanis arts and crafts area will provide face painting and assorted arts and crafts projects with the help of the Shenandoah Valley Art Center.
Performing under the Parrott Orthodontics’ yellow canopy will be a variety of live entertainers. The Global Puppet Ministry of Galen and Alice Heatwole, will perform at 11 a.m. They will be followed by juggler David Stuart, at noon.
The YMCA will provide a family fun area with an obstacle course and team building games. The area is sponsored by Rockfish Gap Outfitters.
Free pony rides will be provided by Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative and the Rotary Club of Waynesboro/East Augusta Stilt Walker will entertain throughout the event.
At 1 p.m. the Mad Hatter will end the day with a hunt for the White Rabbit’s special eggs sponsored by the Waynesboro Cultural Commission. Treats will be provided by support from Sheetz, Hershey Chocolate of Virginia, Books-A-Million, Oriental Trading, and McKee Foods. Children will be divided into age appropriate groups for the hunt.
Thanks to support from local businesses and organizations, the Mad Hatter’s Easter Festival’s admissions fee is only $2 per person or $5 per family. Food and beverages are available at an additional charge.
In case of inclement weather, the Mad Hatter’s Easter Parade will be moved to the Waynesboro YMCA.
Cultural Commission plans film appreciation seminar
The Waynesboro Cultural Commission is offering a film appreciation seminar by Matthew Marshall, Thursday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Shenandoah Valley Art Center (126 S. Wayne Ave., Waynesboro).
Marshall has taught “The Art of Watching Film” for three years at the University of Virginia’s Personal Enrichment Programs and is offering an introductory lecture based on that course.
What separates a great film from the ordinary? In this presentation, you will learn how to read a film and gain the critical viewing skills to move beyond simply looking at a movie. You’ll study the language of film and examine the tools and techniques that filmmakers use to create meaning in their work, including lighting, sound, symbolism, and perspective. You will explore why certain shots are used, why scenes are lit a certain way, why characters and objects are in a particular arrangement.
The lecture is for anyone interested in getting more out of their film watching experience as well as for filmmakers and writers who would like to advance their craft into more formal directions.
There is no charge for the seminar, but class size is limited, so register by calling the Wayne Theatre Alliance at 540.943.9999.
Screenwriting Workshop: Feb. 3 and Feb. 10
The Screenwriting Workshop taught by Matthew Marshall and sponsored by the Waynesboro Cultural Commission has been postponed due to the weather. The new dates are Thursday, Feb. 3, and Thursday, Feb. 10. The workshops begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Wayne Theatre Alliance office at 533 W. Main St. in Downtown Waynesboro.
Marshall will teach both informal sessions. The first session will introduce film writing techniques so participants can begin their short screenplay; and the second, a week later, will discuss the finished screenplays. Marshall teaches film appreciation and film history at the University of Virginia. His first short narrative film, “Perspective,” premiered at the Virginia Film Festival this past November, and both this film and his screenplay “the Portrait,” are on the U.S. festival circuit now.
Marshall will receive his M.F.A. in screenwriting this coming May from Hollins University in Roanoke. In addition to his writing, teaching, and film lecturer, Marshall also composes and performs live music for classic silent film screenings.
On Jan. 6, Marshall performed original music for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at the UVa. Chapel, and on Jan. 21 he was at the Buchanan Theater, performing his piano score for the Buster Keaton comedy, “The General.”
There is no charge for the workshop, but class size is limited, so register by calling the Wayne Theatre Alliance at 540.943.9999. Light refreshments will be offered before the workshop.
Radio Hour returns with Wood, Chisnell
The first River City Radio Hour of 2011 will feature two audience favorites. Gwynne Wood and Kevin Chisnell, both of whom performed at WTA’s annual outdoors concert in August, will bring their unique talents to the January performances.
Gwynne Wood performs in the local music scene with her father and uncle as, “Gwynne Wood & The Civilians.” A freshman at Waynesboro High School, she is known for her pure vocal tones and a style well beyond her years. Kevin Chisnell is a virtuoso blues harmonic player and singer. His technique as a soloist or as supporting musician is sought after around the region.
The Boogie Kings led by Richard Adams with William Hayes on the keyboard, J.T. Fauber on percussion will accompany both Wood and Chisnell as well as performing their own set of songs during the hour-long performances.
Also returning to the Radio Hour will be Waynesboro’s First Lady of Laughter, Marsha Howard. She is armed with a new set of jokes for 2011.
The January Radio Hour will provide the conclusion to Kathy Johnson’s The Retired Detectives Roundtable and the Case of King Solomon’s Dagger. In November an explosion racked the back alley to the General Wayne Hotel. Was anyone hurt? Will the Dagger be found? The final chapter of the serial will answer those questions. The serial also features the handiwork of the Radio Hour Sound Effect Duo, Julie Scott and J. D. Robb.
The merchant of the month will be Kathy Johnson of Murder is a Game. Her latest murder mystery will be at the Barren Ridge Winery on Jan. 22 when the Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce and the Wayne Theatre Alliance present their third annual Murder at the Vineyard.
The January performance will take place at the Blue Ridge Christian Fellowship Hall at 329 W. Main St. at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Seating is limited. Reserved seats are available for the Radio Hour for $7.50. Call 540.943.9999 to make a reservation.
The River City Radio Hour is a production of the Wayne Theatre Alliance with support from Waynesboro Cultural Commission, the City of Waynesboro, and The Virginia Commission for the Arts.
Cultural Commission announces Short Film Competitition
The Waynesboro Cultural Commission will host its first film competition in 2011. The competition called the 2011 Waynesboro Short Film Competition is open to all Virginia residents or students studying in Virginia. There is no entry fee.
The finalists in the competition will be screened by Jody Kielbasa, director of the Virginia Film Festival. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners at a public screening during the late spring at a date to be announced.
The competition will have two age categories: Young Filmmakers 20 years of age and under and Adult Filmmakers 21 years or older. Films must be no longer than 16 minutes to qualify. All genres are accepted.
Entries with a completed registration form must be received by the Waynesboro Cultural Commission by 5 p.m., March 31, 2011 or postmarked by that date. The registration form may be found at www.wborofilm.weebly.com or www.waynetheatre.org.
The Waynesboro Cultural Commission is an agency of the City of Waynesboro. Among the purposes of the Commission is the coordination, promotion and support of existing cultural activities and events in the Waynesboro area and the development of new cultural activities that are not currently a part of existing organizations.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
Waynesboro Cultural Commission schedules screenwriting workshop
As part of its short film competition, the Waynesboro Cultural Commission is offering a screenwriting workshopon Thursday, Jan. 27 and Thursday, Feb. 3 at the Wayne Theatre Alliance office at 533 W. Main St. in Downtown Waynesboro.
Matthew Marshall will teach both informal sessions. The first session will introduce film writing techniques so participants can begin their short screenplay; and the second, a week later, will discuss the finished screenplays.
The workshops begin at 6 p.m. Seating is limited.
Matt Marshall teaches Film Appreciation and Film History at the University of Virginia. His first short narrative film “Perspective,” premiered at the Virginia Film Festival this past November, and both this film and his screenplay “the Portrait,” are on the US Festival circuit now.
Marshall will receive his M.F.A. in Screenwriting this coming May from Hollins University in Roanoke. In addition to his writing, teaching, and film lecturer, Marshall also composes and performs live music for classic silent film screenings. On Jan. 6, Marshall will be performing original music for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” at the UVa. Chapel, and on Jan. 21, he will be at the Buchanan Theater, performing his piano score for the Buster Keaton comedy “The General.”
There is no charge for the workshop, but class size is limited, so register by calling the Wayne Theater Alliance at 540.943.9999. Light refreshments will be offered before the workshop.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
Happy Birthday! Radio Hour turns 3
On Oct. 15, 2007, the Waynesboro Cultural Commission’s monthly concerts made the transition to the newly coined River City Radio Hour. Featured on the first Radio Hour was the newly minted studio band The Boogie Kings under the leadership of Richard AdamsThey were joined by jazz singer Llyn Walker, Elvis impersonator Bob Lunger and comedienne Marsha Howard. That first show had an audience of a little over 100.
Over the following three years, The Radio Hour has become the responsibility of the Wayne Theatre Alliance. Its audience tops 200 with reserved seats a “must.” The old time radio talent show format has been honed with a mixture of musical talent, comedy, mystery serials, and musical commercials for local businesses and organizations.
The anniversary performances of The River City Radio Hour, set for Friday, Oct. 15, feature the mixture of talent that has made the show popular with area audiences. The Boogie Kings under the leadership of Richard Adams will headline the show with J. T. Fauber on percussion and William Hayes on piano and accordion. Sharing the evening is the popular a’cappella group. Sound Direction’s close harmonies have delighted audiences across the region. Irv Beedles will bring his homespun humor and a new set of jokes.
Toping the evening will be the second chapter of The Retired Detectives’ Roundtable and the Case of King Solomon’s Dagger by Kathy Johnson, In the first chapter, the detectives discover the body of the courier in a warehouse in Basic City. Before they alert the police, the building erupts in fire. The lone exit is locked!
The guest for the October Radio Hour will be John Tindall representing The Waynesboro Community Concerts series. In keeping with tradition, the Community Concerts will provide the door prizes. The drawing for the prizes is available to anyone who attends the performances.
The October performance will take place at the Blue Ridge Christian Fellowship Hall at 329 West Main at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Seating is limited. Reserved seats are available for the Radio Hour for $7.50. Call 540.943.9999 to make a reservation.
The River City Radio Hour is a production of the Wayne Theatre Alliance with support from Waynesboro Cultural Commission, the City of Waynesboro, and The Virginia Commission for the Arts.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
The Radio Hour goes classical
In honor of its September guest, Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra, The Radio Hour will take a classical turn. The Symphony will be represented at the two performances by Charles Salembier, president of the Symphony’s Board of Directors. He will present the door prizes for the Friday, Sept. 17 performances: tickets to the Symphony’s Rhapsoday for America concert on Friday, Oct. 29 at the Paramount Theatre in Charlottesville.
In keeping with the classical flavor of the September Radio Hour, Sonjay Dillard, violinist, and Chris Bono, pianist, will share the stage with the Radio Hour’s studio band, The Boogie Kings. Sonja Dillard is a graduate of the Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester. She holds a bachelor and master’s degree in music. She is currently a teacher of stringed instruments at Staunton Music and plays professionally throughout Virginia. Chris Bono is a keyboard artist and organ builder. He is a graduate of Bridgewater College. Together they will bring a new dimension to The Radio Hour.
Also on the program is the classic folksinger, Duffy. A frequent performer on the Radio Hour, Duffy writes and plays in the classical folk style. His unique perspective on the world gives his songs a special insight.
The Boogie Kings under the leadership of Richard Adams will lend their own classics to the September musical offerings. With William Hayes on keyboard and J. T. Fauber on percussion, the Boogie Kings will open the way to an evening of music and comedy.
Gracing the Radio Hour will be The Queen of Comedy, Marsha Howard. This will be Howard’s last performance before she takes a hiatus from her comedy performances. She will return in December as part of the holiday special, The Radio Hour Remembers Christmas, Dec. 9, 10, 11 and 12 at Fairfax Hall.
September will premiere the new serial The Retired Detectives’ Roundtable and the Case of King Solomon’s Dagger by Kathy Johnson. She is the creator of Murder Is a Game. Since 1988, she has been writing, producing and performing original mystery scripts throughout Michigan, the Midwest and Virginia. Known by many as the “murder lady,” Johnson produces custom mysteries for businesses, individuals, organizations and Chambers of Commerce. This is her first excursion into the classic format of the radio serial.
In chapter one of The Case of King Solomon’s Dagger, a small gathering of almost famous detectives has convened its monthly meeting at the General Wayne Hotel. A visitor arrives with a plea for help. The intrigue and danger begins.
The September performance will take place at the Blue Ridge Christian Fellowship Hall at 329 W. Main St. at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Seating is limited. Reserved seats are available for the Radio Hour for $7.50.
Call 540.943.9999 to make a reservation.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
