People aren’t always what they seem. In the Radford University College of Visual and Performing Arts’ upcoming production of famed playwright Steven Tesich’s post-Vietnam War drama “The Speed of Darkness” (performed at The Studio Theatre, Porterfield Hall at Radford University Nov. 3-5 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.) the haunting emotional battle within can sometimes be far more perilous than those faced in combat. (more…)

The Radford-based musical duo Ball & Chain is putting a new emphasis on its music and is releasing a CD this week. The duo, consisting of the long-married couple Jon and Lucinda Piro, will hold a CD release party Saturday, Oct. 23, 7:30-midnight at Abella Cafe, in Blacksburg. Special guests The Shermans will be debuting as the opening band. Door prizes, CD’s and T-shirts for sale, and more festivities will be available. There is no cover charge. (more…)

Bluegrass musicians Rhonda Vincent and The Rage are returning to New River Community College (NRCC) in October, joined by country artist Gene Watson and his Farewell Party Band. The concert will be held Saturday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at NRCC in Dublin. Doors open at 6 p.m. (more…)

The Christiansburg Presbyterian and Asbury United Methodist Churches join forces to hold a benefit concert on Sunday, Oct. 10, at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 500 Stuart Street in Christiansburg. (more…)

Coming down with a case of “Hay Fever” is often associated with sniffling and sneezing. For those fortunate enough to catch the upcoming Pridemore Playhouse weekend performance of legendary British playwright Noel Coward’s classic comedy of bad manners, however, the symptoms are more likely to involve uncontrollable laughter.

“Hay Fever is a fun piece to work and I’m thrilled to be doing it,” said director Jennifer Juul, who has been with the RU School of Dance & Theatre since 2005, “but more importantly, we saw an opportunity for our students to work on this particular style of (British) comedy.” (more…)

Blending artistry, power, and grace with beauty, the curtains rise this weekend for the Radford University School of Dance & Theatre performance season with the debut of 2010 Fall Dance Fest. The production coincides with RU’s Family Weekend, Oct. 1-3, an annual event for parents and family members to learn about what the school has to offer and visit their RU student. (more…)