On the Market.

Information courtesy of Hotel Roanoke; submitted by Thomas Becher.

2008 ROANOKE ARTS FESTIVAL SET

Second annual event to feature legendary Crystal Gayle;
Rock ’n’ roll, Bluegrass and classical music planned;
Theater, culinary arts, film, and puppets among offerings

Planning already under way for 2009 Festival

ROANOKE, Va., (July 10, 2008) – The second annual Roanoke Arts Festival, re-timed this year to help celebrate the opening of the new Taubman Museum of Art, will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8-9 with free and ticketed events and activities to appeal to a wide range of audiences.

The 2008 Roanoke Arts Festival will complement the museum’s grand opening weekend and once again pay tribute to arts of the region and beyond with a host of rich offerings capped by a performance by Country-music legend Crystal Gayle. The Festival will include a free downtown rock ‘n’ roll concert, great Bluegrass music, a musical puppet show, an exposition of the culinary arts, theatrical performances, classical music and more.

The Festival will also serve as the grand finale to “40 Days and 40 Nights,” a celebration of arts and culture with daily activities and exhibits coordinated by the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge.

“This year’s Festival – timed for the museum’s opening and this historic moment for the arts and culture for our region – is a great way to celebrate all facets of the arts,” says Susan Jennings, Roanoke’s public art coordinator. “The 2008 Roanoke Arts Festival will extend this excitement onto the streets of downtown Roanoke and into venues in Roanoke Valley.”

“With the Taubman Museum opening its doors as one of the most impressive museums of its kind, we felt the Arts Festival should tie into that spirit and welcome visitors to explore not just the visual arts, but music, drama, film – even the culinary arts,” adds Festival manager Rick Salzberg.

As the final touches are being made to this year’s schedule, planning already is under way for the third annual Roanoke Arts Festival, scheduled to be held next fall.

“With strong interest and broad audience appeal from our inaugural Festival last year, we’ve heard from fans of the arts from throughout Virginia urging us to offer even more choices in years ahead,” Salzberg says. “That’s why we’re already looking ahead to next year, when we will resume a four-day Festival.”

The 2007 Arts Festival was recognized as one of the year’s best festivals by the readers of City Magazine, and even nationally renowned performers lauded the Festival.
“I want to thank the committee for inviting me to the first Roanoke Arts Festival – and I know there will be many, many, many more,” Judy Collins said when she took the stage last October at the Roanoke Performing Arts Center.

Ramsey Lewis of the Ramsey Lewis Trio, had this to say: “When the Trio performs our intent is not only to communicate and have fun with each other on stage, but to extend those wonderful moments to the audience, and hopefully they will become a part of our musical conversation. When this happens, performer and audience become one and energize each other. This was the occasion on October 4, 2007, at the first Roanoke Arts Festival. The audience was musically sophisticated and a joy to play for. We eagerly look forward to our return.”

A video of highlights from last year’s Festival is available on the Festival’s web site at: http://www.roanokeartsfest.com/raf_movie/index.html

2008 ROANOKE ARTS FESTIVAL EVENTS AND SCHEDULE

The Roanoke Arts Festival schedule, released today at a reception for sponsors and supporters at the home of noted art collector Jim Hyams, will feature free performances, events and exhibitions at multiple venues across the city. Many of the activities, including the rock concert, will be free.
Ticketing details will be released closer to the Festival. A schedule of events is available on the Festival’s web site, www.RoanokeArtsFest.org, and will include:

Saturday, Nov. 8

• “FiddleFest Lite,” a day of Bluegrass with teaching workshops and jam sessions followed by a concert by acclaimed Bluegrass performers.
• “Day of Music.” A free rock concert with the “Magic Twig Community” and a number of other popular regional bands.
• “Doubt.” The Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play presented by the theatre departments of Hollins University and Virginia Tech.
• The James Piano Quartet.
• A concert at Blue 5 with great guest artists.
• Downtown art gallery tours.

Sunday, Nov. 9

• “An Exposition of the Culinary Arts” at the new Culinary Institute of Western Virginia.
• Staged readings from the works of venerated authors Nelson Bond and Jack Kestner presented with the Roanoke City Library.
• World premiere of “Bull – A Puppet Musical” by The Thistledown Puppets.
• A special film presentation by the Grandin Theatre.
• A second performance of “Doubt.”
• Crystal Gayle concert at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre, with the exciting new Nashville duo of Sam & Ruby as her opening act.

Also throughout the Festival, there will be ongoing exhibitions at area museums and public art, including:
• White Liquor, Blue Ridge Style at the History Museum of Western Virginia.
• Transportation Art: Photorealism From the Collection of James W. Hyams at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
• A photography exhibition at the O. Winston Link Museum.
• Public art on view at different locations in the City with the Roanoke Arts Commission.
• The James W. Hyams Collection on view in Old Southwest. (Portions of this collection have been on loan to more than eight museums, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.)

“We are thrilled with the lineup we have so far, and especially delighted to be welcoming Crystal Gayle to Roanoke,” Salzberg says. “With three dozen hit records and 19 number one singles, her classic songs and continued success – Crystal was named ‘Best Female Entertainer’ by American Magazine for 2007 – assures a memorable performance which will delight fans, and serve as a strong cap to a weekend packed with something for everyone.”

At Metro!

Fort Knox Five will be playing at Metro! on Saturday, May 24th at 10pm. No cover. The band features original funky beats and mashups of popular hits.

At 202 Market

Civil Twilight will be playing at 202 Market on Friday, May 23rd from 9pm - 12am in the CityBar. Cover is $5. Check out their website for samples of songs from this three piece rock band that originated in South Africa. Saturday, May 24th Six Chasing Seven w/ Kase Project will be playing in CityBar from 9pm - 2am. Cover is $5. They play soul-crunching, rock-infused reggae funk and are local to Lynchburg, VA. Listen to what they have to offer.

At Blues BBQ Co.

Blues BBQ Co will also have some musical talent this weekend. Friday, May 23rd local boy Jesse Ray Carter will start playing at 9pm. And Saturday, May 24th at 9pm check out Gumbo featuring Jimmy Landry.

At Blue5

Thursday, May 22nd you won’t want to miss The Good Son Featuring Hoppie Vaughan at Blue 5. Then check out The Pace Brothers featuring Jordan Harman on Friday, May 23rd. Come back on Saturday, May 24th to listen to Rockin Blue & The Bluezanators.

At Martin’s

Playing this week at Martin’s: Groovascape on Thursday, May 22nd; Oso on Friday, May 23rd, and Bad Casper with Bullistic on Saturday, May 24th.

Mayoral Candidate David Bowers and Roanoke City Councilman and candidate Brian Wishneff have created their own plan for spending the $12M budgeted for the Amphitheater project along Reserve Ave. The plan includes a smaller 2000-3000 seat Amphitheater in Elmwood Park as well as 6 other projects. The plan makes a lot of sense especially since the funds are already available and a smaller amphitheater will be used more often. The money covers a lot of necessary projects that can’t continue to be pushed on the back burner and are desperately needed downtown. This includes renovation of the Market Building and doing something about the lack of a facade on Church Ave. that has scarred downtown for too long. If you like the plan as well, please vote for both Bowers and Wishneff in the upcoming elections.

Here’s the Plan:

Abandon the Amphitheater project along Reserve Ave and take the $12,600,000 budgeted for that project and instead spend it downtown on the following projects:

1. $3,000,000 - Elmwood Park Amphitheater of 2 - 3,000 seats

2. $3,000,000 - City Market Building Renovation, City share of estimated $7 - $8M for comprehensive renovation

3.$1,000,000 - Center in the Square Renovation this represents initial payment on multi-year City $4M commitment for this $27M renovation and reinvention of Center

4. $1,500,000 - Church Ave. Garage Renovation, this represents a cash payment to eliminate need for City to borrow which makes parking rate increase unnecessary

5. $250,000 - Farmers Stalls Modernization that adds items like heat, electricity, which was requested by farmers

6. $850,000 - Market Square Improvements, initial aesthetic and functional improvements to Square support ability to more easily change uses at night and weekends

7. $3,000,000 - New 600+ Williamson Rd Parking Garage in parking lot across from Link Museum could hold new hotel rooms and meeting space on top for expanded Hotel Roanoke; strategic location allows for parking garage to serve multiple purposes including Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, the Civic Center, the improved Market Building and the new Art Museum, money represents initial City Contribution for planning & design toward a much larger multi-million dollar project

Please feel free to discuss this plan in the comments and, of course, take the poll.

The Roanoke Times posted an article today announcing that by the end of summer Roanoke will have buses painted to resemble classic, red street cars running between Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and downtown Roanoke.

First Fridays at Five kicks off this Friday, April 4th at the Rail Side Amphitheatre located on Salem Avenue. The event begins at 5:30pm and will run through 8:30pm. Admission costs $5 with drink tickets running $3 each. The event will support local charities. In the event of inclement weather, event will be rescheduled for the next Friday.

Here’s the schedule of live entertainment:

April 4 - Key West
May 2 - The Worx
June 6 - The Kings
June 20 - Burning Bridges
July 11 - Level 6
August 1 - Drivn
August 15 - Llyod Dobler Effect
September 5 - Monkey Fuzz
October 3 - The Worx

There’s a new restaurant in downtown Roanoke. Horizon Bar and Grill opened this month with a menu boasting a southwestern flair on fine dining. They are located in Wertz’ old location at 215 Market Street. Here’s a look at some of their offerings.

Steak Nigeri - flank steak over plantains

Lamb Shanks over refried beans

Sweet Potato Enchiladas over black beans

If you’ve had a chance to try out their fare, please let us know what you thought!

202 Market is hosting two special artists for Mardi Gras 2008. Celebrate on Friday, February 1st with Eric Lindell and on Saturday, February 2nd withSway Katz. They’re claiming it will be “a party the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else.”

You can also enjoy Open Mic Nights every Tuesday  at 202 Market. Listeners can experience some of this area’s hidden talent…

And on Wednesday nights, musicians can bring their instruments and rock out with singer/ guitarist Hoppie Vaughn at Electric Open Jam. 202 is the place to experience DJ’s Diego, Mateo, Quest Entertainment’s DJs and DJ Dance. Their completely distinct sounds ensure that there is something for every listener!

The lunch specials for Blues BBQ Co. this week are as follows:

Monday, January 28th - Fried Chicken Club-w/ ham, lettuce, tomato, mayo-choice of side, drink $8.95

Tuesday, January 29th - Savannah Style Pulled Pork-choice of side, drink $8.95

Wednesday, January 30th - Chopped Brisket BBQ-choice of side, drink $8.95

Thursday, January 31st - Fried Green Tomato BLT w/provolone-choice of side, drink $8.95

Friday, February 1st - Crab Cake Sandwich w/homemade tartar sauce-choice of side, drink $10.95

Don’t forget, downtown delivery is now free with the purchase of $15 or more.

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You can also catch the following entertainment this week:

Tuesday, January 29th - ACOUSTIC ENDEAVORS (no cover) a fantastic bluegrass band that will
really amaze you!

Thursday, January 31st - GUY”S NIGHT… We all know what ladies night is, but how about a Guy’s
Night!! $2.00 in-house specials, $5.00 appetizers, Action Movies, and great
company…

Friday , February 1st - JACK WAYNE & THE BLUE NOTES (no cover) a group of young Roanoke musicians
that can really play!

Saturday, February 2nd - DYER & ZANNIE (no cover) come check it out…

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY - February 3rd -
Come on down and watch your favorite team on the big screen! There will be
in-house specials and $5.00 appetizers. We will be rooting for the Giants so
anyone wearing Giants attire will receive 10% off of their food purchase.
(Dine-in only)

VALENTINE’S DAY – Thursday, February 14th -
The Blues BBQ Valentine’s Day dinner includes a 5 course meal for $25.00 per
person. Reservations can be made for 5 p.m., 7 p.m., or 9 p.m. MAKE YOUR
RESERVATIONS TODAY!

Adam and I headed out to the new BBQ place, The Blues BBQ Company, Saturday night. We’d been hearing rave reviews, and while I’m not particularly a BBQ fan, my husband is. Lucky for me, there’s not just BBQ on the menu. They also offer starters like Grit Cakes, Fried Mac n Puppies, and Lemon Cajun Shrimp.

The atmosphere of Blues BBQ was really nice. It was very cozy and warm, and the staff was friendly. Adam and I sat at the bar, however, as all the tables were arranged for parties of four or more and I didn’t want to be a table hog as we’d planned on staying a while. The bar, while shiny and new, was apparently built a bit too tall and bar stools had to be special ordered to fit. My toes scraped the bar rail as a result and after a few drinks it seemed like quite a long trip down. But honestly that was the only flaw I really found with the place, and I thought it more humorous than troublesome.

For dinner Adam ordered The Blue’s Pulled Pork - a dry rubbed, slowly smoked pork shoulder using Apple & Mesquite woods, pulled and mixed with a special tangy BBQ sauce and stacked high on a Kaiser roll topped with slaw. The sandwiches are larger than average and Adam really enjoyed this one. BBQ is the specialty here and it only takes a taste to know they’ve hit the nail on the head. I ordered a half rack of Baby Back Ribs - which I don’t really consider BBQ, thank you very much - with a side of fries and collard greens. The ribs were tender, nicely smoked, and perfectly seasoned. The fries, well, they are probably bordering on best in town. They remind me a bit of Steak Escape’s fries as they have skins, but they’re seasoned differently. As for the collard greens - oh my God! - they are the best collard greens on the planet. They’re cooked in fat back and just too tasty to describe. I ordered an additional side of greens after I’d eaten the first side with my meal. That’s how good they were.
I should also mention that several couples had dinner at the table behind us over the course of the night. Two of those couples ordered the Brisket. Both of those couples could not say enough about how fabulous it was. The food rocks. Enough said.

After dinner and drinks we stayed a while to listen to the Jesse Ray Carter Trio. Jesse and his band play every Saturday night starting at 9pm and admission is free. I really enjoyed the tunes, and the rest of the crowd seemed to as well. There was much applause and lots of swaying and quite a bit of Bob Dylan. The restaurant produced a steady stream of business most of the night.

Open four weeks today, The Blues BBQ Company, looks to be a winner. Adam and I enjoyed it so much we ate there again on Sunday for lunch. I got the ribs again. And the collard greens. And the fries. What can say? I’m an addict. And Adam tried the Smoked Brisket Chili. The chili was a big hit, both with Adam and our friend Kyle who ordered it as well. Cheryl, who was also on the Market Sunday, had the Lemon Cajun Shrimp and was very pleased. And then there was the carrot cake. Don’t know how I could forget to mention the carrot cake. All handmade with thick, real, cream cheese icing, the carrot cake was to die for. A gargantuan slice was a mere five dollars and large enough to share. It was extremely moist and extremely edible.

The Blues BBQ Company is located at 107 Market Square and is open everyday from 11am to 2am. Sundays they’re open from 11am to 8pm. Patrick Maggi, the proprietor of Blues BBQ describes his restaurant as the coolest place in town with the best BBQ around. His staff boasts bright red t-shirts that tell you “It’s all about the love.” If you like BBQ, then you’ll love this BBQ. I hope to see you there. For more information on The Blues BBQ Company or for reservations call (540) 344-LOVE. Oh, and don’t forget to ask about the all inclusive, daily lunch specials.

Click here to check out their menu.

202 Market is now serving lunch. Their awnings haven’t made their grand entrance yet, but I’m told it’s only a matter of days before they’ll be in place for outdoor dining. In the meantime you can still enjoy a tapas style lunch in the form of an all you can eat buffet for $12. Lunch is served from 11:30am to 1:30pm and is of course cooked up by 202’s extraordinary Executive Chef Chad Scott.

Speaking of 202, the City Elixir that was held at 202 on Tuesday was fabulous. While the service was unfortunately somewhat lacking - our server was new and I’m thinking more than a little overwhelmed amidst the chaos and influx of people - the food was, as always, excellent. 202 Market simply has a knack for consistency where the quality of their cuisine is concerned.

The Ministers of Soul, a local band that plays great soul tunes, played Tuesday night as the main music act. They were very good and really blew me away. I would recommend hearing them play if you ever have the chance. I was also able to enjoy music from students of the Downtown Music Lab. The Downtown Music Lab is a non-profit that offers after school music lessons for kids in grades 6 - 12. The $10 donation everyone made at the door was donated to the Music Lab.

I’ll be back at 202 on Friday to hear Chris Duarte play. He’s another incredible musician. We heard him several months ago at 202 for the first time and he was so good we’re going back. He plays a really mean guitar, has a fantastic voice, and some really great songs that are a mix of blues and rock. Though he did play one song I loved called Los Angeles that strayed from his usual style. It sort of sounded like Cake on acid, and I mean that as the highest sort of compliment. Unfortunately the song isn’t on any of his CDs yet. Anyway, I’m going with both Adam (husband), Cody (son), and Jake and Lisa (friends.) Cody will be having his last big hooray before school starts on Tuesday, and we’ll also be celebrating Jake’s new job. If you can’t get into 202 - last time there was standing room only before all was said and done - swing by anyway and stand outside for a listen. You’ll be able to hear Chris playing through the glass.