Here’s a roundup of event briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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Verch and Walters bring blend of traditional music styles to Southwest Virginia venues
Husband-and-wife musicians April Verch and Cody Walters will bring their blend of American old-time, Canadian roots, ’50s country, Scandinavian folk music and more to Pennington Gap’s Lee Theatre on April 7 and the Jettie Baker Center in Clintwood on April 8.
The audience can expect Ottawa Valley step dancing and fiddle tunes, old-time fiddle-banjo duets and sandpaper foot percussion, all contrasted with Verch’s sweet soprano voice.
The show is part of Pro-Art’s 46th season and the W. Campbell Edmonds Concert Series. Adult tickets are $10 at the door. All children and students are admitted free.
More information and reservations at proartva.org.
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Sounds of the Mountains returns to Botetourt this weekend
The Sounds of the Mountains Festival returns to Botetourt County this week for its 22nd year.
This year’s lineup features nationally known, professional storytellers including Donald Davis, Kim Weitkamp, Beth Horner, Adam Booth and Joe Collins. Doors open at 6 p.m. Friday and the festival runs through 9 p.m. Saturday.
All activities will take place at Camp Bethel. The majority of performances are held indoors, and the festival will take place rain or shine. For more information call 919-607-0993, email alan@soundsofthemountains.org or visit www.soundsofthemountains.org.
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NRCC holds Campus Cruise-In in April
New River Community College’s Campus Cruise-In will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 8 in parking lot H on the Dublin campus.
The cruise-in will feature classic cars from regional car club members. The event is sponsored by the NRCC automotive technology department, and automotive students will judge the cars. Trophies will be awarded for the first three places.
The event is family-friendly, open to the public and free of charge.
Registration will be held on the day of the event and is $5 per car to enter the competition. Call 540-674-3600, ext. 4285, for more information.
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Roanoke County’s Explore Park opens for the season this weekend
Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism will host opening weekend at Explore Park on Saturday and Sunday.
The weekend will include a Roanoke River cleanup event, hikes and a paint party. Treetop Quest also will open for the season.
Saturday:
Treetop Quest, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Advance registration is preferred, walk-ups based on availability. Visit www.ExplorePark.org/Treetop to register in advance.
Roanoke River cleanup, 9 a.m. -noon: Gloves, trash bags and other supplies will be provided. To sign up as an individual or group, email volunteercoordinator@roanokecountyva.gov or call 540-682-3123.
Self-guided scavenger hunt and woodland nature crafts, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Join the Explore Park naturalist for a self-guided nature scavenger hunt throughout Explore Park, as well as woodland nature craft activities.
Society of American Foresters hike, 10 and 11:30 a.m.: The Society of American Foresters – Blue Ridge Chapter will lead a hike on the Foresters Trail.
Wildflower Walk with Virginia Master Naturalists, 1:30 to 3 p.m.: Virginia Master Naturalists will lead a nature walk to discover and identify wildflowers along the trails at Explore Park.
Twin Creeks Brewpub, open noon to 7 p.m.
Blue Ridge Campground: Blue Ridge Campground opens for its second season starting Saturday. Primitive campsites, raised platforms and group campsites are available Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Oct. 28. Visit www.ExplorePark.org/Camping for details.
Sunday:
Treetop Quest, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Twin Creeks Brewpub, noon to 7 p.m.
Wood Bunny paint party at Twin Creeks Brewpub, 3 to 5 p.m.: Click here to purchase tickets.
For more information call 540-427-1800 or visit www.RoanokeCountyParks.com.
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Roanoke County launches monthly events calendar
Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism is launching a new monthly events calendar.
Visit www.RoanokeCountyParks.com/Events for a full list of community events, festivals, races and tournaments occurring in the county’s parks, athletic fields and recreation facilities during the year.
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Floyd Country Store’s April lineup includes Wayne Henderson, The Malpass Brothers
The Floyd Country Store has announced its April lineup of events. All shows are held at the country store at 206 S. Locust St., Floyd, unless otherwise noted. For more information on these shows, or to see the full April music schedule, visit https://www.floydcountrystore.com/events.
Wayne Henderson and Friends: April 1, 7 p.m. Tickets $25 general admission, $30 reserved seating.
Shawn Lane and Richard Bennett: April 8, 7 p.m. Tickets $20 general admission, $25 reserved seating.
Old Time Dance with Jackson Cunningham and Nobody’s Business: April 5, 7 p.m. Tickets $12 general admission; Friends & Fixture pricing available.
The Malpass Brothers: April 16, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45 general admission; reserved seating is sold out.
Danny Paisley and The Southern Grass: April 22, 7 p.m. Tickets $20 general admission, $25 reserved seats.
Palmyra with Liv Greene: April 26, 6 p.m. Tickets $20 general admission, $25 reserved seating.
Virginia’s Lost Appalachian Trail Book Presentation with Mills Kelly: April 29, 3 p.m. Free admission.
The Tray Wellington Band: April 29, 7 p.m. Tickets $20 general admission, $25 reserved seating.
Chatham Rabbits: April 30, 7 p.m. Tickets $22 general admission, $27 reserved seating.