newrivervoice.com

Dixie Bee-Liners: Ripe

NRV Admin — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:50:38 +0000

Pinecastle Records (2007)

Southwest Virginia, as we all know, is full of great musicians. Of course, a lot of mountain music is so ingrained in the culture of this area that many never even think about recording songs, it’s just something in their blood. But The Dixie Bee-Liners from down in Washington County have produced a CD, which is newly released. (more…)

The Mist (2007)

NRV Admin — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:46:38 +0000

Writer-director Frank Darabont returns to Stephen King country with this re-creation of a story from the horror author’s Skeleton Crew collection. Though his successful film adaptations of two King morality tales (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) were meant to stir the soul, Darabont means only for The Mist to scare the wits out of you. And it succeeds in style—mixing science fiction with a healthy helping of horror and suspense. (more…)

Chocolate Drops Bring It

NRV Admin — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:33:58 +0000

In the past couple of years, the Piedmont-based Carolina Chocolate Drops have been raising the roof off many a venue in and around the New River Valley. Playing shows in Roanoke, Floyd and Charleston have put the Drops in the NRV’s musical consciousness as one of the hottest, most sought-after musical acts in the region.

Seeing them play live may well become one of the musical experiences of your life. (more…)

Edison Trait

NRV Admin — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:27:54 +0000

I want to read a biography, not of Robin Williams, the talented actor, or Thomas Edison, the famous inventor (seen as a child at left). I want to read a biography of their mothers. How did they ever manage to cope? How did they avoid premature gray hair with their talented, unconventional, more-than-a-handful children? How did they survive their child’s childhood? And what tips do they have for me? (more…)

Postcards From Floyd: Irish Night at Oddfellas

colleenr — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:15:14 +0000

1. A front row seat at the First Friday Irish Night Jam at Oddfellas Cantina.

2. Lucy Goldman Singing Dougie Mclean’s “Ready for the Storm.” Tina Liza Jones (on the left) was strumming an unusual guitar; I think it was THIS.

3. Several played fiddle and one played a harp. I wish someone in the group played THIS, an instrument that when played well can bring tears to my eyes.

~ Colleen Redman is a writer from Floyd who blogs daily at looseleafnotes.com. Her writer’s bio can be found HERE.

Give Your Input on Old Blacksburg Middle School

NRV Admin — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:30:54 +0000

The Old Blacksburg Middle School Transition Committee is seeking public input to kick off an international design competition for the old Blacksburg Middle School property on South Main Street. Citizens are invited to a public input meeting May 14 to learn about the competition and offer their ideas for the best use of the 20-acre site [...]

Capitol Commentary from Congressman Rick Boucher

NRV Admin — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:15:02 +0000

This week has been designated Teacher Appreciation Week, and Tuesday, May 6, is National Teacher Day. This is a time for all Southwest Virginians to honor the region’s teachers and recognize them for their dedication to educating the region’s students. Teachers have played a critical role in all of our lives, and it is especially important that these individuals be recognized appropriately for their contributions and hard work.
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Of Toilet Paper and Newports: Guitarist Josh Van De Riet

NRV Admin — Mon, 05 May 2008 02:50:45 +0000

Josh Van De Riet, a denizen of Radford, is blessed with a musical inclination. Van De Riet recently published recordings of his instrumentals on MySpace. He’ll soon be netting listeners with live performances and an album of original material.

He’s also my neighbor. I’ve given him toilet paper.

Yes, I am attempting to ride my talented neighbor’s coattails by playing the proximity angle. However, being the misanthrope that I am, I wouldn’t just ride any coattails. Van De Riet is a hell of a musician. I didn’t just loan anyone toilet paper: I loaned toilet paper to a resonant, new musical presence in the NRV. (more…)

Iron Man

NRV Admin — Mon, 05 May 2008 02:38:59 +0000

Spring has not yet fulfilled its seasonal obligations, but in Hollywood’s mind, summer has already begun. And what summer would be complete without the typical slate of new superhero flicks that surface with annoying, although somewhat gratifying regularity?

First out of the gates comes Marvel Studio’s Iron Man with Ed Norton’s The Incredible Hulk already turning green due to its June release date. (more…)

Want to Help Animals? Volunteer at a Shelter

NRV Admin — Mon, 05 May 2008 02:27:42 +0000

Many people think of volunteers as people who spend countless hours of their time helping others or donating thousands to a charity, they are right … and wrong. Here in the New River Valley you can volunteer or donate in a variety of ways depending on your free time and financial situation. Did you know even your empty printer cartridges and extra change could help save an animal in the NRV? (more…)