Arts, Leisure and Sports
Joy Sylvester Johnson (L) and Marian McConnell
The former CEO of the Roanoke Rescue Mission has written her first book – its aimed at children but Joy Sylvester Johnson says there’s a message for parents as well. There’s a book launch on Saturday, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
Roanoke’s GO Fest will be Downtown this October, and organizers are proud to announce a new partnership that aims to connect more people with Roanoke’s outdoor spaces. Organizers say that this year’s festival will mix new attractions with old favorites. WFIR’s Emma Thomas with more:
Caitlin Krisko – G Marrano photo
For the past two-decades plus – minus a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic – FloydFest has delivered a mix of the familiar and the new in a variety of music genres. More from several of the performers at FloydFest 22 “Heartbeat” last week, with WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
A guitarist and vocalist from Southwest Virginia is back in our area playing Floydfest. WFIR’s Ian Price has the story. Continue reading
Showtimers will soon be closing out its run of Godspell, but fans still have some time to catch it before it goes. John-Michael Tebelak’s musical hit from the 70’s will be finishing up its run this week, under director Jessie McKeon. She says that the story, though religious in nature, has something for everyone. More from WFIR’s Emma Thomas:
Roanoker Dan Smith is a member of the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame; his 8th book – and second novel – is NEWS!, which officially releases this weekend. On Sunday from 6 to 7-30pm at the Hollins University Moody Center Dan Smith will discuss and sign copies of NEWS! He talked about his novel – and the future of journalism – with WFIR’s Gene Marrano last week … here is a “Longer Listen.”