Here’s a round-up of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
* * *
49 Winchester sets hang-out with fans Nov. 25; a Bristol concert in April
Fans of the Russell County-based band 49 Winchester have two chances to see the group up close in Bristol.
The band will be present at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Black Friday Holiday Hangout event on Nov. 25, when fans can pose for what are described as “crazy Christmas photos with members of one of Southwest Virginia’s favorite emerging Americana acts, 49 Winchester.” The event takes place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. EST, Nov. 25, in the Special Exhibits Gallery at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
The Holiday Hangout with members of 49 Winchester will be held in the Special Exhibits Gallery at the museum, where visitors are encouraged to don their flashiest holiday duds and pose for a free Christmas photo with the band amidst a mid-century mod set curated by Cherry Bombed Beauty of Bristol. Participants may use their own cameras or snap photos with their cellphones; a photographer will also be on hand to take digital pics.
The band will be live in concert at Paramount Bristol April 1, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. EST, 49 Winchester has announced. Tickets to the show will go on sale to the public Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. Tickets may be purchased at the Paramount box office and online at ParamountBristol.org.
For more on 49 Winchester, see our previous story about the band’s rise.
* * *
Woods Brothers to play in Rocky Mount
The Woods Brothers have extended their 2023 tour plans with the announcement of 20 additional shows in late Winter and Spring. The dates will cover a wide range of ground, including a stop at Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount on Thursday, March 9.
The Wood Brothers’ 2023 tour plans, including a previously announced West Coast leg in February, will support a new studio album to be released in the Spring. The title for the collection, “Heart Is The Hero,” was just revealed, while a first single, release date and pre-order announcement is planned for February 2023.
Tickets start at $45 and go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
* * *
VCEDA awards grant to Dickenson County auto repair firm
The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority has awarded a $10,000 Seed Capital Matching Grant to Wright Way Repair, LLC of Clinchco.
The business is owned by Heather and Joshua Wright.
“Wright Way Repair, LLC will offer automotive repair services in Dickenson County, primarily serving residents in Clinchco, Haysi and Clintwood and those traveling through the area, according to their business plan,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel in a statement. “The new business projects three full-time employees within five years.”
A building at 141 Road Branch in Clinchco has been purchased and will be renovated to house the new business and offer storage space for rent as well.
The Wrights worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing their application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.
* * *
Finley joins board of Brain Injury Services of Southwest Virginia
Brain Injury Services of Southwest Virginia has added Christopher Finley as its newest board member. Finley is currently the Senior Director, Marketing Communications, for LewisGale Regional Health System. Finley also serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the School of Communications at Radford University. He also brings experience in finding and securing community support from a previous role of Executive Director of Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.
* * *
Damascus sets holiday events
The town of Damascus has set the following holiday events:
November 26 – Tree Lighting Ceremony at Laurel Creek Park – Tree sales kick-off at 12pm, Santa 1-4pm, live music by Calvary’s Chosen 5-7pm, tree lighting at 6pm. 25ft community tree donated by Doe Valley Farm.
November 26 to December 3 – Christmas Tree Sales and holiday vendors at Laurel Creek Park until December 2nd or sold out; Frasier Fir tree sales to benefit the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department; open Weekdays 12-7pm and Saturdays 10-7pm. Trees for sale from Wolverton Mountain Fraser Firs. Tree Sale Pricing: 4′-5′ – $50, 5′-6′ – $60, 6′-7′ – $70, 7′-8′- $80, 8′-9′ – $90.
December 2 – First Fridays with Damascus businesses, extended hours and holiday specials 5-8pm.
December 2 – Christmas Parade at 7pm in downtown Damascus; led by the Clydesdale team of Bart Long & Associates Realty and Auction, LLC; featuring a Parade Float Contest and the Damascus Loves Dogs Holiday Costume Contest; Santa at the Fire Hall after the parade.
December 2-4 – Shop ‘Til You Drop at the Trail Town Event Center – holiday market with local vendors and live music, open Friday 2-9, Saturday 12-8, and Sunday 12-6.
December 3 – Chestnuts Roasting at the Damascus Trail Center 5-7pm, hosted by the American Chestnut Foundation – roast chestnuts on an open fire and learn the history of the American Chestnut.
December 7 – Gnome for the Holidays at the Damascus Library at 4pm – Make your own Christmas gnome; all craft supplies are provided.
December 16 – Trail Town Twirl Contra Dance at the Rock School Auditorium from 8 to 11pm, beginners’ lesson beforehand at 7pm; dance called by Warren Doyle, live music by Bob Kogut & Friends.
December 17 – Dulcimer Concert at the Damascus Library at 3pm – Come and enjoy a holiday dulcimer concert with Tammy Martin and friends. Refreshments provided.
December 21 – Gift Wrapping Session at the Damascus Library 4-6pm – Come and wrap your holiday gifts! Supplies are provided or bring your own. Expert wrapping assistance available.
January 1 – First Day Hike at Virginia State Parks – Find a ranger-led hike or choose your own adventure at nearby Grayson Highlands State Park or Hungry Mother State Park. Enjoy free parking at state parks on January 1st.