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David Hungate
Cyrus Pace
Cyrus Pace of the Jefferson Center (background) has high praise for area school Christmas programs: “Imagine the teacher who tries to figure out how to organize the whole school to do a holiday program.”
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David Hungate
Meg Carter
Meg Carter feels the Taubman Museum’s (background) presence amid older architecture makes for “a vibrant scene.”
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David Hungate
Jason Garnett and partner Keri Sink
Jason Garnett (with partner Keri Sink): “I love Elvis. Who doesn’t?”
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David Hungate
Lucy Lee
Lucy Lee, in front of the Grandin Theatre, which she appreciates for “movies that don’t scream at you.”
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David Hungate
Cyrus Pace
Cyrus Pace of the Jefferson Center (background) has high praise for area school Christmas programs: “Imagine the teacher who tries to figure out how to organize the whole school to do a holiday program.”
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Steven Lawson
Tim Albaugh
Tim Albaugh says that unlike in L.A., you don’t need a reservation to bowl late nights at Hilltop Lanes.
The arts scene in Roanoke is an eclectic one, ranging from quaint hole-in-the-wall galleries to the skyline-defining Taubman Museum of Art, and with lots in between.
If Roanoke is extending and expanding its reputation other than in the medical field, it’s likely in the realm of arts and culture, where the mostly stuffy of years past has in recent times given way to a delightful continuum that begins with the quirky and local, runs through the substantial and national-scale, and ends up with major artworks in museums and major performers in the civic centers.
Meg Carter
When Meg Carter’s husband Frank first broached the idea of moving from Tampa Fla., to Roanoke, Meg had three conditions: the city had to have an art museum, an indie movie theater and an outdoor market.
Roanoke delivered on each prerequisite.
And so, the family moved to the Star City during the summer of 2008 when Frank Carter joined Member One Federal Credit Union as CEO.
It didn’t take long after the move for Meg Carter to become a fixture on the Roanoke arts scene. She began by volunteering as a docent for the Taubman Museum of Art. From there, she naturally met people who drew her into other cultural opportunities.
“I just dove right in,” she says.
Here are a few of Carter’s favorite cultural offerings:
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
Jefferson Center: 541 Luck Ave.; 343-9127; rso.com
Carter loves the fact that the orchestra is so accessible. She points out that it’s much easier to find a parking place at the Jefferson Center than it would be to see an orchestra in most any other city. Carter also finds RSO’s ticket prices to be quite reasonable, which means music isn’t solely available for the one percent. “I love the fact that it’s a diverse group of people,” Carter says.
Taubman Museum of Art
Downtown: 110 Salem Ave.; 342-5760; taubmanmuseum.org
Carter stands firmly in the camp of Roanokers who love, love, love the building Architect Randall Stout created to house the city’s new art museum.
“I like the fact that it’s such an avant-garde building in the midst of a historical area,” she says. “I think anytime you see a mixture between the old and the new you’re going to have a vibrant scene.”
Carter also approves of the museum’s revised focus of engaging local residents with events like Spectacular Saturdays, when admission to the museum is free, and organizing partnerships with other area nonprofits and artists. “I love the fact they’re becoming more of a community center,” she says.
The Grandin Theatre
1310 Grandin Rd.; 345-6177; grandintheatre.com
Roanoke’s grand, historic theater, run locally by a nonprofit foundation, takes up prime real estate in Carter’s heart. “I love independent film and the Grandin has a cool vibe,” Carter says.
Ted Talks Roanoke
Every Wednesday at noon at the Shadowbox; 22 Kirk Ave
Carter loves this free event where members of the audience hear a talk by a remarkable person and then discuss it afterward. “I think it provides a comfortable space for people to air their opinions,” Carter says. “I think that kind of discourse we’ve lost in a lot of other areas.”
Roanoke Civic Center
710 Williamson Rd.; 853-5483; roanokeciviccenter.com
The civic center may be aging — it celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2011 — but Carter still counts it among the Star City’s gems. Carter and her daughter attended two Keith Urban concerts: one at the 10,500-seat Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum and another at the John Paul Jones arena in Charlottesville, which holds about 15,000. “When you saw him in a larger area you realized what a treat it had been to see him in Roanoke,” Carter says.
Meg Carter, who lives in South Roanoke, serves as an organizer for Roanoke Valley Reads (roanokevalleyreads.com).
Tim Albaugh
Grandin Theatre
1310 Grandin Road; 345-6177; grandintheatre.com
It’s hardly surprising to have a film professor name the Grandin as one of his favorite Roanoke cultural venues. Tim Albaugh likes the selection of films the theater shows, not to mention the fact that the theater is owned by a nonprofit. “We obviously like to support neighborhood places to the best we can,” he says.
Star City Roller Girls
“That’s kind of off-beat culture to say the least,” Albaugh says of the Roanoke roller derby team.
Albaugh has fond memories of taking his two daughters, ages 14 and 10, to their first bout. “They thought it was crazy,” Albaugh says. “They loved it.”
Is Albaugh worried he may have spawned two future roller girls by taking his daughters to the rink that night?
Not really. Albaugh explains he wants his daughters to do whatever makes them happy. And, anyway. . . “I’ve learned that my vote is usually discounted.”
No Shame Theatre
Waldron Stage at Center in the Square’s Church Ave. building; Downtown: 20 Church Ave.; noshame.org/Roanoke
Performers create original pieces — sometimes short scenes or poems or rocking ditties — that last no longer than five minutes. “There’s some really good people who participate in that,” Albaugh says.
The Shadowbox Community Microcinema
Downtown: 22 Kirk Ave.; theshadowboxcinema.com
The theater’s mission is to screen local and regional films as well as “independent, foreign and just plain weird films that otherwise would never be shown in Roanoke.” Albaugh especially enjoyed a lively screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” “It was a lot of fun,” Albaugh recalls.
Late Night Rock ‘N Bowl at AMF Hilltop Lanes
5918 Williamson Rd.; 366-8879. amf.com/hilltoplanesva
Every Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. Hilltop Lanes transforms into party central with thumping bass and strobe lighting. “It’s something that’s easy to do that we can all do together,” Albaugh says of this family-friendly event.
For the last several years Albaugh has spent his summers at Hollins teaching graduate students about film and screenwriting while living the rest of the year in Los Angeles, where bowling is a much different experience.
Albaugh tells a story of calling Roanoke’s Hilltop Lanes to make a reservation — only to hear the person on the other end of the phone trying to swallow her giggles. Hey, you need reservations to bowl in L.A. You also have to show up an hour in advance or you lose your spot. At Hilltop, Albaugh still says with amazement, “We just walked right in.”
Tim Albaugh, a screenwriter and teacher, was recently named director of Hollins’ master of arts and master of fine arts programs in screenwriting and film studies.
Cyrus Pace
Roanoke Children’s Theatre
Downtown: Located at the Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Ave.; 309-6802; roanokechildrenstheatre.org
Cyrus Pace’s son Louis won’t even be two years old by the time this article comes out, so don’t think Pace is just trying to promote his kid with this selection. “He’s not in the theater scene yet,” Pace jokes.
Pace appreciates Roanoke’s Children’s Theatre for its professionalism and because the shows are entertaining for kids and adults. “They’ve figured out a way to do things that are educational and also meaningful,” Pace says.
Kirk Avenue Music Hall
Downtown: 22 Kirk Ave.; 798-3592; kirkavenuemusic.com
It’s amazing how such a modestly sized music venue totally transformed Roanoke’s live music scene. Pace feels super lucky to have seen Darrell Scott in such an intimate space. “One of the world’s most important songwriters and he’s right there,” Pace raves.
The always eloquent Pace couldn’t even manage a complete sentence to describe how much he loved seeing the Punch Brothers at Kirk Avenue. “God Almighty,” was all Pace could manage.
Kandinsky Trio
Pace is a member of the class of 1998 at Roanoke College, where the Kandinsky Trio has had a long and storied residency. “I’ve known those guys for a long time,” Pace says.
By saying “guys,” Pace is referring to violinist Benedict Goodfriend, cellist Alan Weinstein, and pianist Elizabeth Bachelder.
Over the course of 23 seasons, the Kandinsky Trio has played over a thousand concerts, many of them in Salem. “It’s a gift to hear chamber music of that quality in a small community,” Pace says.
Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
Jefferson Center: 541 Luck Ave.; 343-9127; rso.com
“I don’t make it to everything,” Pace says of the orchestra’s performances. “I definitely go to what I can.”
Pace found himself particularly moved that the RSO opened the season with a concerto for mandolin and orchestra composed by Star City native Jeff Midkiff. “It was really well supported and it was a really meaningful choice for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra to support a local composer,” Pace says. “It set up a whole night illustrating the importance of local music.”
Holiday Shows at Roanoke Valley Elementary Schools
Pace let his Dad flag fly high by expressing his love for the annual grade-school Christmas productions that inevitably showcase kids wearing reindeer antlers and snowflake sandwich boards.
Pace points out these shows are especially impressive when you consider the fact that the music teachers who organize them usually only have the kids in a class once a week.
“Imagine this teacher who tries to figure out how to organize the whole school to do a holiday program,” Pace says, his voice filled with genuine wonder.
Cyrus Pace is the executive director for the Jefferson Center and directs the Patrick Henry Jazz Ensemble.
Lucy Lee
Opera Roanoke
Performances at Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall: 541 Luck Ave; 982-2742; operaroanoke.org
Last spring Lucy Lee heard lots of buzzing about Opera Roanoke’s performance of “Madama Butterfly.” “So many people raved about it, I decided to go,” she explains.
She found herself transfixed by the music, the acting, the sets — every element of the performance. “Experiencing it was an emotional high, and I remember thinking, ‘This is art,’” Lee says. “It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”
So beautiful in fact that Lee made sure to attend the company’s October production of “Il Trovatore” and she’s already purchased tickets for Opera Roanoke’s “Carmen” which opens April 27.
Taubman Museum of Art
Downtown: 110 Salem Ave.; 342-5760; taubmanmuseum.org
Lee has long been an admirer of the museum’s collection of folk art. “That’s always fun, but I like to see whatever shows they’re having.” Lee also appreciates how cosmopolitan she feels when heading into the Taubman. “You don’t even have to go to New York,” she says.
The Grandin Theatre
1310 Grandin Rd.; 345-6177; grandintheatre.com
“I like the fact that they have movies that don’t scream at you,” Lee says.
Does Lee’s preference for indie and art house flicks mean she isn’t a fan of the 3-D flicks so popular now at the chain multiplexes? “That would be correct,” she answers.
Roanoke’s Art Galleries
You’ll find galleries throughout the Roanoke Valley, but there are enough Downtown alone that it would be a challenge to visit them all in one day.
“I love the art galleries and there are so many of them,” Lee says happily. “Every now and then I feel the need to hit them and take a look.”
Lee particularly enjoys The Market Gallery at 23 Salem Ave. Downtown which showcases the work of more than two-dozen artists. That’s a treat for Lee, who collects work by local artists. “I’m always on the lookout,” she says.
Hollins University
7916 Williamson Rd.; hollins.edu
Lee received her master of arts in liberal studies in 1985 and her certificate of advanced studies in 2003. Even still, she tries to take an art class and a literature class every year. Lee also regularly turns out at campus special events. “I like to go to the readings they have, I love the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum and they’re always having great speakers,” Lee raves.
Lee speaks with a Southern accent so gracious and melodic it’s too bad she doesn’t read books on tape for a living. Lee also serves as an organizer for Roanoke Valley Reads (roanokevalleyreads.com).
Jason Garnett: The Quirky Side of Culture
“I’ve been off the culture radar because I just had a baby,” says Garnett, whose son Desmond was born July 1. Even so, he has not lost his eye for the quaint and quirky of Roanoke arts and culture.
The Bazaar
675 Brandon Ave.; 309-0928
At this eccentric little shop, workers sell records, art, antiques and retro clothing during the day and host bands at night. “They’re the biggest supporter of Roanoke’s underground music scene,” Garnett raves.
The Park
615 Salem Ave.; parkroanoke.com
A haven for Southwest Virginia’s GLBT Community, The Park also serves as a fun, welcoming place for folks of any sexual preference who enjoy pumping music and a spacious dance floor. “You can’t call yourself a true Roanoker until you’ve seen a drag show at The Park,” Garnett says.
Miniature Graceland
605 Riverland Rd.
Poor health and recessionary times have kept the original creators from restoring this Barbie-size tourist stop to its former glory. But things are looking up.
“Roanoke’s tiny ode to the King of Rock and Roll is being renovated as we speak,” Garnett explains. Benefactors staged a benefit concert over the summer to raise money for the restoration and that makes Garnett happy.
“I love Elvis,” he says. “Who doesn’t love Elvis?”
Happy’s Flea Market
5411 Williamson Rd; 563-4473; happysfleamarket.net
At Virginia’s largest and oldest flea market pretty much anybody who owns just about anything can (and does) set up shop. “I think somebody coined the term ‘people watching’ after a trip to Happy’s,” Garnett says.
He also lists one great cultural stand-by which will celebrates its 22nd annual event in 2012:
Local Colors Festival
Held Downtown in May. localcolors.org
Dozens of countries are represented in a parade of nations during this festival. The event also offers arts and crafts stands, fashion shows, children’s games and, perhaps most importantly for Garnett, international food. “It celebrates diversity in Roanoke and Pearl Fu, Roanoke’s ambassador of everything,” Garnett says.
Jason Garnett lives in Raleigh Court and owns the Shadowbox Community Microcinema.
Other Cultural Icons
With downtown and Center in the Square in flux these days (with the grand re-opening scheduled for spring, 2013), several major arts and culture venues find themselves similarly in temporary limbo.
The History Museum of Western Virginia is currently housed in the old Twist & Turns space at the corner of Williamson and Campbell in downtown Roanoke. 540-342-5770; history-museum.org.
The Science Museum of Western Virginia is located in the upper level of Tanglewood Mall (across from Belk), on Electric Road in southwest Roanoke County. 540-342-5710; smwv.org.
Other area museums and cultural noteworthies:
The Virginia Museum of Transportation, 303 Norfolk Avenue in downtown Roanoke, includes approximately 2,500 objects from the realms of rail automotive, aviation, mass transit and other artifacts. 540-342-5670; vmt.org.
The O. Winston Link Museum, across from Hotel Roanoke on Salem Avenue, is built around the stunning black and white railroad photos of O. Winston Link. 540-982-5465; linkmuseum.org.
The Jefferson Center, at 541 Luck Avenue in downtown Roanoke, presents a lively and national-class set of concerts and other live entertainment. 540-345-2550; jeffcenter.org.
The Salem Civic Center, like its Roanoke counterpart noted elsewhere in these pages, presents concerts, sporting events, shows and more throughout the year. 540-375-3004; salemciviccenter.com.
The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, at 20 Church Avenue SE in downtown Roanoke, supports and promotes all things cultural in the valley. 540-342-5790; theartscouncil.org.