Our signature fund raiser Theater at Lime Kiln’s, Monte Carlo Evening is now behind us. What an undertaking. It really was a behemoth to stage and could not have been achieved without the extraordinary perseverance of a large numbers of truly amazing people.

Absolutely key to the success of the event was the Steering Committee who you see here. Please do not think all Lime Kiln Committee meetings are so serious. Here we are selecting wines for the evening. The committee members are from left to right, Kay Lera, Amy Gianniny, Mark Bowman, myself, Mona Hazera, Norm Rollenhagen and Alice Williams. Not shown in the photograph is Pat Ohleger.

As always, at Lime Kiln nothing can happen without the commitment of our corp of Volunteers our FOLKs, Friends of Lime Kiln, who do so much on our behalf. Our auction acquisition FOLKs, Pat Anthony, Becky Edmondson, Fred Massey, and Barbara Thomas did an outstanding job. If you haven’t seen the list of auction items click the following link and you will see what they achieved.

On the night, performing a myriad of task on behalf of the Kiln were in order of appearance, from greeting you at the front door to selling you raffle tickets from the “bank” located on the gallery level to checking you out were: Bob Lera, Terri Bsullak, Alice Williams, Barb Rollenhagen, Gigi Vita, Norm Rollenhagen Mary Huger, Lorae McDonald Chip Honsinger, Woody McDonald, Mark Bowman, Diana Schofield, Judy Schram, Chip Schram, David & Becky Edmondson, Jeanne Faulds, Rick Alford, Natalie Shulkin, Mayumi Smitka and Steve Kvech.  All gave their time willing so as to ensure for our guest of the evening that it was a most pleasurable one. Which it undoubtedly was, so Major Thanks to our FOLKs. Nothing at Lime Kiln is possible without your help.

No one volunteer is more important than the next but on the evening we recognized two Committee members who went, above and beyond the call of duty. They were Kay Lera and Mona Hazera.  What these ladies accomplished was extraordinary and as nice as the bouquets provided by Jefferson florist & garden were they represent only a fraction of the gratitude they both deserve.

Talking of the Jefferson florist & garden they provided the spectacular table decorations you see here. Thanksto Jay and Kar their teams of floral magicians for their contribution to making the evening literally sparkle. The day after I went in to do a final walk around inspection at the Hall of Valor at VM, Clayton who is part of the maintenance team at the Hall was vacuuming up the remnants of the glitter. He said with a smirk on his face that during the Monte Carlo evening he thought he was back at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Praise Indeed. Talking of which, the staff at The Center for Leadership and Ethics (CL&E) in which the Hall of Valor at VMI is situated were absolutely first class to work with. Special thanks to Captain Rabern who is the Director of the CL&E and to Justin Spears who is the Technologist and Assistant Facility Manager, Charlene Mitchell Director of Catering Service and Donna Bishop Catering Manager who made sure everything went like a Swiss timepiece.

Our Monte Carlo evening is quite a financial undertaking, and would be challenging without the support of sponsors. Our title sponsor of the evening was Duncan Audi of Roanoke. They are one of the region’s premier dealerships with one of the finest brands there is, one that has a long history of supporting the Arts. We are also delighted to be partnering with them not only for the Monte Carlo Evening, but also for our 2012 Play Season. It was great to have some special Audi autos with us along with Jim Sanders and Mike Maddox of Duncan Audi who also allowed a previewing the Audi USA Super Bowl ad the day before it aired nationally. If you missed it, watch it now

 If you are looking to purchase an Audi Duncan Audi will ensure you get a great deal. If you buy a R8 as part of the Duncan Audi Lime Kiln service package I will personally deliver to your residence via Texas, California and Oregon. No I am not joking.

We were greatly appreciative of Chaise Lounge for making the trip down from DC to be with us this evening, and to Joyce and Ken Hawkins of the Brierley Hill Inn for accommodating the entire ensemble in their wonderful establishment.  Chaise Lounge will be back at the Kiln on September 15, do not miss them. Our thanks also go to McClung’s-Printing who donated the program and Rick Wolf for his expert auctioneer’s skills, and to all the donors, of our auction items.

The Monte Carlo fund raiser was all about Theater at Lime Kiln, what it has brought to our community and what it will bring in the future. For the Kiln to continue to provide our season of entertainment that both enriches the culture and honors the heritage of the valley of Virginia we need the support of the community we serve, and boy oh boy did we get the support on the evening of February 4th.  We raised around $30,000. All of the funds raised will go to help sustain the cost of producing our 2102 season.

Our incoming Chair of the Board of Directors, Amy Gianniny, honored and roasted, just a little our outgoing Chair George Huger here is what Amy said, “In 2005 Theater at Lime Kiln went dark after 21 years of operation. A group of community leaders rallied to bring the Kiln back into being. It eased back in 06 with 3 concerts that summer. I am excited to report in 2012 we will have some 30 nights of entertainment.

There are a lot of people who can be recognized as drivers of the Kiln’s comeback. Our outgoing Chair, is one of those people. George Huger owner of Lexington’s beloved Southern Inn is no stranger to Lime Kiln’s story. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication is essential to the organization.  George is quick to problem solve and always ready to generously “fill in the gap” with his resources. This past year, George faced some rebuilding of his own.  Never once did Lime Kiln feel the absence of our leader.

So George, if you would please come forward we would like to honor you with this small gift….as a token of our appreciation”. What the small gift turned out to be was a giant marlin; don’t ask why there is no good reason other than it is big and a little irreverent. The Lime Kiln Board paid for the “feesh” out of their pockets, and George eventually took it well once he got over his disbelief.  The photo sequence explains it better than I can.

Not sure where the “feesh” is now, but George if it isn’t hanging in the Southern Inn or over your mantelpiece bring it back to the next Monte Carlo evening and we
can hand it off to another unsuspecting person for a price, all proceed benefiting the Kiln of course.

In closing this blog, the night was awesome but was not without incident. Captain Bob USN/Ret., fell and received a concussion while attending the Monte Carlo Evening. The rescue squad came and took him to Stonewall Jackson hospital where he spent the night. I visited him the next morning and he was amazingly chipper. I then read an e mail update that read, “Bob says the food was definitely not as good as on his submarine so he went home on Sunday. It continued, “He’s taking it easy but will be fine in a few days and sounded like the old Bob. We all wish him well and hope for his speedy recovery.” Sonar echo that.

In 2013 our Monte Carlo Evening will again return to the Hall of Valor at VMI on February 2, save the date, book early and avoid seeking tickets on the night of the event via Facebook as someone who shall remain nameless did, “Call/write if you have any cancellations for Monte Carlo.”

Thanks to all concerned for a great night. A photo slide show of the evening will be published later this week.

Audi has a tradition of cultural commitment. Whether as a sponsor of prestigious festivals, an organizer of its own concerts, a promoter of young artists, or the backer of its own employee orchestra, the brand with the four rings has been a reliable partner of culture for years.  Jim Sanders of Duncan Audi said, “We are very pleased to be supporting Theater at Lime Kiln, the City of Lexington and Rockbridge County” He continued, “As a fully fledged member of the Audi family we totally endorse Audi’s commitment to the Arts. It is one that embraces many genres; from jazz to theater to the visual arts. We see our sponsorship of Lime Kiln as a perfect fit with both our local commitment and our corporate commitment to the Arts in the communities we serve.” Way to go Jim.

Returning to the Monte Carlo Evening, the Hall of Valor is the most splendid venue in town and we are extremely grateful to VMI for allowing us to use their magnificent venue. Patrons of this year’s event will see a distinct difference from previous Monte Carlo Evenings. The ticket price includes dinner and wine. We are extremely grateful to Chaise Lounge, one of the DC areas top jazz ensembles for making the trip down to support Theater at Lime Kiln. Patrons will now have a choice after dinner to enjoy the gaming, the cabaret, or both; such is the layout at the Hall of Valor.

As always the live and silent auctions are an important part of the evening, the funds from which all go to help support the Kiln in its programming and infrastructure upgrades. This year’s live auction features the following items:

- There are several trips to DC for a weekend getaway that include 2 nights stay at the much favored Georgetown suites with a choice of the Bolshoi Ballet or the Paris Opera both of which are playing at the Kennedy Center.

-There is also the opportunity to name the new permanent rain structure that the Kiln hopes to have I place for the coming season along with two very impressive sculptures by local sculptor, John Mason.

- Lime Kiln’s popular Wine Stroll, which leads eight guests on a walk to four period homes in historic Lexington. The participants are treated to seven wines paired with delicious food selections at the various homes.

- Dinner at The Smith’s is a yearly tradition with fine wines and an elegant dinner for six, prepared by Tucker Yoder, previously of the Red Hen, at the home of Chuck and Elizabeth Smith, proprietors of Washington Street Purveyors of Lexington.

All the auction items, Live and Silent, can be viewed on our  website, Auction Items tab, along with the schedule for our upcoming season. One of the very cool items that relates to our season is, Trout & Tunes. This was donated by Larry Keel who is a regular performer at the Kiln. Larry and Jenny Keel along with their band Natural Bridge and the Elk River Inn/Restaurant are planning one of the most unique Bluegrass weekends ever offered in the Mid Atlantic states. You don’t want to miss out on this rare opportunity.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   http://www.fishinandpickin.com/news/fishin-pickin-presents-trout-tunes/

We are extremely grateful to our community of individuals and businesses who have donated the products and services, works of art to make these auctions possible.  All of the items in the evening’s two auctions have been donated by friends who believe in the Kiln. If you are not attending our Monte Carlo Evening you can still help support Theater at Lime Kiln by bidding online.  Go to The Special Event tab, click the Auction tab.  Having perused the same, if you would like to pre bid then please do so. Thanks for your support in advance.

Left to right: Chis Brashear, Jim Brown, Linda Williams,Dan Newhall, Robin Williams, Laurie Lipscomb, Jim Brown

Our 2011 season was a challenging one. 2 out of every 3 concerts were forced under the tent by rain.  As an outdoor theater a significant part of our income is derived from walk ups, and when it rains the walk ups diminish.

Despite the non cooperation of the weather, we did achieve a growth in our Gross Income of ~20%, and we remain debt free.

Another positive highlight of the season was our partnerships with 17 other, local nonprofit organizations. We provided them with the opportunity to both “friend and fundraise” at performances at the Kiln. I am happy to report that this was successful for all parties involved.

Our 2012 season lineup is now confirmed, you can find it on our new website, theateratlimekiln.org, and I guarantee in 2012, it will not rain.

How can I make such a claim? We have qualified for a long term, low interest loan from a federal agency, which will allow us to build a new, permanent rain structure, which will hold about 500 patrons, in comfort; it should be completed before the start of the new season. And you know that once it is up, it will never again rain on a performance.

The 2012 season opens with our Monte Carlo Evening fundraiser, which will be held on February 4^th at the magnificent Hall of Valor, at VMI. This is going to be an amazing event you will not want to miss. After dinner & Live Auction, Chaise Lounge one of Washington DC’s top Jazz bands will be performing the cabaret that will accompany the gaming. Tables are selling fast so if you haven’t got your tickets, you need to soon. If you can’t make it to the event we are accepting online bids for the truly amazing Live Auction items, again check them out attheateratlimekiln.org

The Kiln is now 27 years old and the infrastructure is definitely showing its age. In 2011 we had both septic systems fail, thankfully there was no synchronization in the failures, but there were significant, unplanned expenses. We also spent funds on necessary improvements to our electrical and sound distribution systems. After 27 years of operation, our infrastructure requires repair and upgrading.

We cannot fund these upgrades alone, since ticket and concession sales only cover around 60% of our operating costs. The remainder we seek from Grantors Sponsors and Supporters such as you. So if you are looking to make yearend donations, please consider Theater at Lime Kiln. We need your help in restoring the theater’s aging infrastructure.

Without Grantors, Sponsors and Supporters there would be no Theater at Lime Kiln. Equally, without our corp of volunteers, our FOLKs, there would be no Theater at Lime Kiln. So, as always, please show your appreciation for our FOLKs.

Now no one volunteer is more important than the next, but there are three that I feel I must recognize this evening. Pat Randolph has volunteered since the Theater began and this season volunteered at 18 shows. Chip & Judy Schramm, volunteered at 25 shows this year. Chip also works with Rotary’s youth arm, the Interact Club, which each year volunteers at the Kiln, to help with the spring clean up. So please show your appreciation for two most extraordinary people, Chip & Judy Schramm.

So to this evenings show, supported with a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.  I recently came across a copy of our 2005 season brochure and it read, “Robin & Linda haven’t missed a year at Lime Kiln since the beginning, 22 years ago.”Unlike the Kiln which as I mentioned, is definitely showing its age, these folks just keep getting better and better. So please welcome to the stage for their27^th year at the Kiln, Robin & Linda Williams, their Fine Group and some special friends.

If you missed, sorry! you missed a great night.

In the Welcome section of the 2011 season brochure I wrote; “We do it under the stars.” For the past 27 years TALK has brought you “stars under the stars” and when the weather does not cooperate, “stars under the tent.”

Ugh! How I regret making that statement. In the 2011 season we had 12 out of 35 nights under the tent. That is more than the past three years combined!!!

Our existing tent is definitely showing its age. We have applied to the USDA Rural Development Program for a loan for a new permanent rain structure and a grant to upgrade our ageing infrastructure. We are hopeful that our application to the USDA will be granted in time for the new rain structure to be erected in time for the 2012 season. The new structure will provide comfortable accommodation for our patrons when the weather is inclement and provide a far superior space when required. The roof will be some 40 feet above the stage and will feature a 3 layer system that is waterproof, sound deadening and condensation proof. What is the betting, that once we have the new permanent rain structure we will be in the next drought? Oh well, better safe than wet. More on the new rain structure when it becomes available stay tuned.

The 2011 season was exciting and diverse. Some of the memorable performances were:

“Lexington’s Letters to the Editor”, a play based on letters to the editor to The News Gazette and its predecessors written and performed by W&L faculty, student and community members, three nights of great local theater, with no rain.

Walker’s Run packed the Bowl and the stage with a lot of their friends for a farewell concert, or at least until the next time, with some rousing Bluegrass. No rain. Thanks to Stellar One for their sponsorship.

Chaise Lounge, despite the rain, provided some unbelievable “big band” Jazz that was very reminiscent of the “Rat Pack” era. They had folks up dancing and really “popped the cork.” So much so, we asked them back in 2012 to provide the cabaret for our Monte Carlo Evening which takes place at the Hall of Valor at the VMI campus on Saturday, February 4. Tickets are selling fast to reserve yours, call Alice at (540) 463 7088.

The Mike Seeger Tribute was a truly great event. (No rain) We had around 500 folks celebrate one of the most influential voices of the generation that rediscovered Old Time Music. This was a free concert made possible by Community Bank. The objective was to keep the Old Time Music flame alive and ensure the torch is passed to the next generation, which it was. Bruce Clark, two weeks after his 90th birthday opened up the Tribute with his Saw Mill Band. Bruce was a close and long time friend of Mike. Then the torch was passed to Back-Step, a youthful Old Time trio that included Chester Macmillan, Tommy Jarrel’s guitarist. The latter being the subject of James Leva’s play “A Kindly Visitation.” James Leva and Carol Elizabeth Jones then played a “reunion gig” to honor Mike and the tribute closed with The Slate Mountain Ramblers playing Old Time dance music until no one could dance any more. The SMR were amazing, after they had been playing for 2 hours straight I suggest they may want to take a break and was politely told that 2 hours was “chicken scratchings.” they could play for 8 hours without a break! Look out for another Mike Seeger Tribute in 2012.

Jay Ungar and Molly Mason put on a great show, under the tent. The rain was torrential, it was good that they are a duo, there was only room for two on the stage where there were no puddles. The audience under the tent huddled together under umbrellas and had a great time by some amazing performers. Sounds crazy, but it is true. The next day I was accosted by some folks who had attended the Ungar and Mason concert. I thought they were going to complain about the weather instead to my surprise they exhorted what a great concert it was and the rain really added to the experience. Oh really? Ungar & Mason was made possible by the sponsorship of “a very dear friend of Lime Kiln.”

The Black Lillies sold out the Grand Ole Opry two weeks before playing the Kiln. What an awesome performance they put on. By the end of the night everybody was up dancing, everybody, including their traveling fans known as the “Lillie Goats.” They were asked back to the Grand Old Opry in September of this year, when again they sold the place out and they will be back to rock the Kiln with their truly unique brand of Americana in 2012. Oh it didn’t rain. Charles W Barger & Son were the sponsors.

“Stonewall Country” returned under the direction of Tom Conway a member of the original cast of 1985, and a veteran of over 15 seasons of Stonewall. After 26 years Stonewall Country has now spanned a generation, and in doing so has become a Lime Kiln tradition. Tom stripped “Stonewall” down to its original form of pure storytelling, staged it in the Kiln, where it belongs and his production received excellent reviews. Amazingly, 8 nights of performance and no rain, one night we took a huge gamble, despite the weather forecast, we called it to be performed in the Kiln, it didn’t rain. Want to know about weather for your next outdoor event, don’t bother with the Weather Channel, just call the Kiln! Big thanks to Welsh Construction and Dominion Power whose sponsorship made the production possible.

Back to the rain, Seldom Scene played their magic under the tent for some, others were happy to pay their money and stand outside in the drizzle to hear one of the major exponents of Bluegrass doing the circuit. (We really do need a bigger tent or as is politically correct rain structure). Great musicians and a great stage presence, the concert was sponsored by Kendal at Lexington.

Then it was the Greencards turn to play under the tent the night Irene hit. We started the show under the tent and hoped we would still be “under the tent” after Irene had passed which we were. For me this was the concert of the season. The Greencards had lost their fiddle player due to the hurricane, he was later found safe. However, despite being light a fiddle player they really raised their game. It was the first time that I have ever witnessed at Lime Kiln or anywhere else a standing ovation in the middle of the first set. They were truly amazing and will be back next year. The sponsor for the second time in the season was Charles W Barger & Son. Now this sponsor obviously knows how to pick a band having sponsored the Black Lillies and the Greencards so watch out for their sponsorships next year, bound to be winners.

Local stars in the making the Steel Wheels did a great performance. They are the next big band out of Virginia and for sure one day folks attending concerts will change from hollering ‘free bird” to “Red Wing”. It didn’t rain and Jim Brown Real Estate was the sponsor.

It didn’t rain either on Friday September 16 when Donna the Buffalo supported by the Roy Jay Band rolled into the Kiln. DtB were late in arriving due to traffic problems and getting their tour bus stuck in the center of Lexington and were duly christened “Donna the Bus is Slow.” That said they and the Roy Jay Band put on an outstanding night of music. As I said it didn’t rain but it was 41 degrees, it almost snowed! Sayre Enterprises of Buena Vista was the sponsor of this great night.

The final outdoor performance of the season was you guessed it under the tent. The American Shakespeare Center of Staunton performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” If you missed it you missed it. Three curtain calls, enough said.

In closing, let me sincerely thank all of our sponsors and performers for the 2011 season. Without you and our FOLKs there would be no Lime Kiln, and thanks also to our nonprofit partners who make all the difference in the great place we call home.

• The Judy Chops and Danny Knicely and Friends sponsored by TMG Virginia Inn Brokers benefiting Hoofbeats.
• Lexington Letter’s to the Editor.
• Mac Arnold & A Plate Full O’Blues sponsored by the TALK Board, benefiting Rockbridge Area Community Services.
• Alison Brown Quartet, sponsored by the Southern Inn benefiting Project Horizon
• Walker’s Run sponsored by Stellar One benefiting Rockbridge Christmas Basket.
• Nothin’ Fancy sponsored by the Main Street Group benefiting Habitat for Humanity.
• The Whiskey Rebellion sponsored by Brierley Hill Inn benefiting Rockbridge Area Transportation Systems.
• The Dixie Bee Liners sponsored by the Inn at Hunt Ridge benefiting Rockbridge Area Relief Association
• Chaise Lounge
• Purgatory Mountain sponsored by State Farm – Mac Felts benefiting Rockbridge Area Hospice
• Mike Seeger Tribute sponsored by Community Bank
• Ungar & Mason, sponsored by a very dear friend of Lime Kiln benefiting Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center
• The Black Lillies sponsored by Charles W Barger & Son benefiting the Wild Life Center of Virginia
• Fatty Lumpkin & the Love Hogs sponsored by Edward Jones – Dan Vance benefiting the Rockbridge Area Free Clinic
• Upriver
• Stonewall Country sponsored by Dominion Power and Welsh Construction benefiting the Rockbridge Historical Society and Wintergreen Adaptive Sports Wounded Warrior program)
• Rome & Juliet by the Traveling Players Ensemble
• Seldom Scene sponsored by Kendal at Lexington benefiting Maury River Senior Center
• The Greencards sponsored by Charles W Barger & Son benefiting Stonewall Jackson House
• The Steel Wheels sponsored by JF Brown Real Estate benefiting Rockbridge Area Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Larry Keel and Natural Bridge sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage benefiting Woods Creek Montessori
• Donna the Buffalo sponsored by Sayre Enterprise benefiting Rockbridge Area Occupational Center.
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the American Shakespeare Center.
The final show of the 2012 season is the Robin & Linda Williams and Friends Holiday show, to be held at the Lenfest Center at W&L on Saturday December 10. All proceeds will go to Theater at Lime Kiln. Tickets are available at theaetratlimekiln.com or by calling Alice at (540) 463 7088.

Stay tuned for an update on the “rain structure” and the 2012 season.