Arts, Leisure and Sports
Roanoke’s forgotten history will be uncovered with the premiere of a documentary film. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has more on “Hidden in Plain Site”:
A large outside wall mural created by Roanoke native artist Dorothy Gillespie in 1979 and given to the city had faded over time. Today after two local artists revived “Accentuated Forms in Space” it was rededicated outside the Municipal Building, across the street from the commercial structure that houses the 2 Chill restaurant. Jack Fralin was one of the artists who painted from a lift that rose as high as 85 feet; Fralin and Dana James repainted Gillespie’s mural using the same original 8 colors. Members of the Roanoke Arts Commission and City Council were also on hand this morning for the rededication.
Among the many creative NFL Schedule release videos, Washington made the newest member of their “front office” in the spotlight. WFIR’s Ian Price has more.
A local youth program will hit its one year anniversary soon. WFIR’s Emma Thomas reports on the impacts it’s made in that time:
A local community theater is mourning the loss of one of their own this week — but they say the show must go on. WFIR’s Emma Thomas has that story:
You can click here to help support David J. Schultz II’s family
5 Points Music Sanctuary is moving its outdoor live music series this summer to The Dog Bowl at Black Dog Salvage. Sicard Hollow and the Virginia Creepers lead off the “5 Points outdoors” schedule with bluegrass this Saturday night. FloydFest favorite Abby Bryant and the Echoes is up next on June 3. Reserve tickets on the 5 Points website. Christa Stephens is with Black Dawg Salvage:
- May 13th | Sicard Hollow with support from Colby Helms & The Virginia Creepers and Will Farmer (Bluegrass)
- June 3rd | Abby Bryant & The Echoes with Runaway Grooms (Southern Rock/Soul)
- July 1st | LITZ + The Kind Thieves (Jam)
- August 12th | Bumpin Uglies w. Lazy Man Dub Band (Reggae)
- May 13th show:
- Tickets: $15 at the gate andavailable online, no charge 12 and under
- Food Truck: Countryman Jamaican Grill
- Gates open at 5:00pm | Show 5:45pm
- Black Dog Salvage will remain open through the first intermission
- Well-mannered leashed dogs allowed
- All ages welcome: must bring I.D. for 21+
- Lawn seating: bring a blanket or chair
- Please no outside food, beverage, weapons, pop up tents or umbrellas
- Bags subject to search
- Guests are encouraged to walk, bike, or ride share with Uber/Lyft
The program at Mill Mountain Theatre this Saturday afternoon is called “Poetry In Motion” – spoken word, choral music, film and dance – all accompanied by an American Sign Language interpretation for the deaf and hard of hearing. A grant from the Roanoke Arts Commission is funding Poetry in Motion. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more, In Depth.
An update on Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge: As you may be aware, following this year’s edition of the Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge Triathlon, the National Park Service will begin extensive road improvements to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the scenic byway through the Appalachian Mountains. We have been working with the local stakeholders on what this may look like and how it will affect one of the highlights of our bike course.
It is always our goal to deliver the best possible event to our athletes, and with that in mind, we feel that it’s best to pause the event following the 2023 edition while these essential improvements are made on schedule. It is our goal to bring Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon back to Roanoke to continue offering our athletes the best events around the world.
We thank Carilion Clinic, Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, the National Park Service, and the Roanoke Valley’s communities for continuing to make this race what it is: one of the most welcoming, well-supported, and rewarding events on the circuit. We look forward to an incredible race in 2023 and seeing our athletes in Roanoke.
They say “every dog has its day” and in this case it is “Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Day” in the city, as proclaimed by Mayor Sherman Lea at today’s Council meeting. Team president Mickey Gray also announced at today’s City Council meeting that the Dawgs have signed a 5-year lease extension at the Berglund Center.