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Events for February, 2010

Exhibit: "Virginia Rocks: The History of Rockabilly in the Commonwealth"

Friday May 1, 2009 - Wednesday March 31, 2010
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Blue Ridge Institute and Museum
20 Museum Drive map it
Ferrum, VA 24088

Rockabilly is the smart-mouthed teenage child of country music and blues-driven boogie. "Virginia Rocks" tells early rock's story with rare film footage and audio tracks, biographical information, vintage photographs, records, stage costumes, concert promotional materials, juke boxes, studio recording equipment, and, of course, guitars. A double CD and a gallery guide fill out the show. Admission is free. Call (540)365-4416 or visit http://www.blueridgeinstitute.org/index.htm

"The Portent: John Brown's Raid in American Memory"

Saturday October 10, 2009 - Sunday April 11, 2010
Virginia Historical Society
428 North Boulevard map it
Richmond, VA 23220

This exhibition is the first-ever critical analysis by a southern institution of an episode that, on the eve of the Civil War, broke open sectionalist fissures. Brown demanded that his contemporaries take a moral stance on slavery, and to this day a mention of his attack spurs debate about issues of justice, terrorism, liberation, and vigilantism. The story of Brown’s early life, his fervent religious beliefs, his turn to violence as an abolitionist in Kansas, and his Virginia raid and its aftermath will be told in the exhibition, part of the national acknowledgement of the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid on the Federal Armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Contemporary reactions to the raid and to the trial and execution of John Brown will be discussed and visitors will see a display of objects and books related to the raid. See www.vahistorical.org for gallery hours and admission fees.

Come In and Have a Seat: Vernacular Chairs of the Shenandoah Valley

Friday December 18, 2009 - Sunday June 20, 2010
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
901 Amherst Street map it
Winchester, VA 22601

A new exhibit, curated by Jeffrey S. Evans, opens at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley as the first ever exhibit to focus exclusively on vernacular chairs made in the Valley from the 18th to the 20th century, shedding light on not only their contribution to American furniture-making, but also fostering appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the Valley. For museum hours and more, see www.shenandoahmuseum.org, or call either 540-662-1473 or toll free, 888-556-5799.

Rural Music Coalition

Monday February 8, 2010
6:30 PM
Reynolds Homestead
463 Homestead Lane map it
Critz, VA 24082

This new Reynolds Homestead group is open to anyone interested in exploring the history of blues and rural music. Meetings will feature guest musicians, workshops, and jam sessions all part of a supportive group eager to share ideas. Come to play or just to listen and learn during these monthly meetings, which are free and open to the public. Call (276) 694-7181 or visit http://www.reynoldshomestead.vt.edu/about_us.html

Course: Traditional Music

Tuesday February 9, 2010 - Tuesday March 30, 2010
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Bel Rio Restaurant
407 Monticello Road map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902

What is traditional music? What relevance does it have for us today in the 21st century? This noncredit series explores these questions through the lens of folklore, ethnomusicology, and performance. Students gain access to the world of traditional music by attending private performances,multimedia presentations, and engaging in conversations with musicians, folklorists, and ethnomusicologists. Guest performers from the Virginia Folklife program will include Maggie Ingram and family on February 16. Traditions under study include old-time, bluegrass, samba, jazz, blues, gospel, Sephardic, and Mande/Voltaic. Students will gain an insider's knowledge and a greater appreciation for traditional music and some of its greatest artists and experts in the Commonwealth today. Eight Tuesday evening sessions. Fee: $150. Registration recommended by early February. Call (434) 982-2779 or visit www.scps.virginia.edu/

Gospel Celebration Honoring Black History Month

Sunday February 14, 2010
3:00 PM
Reynolds Homestead
463 Homestead Lane map it
Critz, VA 24082

The Rev. Burgie Penn leads this annual celebration featuring musicians and choirs from Patrick and surrounding counties. Spend a delightful afternoon enjoying these very special performances. The event is free and open to the public. Donations to the Patrick County Food Bank are accepted. Call (276) 694-7181, ext. 21 weekdays between 9 & 5, or visit http://www.reynoldshomestead.vt.edu/about_us.html

African-American Spirituals with Calvin Earl

Tuesday February 23, 2010
4:00 PM
Jefferson Library at Monticello
1329 Kenwood Farm, State Route 53 map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Music historian and recording artist Calvin Earl will interpret African-American spirituals in song and story. Admission is free. Visit http://www.monticello.org/index.html or call (434) 984-9822.

Film Screening: Miles Of Smiles: Years of Struggle

Thursday February 25, 2010
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
JMRL Central Library
201 E. Market Street map it
Charlottesville, VA 22902

MILES OF SMILES: YEARS OF STRUGGLE producer/director/editor, Paul Wagner with Jack Santino (1983) An oral history of the Pullman porters examining their history and lore, and their organization of America’s first African American labor union; produced independently in cooperation with the Smithsonian Office of Folklife Programs, with a grant from the D.C. Community Humanities Council; national broadcast on PBS, four regional Emmy Awards, Cine Golden Eagle, American Film Festival Blue Ribbon, Mill Valley Film Festival, INPUT International Public Television Conference, Cinema du Real (France), Flaherty Film Seminar, Telluride Film Festival. Call 434-979-7151 x 204 or visit http://www.jmrl.org/br-central.htm

Don't Miss This! Sunday Sept. 12