Staunton Music Festival reflects the Caribbean

AFP

Staunton Music Festival’s upcoming Caribbean Reflections presents “a great mix of different genres, showcasing what a wonderful source of inspiration that region has been for musical composition,” says Artistic Director Carsten Schmidt. The concert will feature classical and traditional music from the Caribbean islands, Mexico, and Central America, demonstrating the region’s influence on many genres, including both jazz and European classical or fine art music.

Music at the Gateway in October

AFP

October at WTA’s Gateway will recognize its selection as “The Valley’s Favorite Place for Live Music” by bring two outstanding performers to the Shenandoah Valley. On Friday, October 5, Larry Kirwan, internationally celebrated Irish writer and musician will grace the Gateway stage with a combination of music, storytelling and Irish wit. On Saturday, October 6, rising hip-hop rock singer/musician Justin Turk will bring his unique musical style to Waynesboro.

Foundation to success: Burka (FMS ’98) credits time at Fishburne with providing building blocks

AFP

Terry Burka (FMS ’98) hardly has time to sleep. A U.S. Army veteran, Burka started work toward a degree in international business from Florida International after leaving the Army in 2008. He got that degree, magna cum laude, in 2010. All the while acting – he’s appeared in eight films and three TV shows – and writing, producing and distributing three hip-hop music albums.

river city radio hour

River City Radio Hour opens sixth season

Chris Graham

The River City Radio Hour’s Friday, Sept. 21st performances will mark the beginning of the production’s sixth season. Featured in the opening shows will be The Boogie Kings, violinist Carolyn Lam, comedian Marsha Howard, and The River City Players in a new serial by playwright Bob Crawford. The performances at at 6:30 and 8 p.m. at WTA’s Gateway, 329 West Main in Downtown Waynesboro.

Hound Dog Hill at WTA’s Gateway

AFP

The popular bluegrass band Hound Dog Hill will perform at WTA’s Gateway on Saturday, September 8. Formed in 2003 by Cutch Tuttle, the band has evolved into a high-energy Bluegrass and Old Time String Band. Using all acoustic instruments and drawing on the rich musical heritage of the Shenandoah Valley, they represent the best in traditional music. “We are very pleased to have the band open our season. They are a perfect beginning,” said Tracy Straight, chair of the WTA programming committee.

The River City Boys’ Jamboree opens fall season at WTA’s Gateway

Chris Graham

A new “signature” show takes the stage of WTA’s Gateway on Friday, September 7. The performance is the creation of The River City Boys who have been delighting area audiences with their musical style. The Boys approached the Wayne Theatre Alliance with a proposal to combine their singing with other area talents, not unlike the vaudeville shows the Wayne Theatre was designed to offer. Their proposal was readily accepted.

WTA’s Gateway announces fall season

Chris Graham

WTA’s Gateway will begin its second fall season in September with the addition of four new series. Joining the “Signature Shows” at the venue will be the River City Boys’ Jamboree, the Custin Jazz Night, the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge’s Family Performances and a monthly history lecture. The new series will expand the variety of entertainment WTA’s Gateway has brought to the area.