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Join us for a great 2012 season. Significant savings can be achieved by purchasing a season subscription.
Please note that for all shows, unless otherwise noted, Gates and Concessions open at 6:00pm. Performances commence at 7:30pm.
May
May 17,18,19. “Lexington Letters to the Editor”
Sponsored by: The News Gazette
Keeping Rockbridge informed in Print and on the Web!
Honoring Rockbridge SPCA
Click here to view WDBJ7′ s news story on Lexington’s Letters to the Editor
Written and performed by W&L faculty, students and community members, and edited by Kimberly M. Jew, “Letters” is based on letters to the editor to The News Gazette and its predecessors. A community arts performance at heart, “Letters” will transport audiences back in time as the performers bring to life the diverse and rich voices that have lived in this area for the past 200 years. Local and traditional music will help tell the story of a small rural town that has persevered through war, modernization and great social change. This dramatic work celebrates Lexington’s continued identity as a true “hometown,” a quality that makes the spirit of Lexington unique and universal. Back by popular demand! This year’s production is directed by Rob Smith with music by the Poison Bottom Boys.
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
May 20 Carolina Chocolate Drops (Americana Old Time)
Sponsored by: Community Bank
Community Bank – Our name really does say it all!
Honoring Rockbridge Free Clinic
The Carolina Chocolate Drops
Their debut album garnered a 2011 Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album. The Carolina Chocolate Drops are the hottest thing to hit the old-time music community in decades, and it’s all rendered with irrepressible enthusiasm and energy that leaves no question this is music very much for the here and now. “Old-time music never sounded so current” —Los Angeles Times. Their concerts, The New York Times declared, “were an end-to-end display of excellence.”
Tickets: (Adult $27.50 in advance – $32.50 day of) (Senior 60+ $25.50 in advance – $30.50 day of) (Child 12& under $14.50 in advance – $17 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
May 27 The Steel Wheels (Americana)
Sponsored by: Sayre Enterprises
We Make it for Everyone!
Honoring Rockbridge County Public Schools Foundation
The Steel Wheels
“If one must compare The Steel Wheels to another act in order to get an idea of their music, imagine a blend of the passion of The Avett Brothers, the instrumentals of Old Crow Medicine Show, and then sprinkle in the backwoods feel of The Legendary Shack Shakers. In truth, attempting to compare them with anyone is an injustice, since after one listen you can hear that they stand very well on their own perch” – John Walker, Americana Roots. Commenting on the Shenandoah Valley’s newest and brightest songwriting force, Adam Harris, Asst. Producer of NPR’s Mountain Stage, “The show went amazing and The Steel Wheels killed, just like I knew they would.”
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
The hear The Steel Wheels “Rain in the Valley” NPR’s “Song of the Day” click here.
June
June 3 Woody Pines (Viper jazz, Country blues & Ragtime)
Sponsored by: Brierley Hill Inn
Enjoy the View!
Honoring Rockbridge Area Transportation Service
Woody Pines
Crackerjack musicianship goes a long way toward a band’s greatness, but showmanship seals the deal. Woody Pines, on stage, is an old soul and natural performer, storied and steeped in the best of American music. Live, the group infuses a hundred years of American music into their performance – everything from early 20th century acoustic blues and rockabilly, to the sounds of the White Stripes and The Black Keys. They’ll even drop some hip-hop vibes in the mix. It’s a fast-paced, swinging, high-energy show. “Woody Pines is the best band I ever heard in my life I swear…. I’m their biggest fan now!” -Billy Joe Shaver. “An intoxicating blend of rural and urban stringband, country blues, ragtime and jug band music.” – Maverick Magazine U.K.
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
June 9 Fatty Lumpkin & the Love Hogs (Rock & Roll)
Sponsored by: Charlotte & Phillip Blackburn
Honoring Maury River Senior Center
Fatty Lumpkin & the Love Hogs
It’s a great day for music; it’s a great night for a party when Fatty Lumpkin and the Love Hogs “Rock the Kiln.” Affectionately known as “Fatty” to their fans, they know how to put on a great show with some great music and are guaranteed to bring the crowd to their feet! If you’ve seen them, you know. If not, you need to check out Fatty!! Since 1994, they have “rocked Southwest Virginia” and wherever the music takes them. Although the membership of the Love Hogs has changed over time, the band believes the current lineup is the best in its history!
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
June 17 Yellow Dubmarine (Reggae Beatles cover) Father’s Day celebration
Sponsored by; Legacy Log Homes
A Home for Generations!
Honoring Blue Ridge Autism & Achievement Center
Yellow Dubmarine
What happens when the Beatles, Bob Marley and the Wailers come together at the Kiln? “Yellow Dubmarine” a fusion reggae troupe that covers Beatles songs, keeping the heart of each tune present, but simultaneously re-creating them in an entirely new light. Horns where there were once voices, a slinky groove where there was once none, and a smooth mellow essence that blends the Beatles music and Caribbean rhythms, quite simply a chance to hear this much loved music again for the first time. Yellow Dubmarine’s music has a personality that is full of intoxicating, deep, danceable grooves that will get you up from your seats. Once the party starts, it doesn’t stop. Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
June 24 Larry Keel & Natural Bridge (Bluegrass)
Sponsored by: Kubota & Rockbridge Farmers Coop
It Pays to Own Orange!
Honoring Rockbridge Area Relief Association
Larry Keel and Natural Bridge
Larry Keel & NB bring a fresh and spontaneous new look, sound, and energy into the season! Keel is described by some reviewers as the most powerful, innovative and all-out exhilarating Acoustic Americana flatpicker performing today. Keel has weathered the changing tides of traditional bluegrass, country, jam rock, roots reggae, and even the currently emerging indie-alt scene, always honoring the pioneers that introduced Bluegrassand Mountain Music into popular culture. He is an ever evolving musical force that stands in ongoing defiance to all genre expectations. Don’t bother trying to pigeonhole the music of Larry Keel. He’s untamed and untamable! The mission is always clear: to let technical skill, honest emotion and fearlessness connect the playing and singing to audiences, to entertain and to thoroughly enjoy the experience!
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
June 30 & July 1 A Kindly Visitation (Play)
Sponsored by: The Southern Inn
A Lexington Tradition since 1932!
Honoring Project Horizon
“A Kindly Visitation” This musical biography explores the life and times of legendary old-time fiddle player, Tommy Jarrell and is performed by world-renowned multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and playwright, James Leva; by Stephen Wade, creator of Banjo Dancing, which ran for 10 years at Arena Stage; by Riley Baugus who has toured with Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss, and by local virtuoso Danny Knicely, who has toured with Tony Rice and Vassar Clements. This one-of-a-kind performance reveals the cultural roots of Appalachian music with lots of humor and plenty of traditional music performed by some of our nation’s finest acoustic musicians.
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
July
July 8 Sons of Bill (Rock Americana)
Sponsored by JF Brown Real Estate
Practicing the Art of Real Estate!
Honoring Rockbridge Habitat for Humanity
Sons of Bill
Bill Wilson is from Charlottesville,Virginia. He is a professor of philosophical theology, a songwriter, an expert on southern literature, and a father of six. His three eldest sons returned to Virginia to start a band in 2006. As a tribute to the man who taught them how to play guitar, write songs, drive a stick-shift, and back up a trailer, the band decided to name themselves Sons of Bill. They combine intelligent lyrics, extraordinary musical talent, and the ability to take the simple things in life and make them compelling. Sons of Bill are something special and destined for great things.
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
July 12-15 “Ear Rings” (Play)
Sponsored by: Welsh Construction
Isn’t it Time I Call Welsh?
Honoring Rockbridge Historical Society
”Ear Rings” is adapted by Don Baker from the novel by Lee Smith with music by Tommy Thompson and Jack Herrick of the Red Clay Ramblers, it is the gripping story of a family steeped in its past and torn apart by its memories. Through three generations of Cantrells, a mysterious pair of golden ear rings is handed down, bringing life, death and tragedy. Rich in superstition and
Tickets: (Adult $27.50 in advance – $32.50 day of) (Senior 60+ $25.50 in advance – $30.50 day of) (Child 12& under $14.50 in advance – $17 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
July 21 Acoustic Blues Festival
Acoustic Blues Festival
Lime Kiln’s Acoustic Blues Festival is a total-immersion experience for Blues aficionados and fans alike that will both entertain and educate. Authentic bearers of the Blues tradition, Ernie Hawkins, Scott Ainslie,Eli Cookand John Emil will pass down their skills, sounds, stories, and heartache of the Blues via their workshops that will precede their performance at the Kiln. The workshops are closed to the general public and are your chance to learn new styles, and to take playing to a new level. Workshops are limited to 8 students per performer and must be booked separately in advance by contacting the Box Office at 540-463-7088. Cost is $47.50 per person for a one-hour workshop which includes admission to the Acoustic Blues performance that begins at 6:00pm.
Tickets: (Adult $22.50 in advance – $27.50 day of) (Senior 60+ $20 in advance – $25 day of)
(Child 12& under $12 in advance – $14.50 day of)
To watch a video, click the following links.Scott Ainslie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFymnrJSe8k
Eli Cook http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9didT8zTnpA
Ernie Hawkins http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRcxvI1Nsrk
July 28 The Flyin’ A’s (Country Rock)
Sponsored by: ParknPool
Our Mission is to Ensure That You will Become a Client for Life!
Honoring Rockbridge Family Services
The Flyin’ A’s
The Flyin’ A’s perform a powerful mix of original Americana, Country, Southern Blues, and “Texifide” Jazz that leaves audiences wanting more. Their performances are both heartfelt and invigorating, and are sure to leave you inspired. With their considerable talents as both songwriters and vocalists, they combine for a spirited and soulful explosion of distinctively original music. Whether tapping your toes one minute, or getting swept up by the heart-wrenching ballads the next, there’s no denying that you’ll be entertained. “A musical duo that is so hot right now, you’ll wanna cool your jets…land and take a listen to The Flyin’ A’s” – Jason Wheeler, CBS News.
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
August
August 4 The Drunk Uncles (Country/ Bluegrass) Craft Beer Festival
Sponsored by: Virginia Eagle Distributing
Our beers to be enjoyed responsibly by individuals of legal drinking age!
Honoring The Wild Life Center of Virginia
The Drunk Uncles
“East Tennessee’s own Real Country Music Band… Real Tennessee Shine” When the Drunk Uncles take the stage, you can expect to see your crowd tapping their toes, dancing to the music and having a great time. Their music is infectious. “The Drunk Uncles have so fully absorbed classic, hardcore honky-tonk country that they really do sound like a mid-’60s band from Bakersfield. They dig deep into the catalog of mid-century country (Hank Thompson, Tom T. Hall, Buck Owens) and complement those covers along with a bunch of 90-proof originals by guitarists/vocalists Jeff Barbra and Mike McGill” The Metro Pulse – Knoxville, TN.
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
August 12 Rattlesnake (Play)
Sponsored by: Rick Alford- Remax Town & Country
Professional Real Estate Services!
A One Man Play in Two Acts, written and performed by John Hardy, Directed by Katy Brown.
“Brilliant writing in the most original script I know…the first classic of the new century…. You have never seen anything like it sixteen characters, a small cavalcade, come to life before our eyes, distinctly and convincingly…. The entire piece is one immense poem with passages of lyric beauty given in plain everyday speech. It’s a marvelous use of language, a lot of wit, much rich characterization. The performance is remarkable”
Sean O’Sullivan - Theater Columnist.
August 17 Seldom Scene (Bluegrass)
Sponsored by: Kendal of Lexington
Retirement Living in the Heart of the Beautiful Shenandoah Valley!
Honoring Rockbridge Area Hospice
Seldom Scene
Seldom Scene, “since its inception they have thrived on playing bluegrass a little differently than everyone else. If other bands use a fiddler, the Seldom Scene used a Dobro. Through skilled musicianship and an urban approach to bluegrass, the Seldom Scene has become one of the most influential bluegrass bands of the past 30 years.” Seldom Scene continues to excel in the bluegrass scene and continue to receive critical acclaim for their work. Their CD, Scenechronized in 2007, was nominated for a Grammy award.
Tickets: (Adult $27.50 in advance – $32.50 day of) (Senior 60+ $25.50 in advance – $30.50 day of) (Child 12& under $14.50 in advance – $17 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
August 18 Mike Seeger Tribute (Old Time)
Mike Seeger Tribute Festival
“By his friends for their friend” Six-time Grammy nominee Mike Seeger was one of the most influential voices of the generation that rediscovered American old-time music in the 1950s and 60s and, in so doing, inspired a generation. “Sometimes you know things have to change … Somebody holds the mirror up, unlocks the door, and your head has to go into a different place,” wrote Bob Dylan in his autobiography, “Mike Seeger had that effect on me. He played on all the various planes, the full index of the old-time styles; he played these songs as good as it was possible to play them. What I had to work at, Mike already had in his genes.” The Annual Mike Seeger Tribute Festival featuring the music of Back-Step, The Dustbusters and The Slate mountain Ramblers.
August 25 The Greencards (New Age Americana)
Sponsored by: Charles W. Barger & Son
Promoting the Responsible Stewardship of our
Natural Resources used in Everyday Life!
Honoring Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center
The Greencards
Australian bluegrass by way of Austin and Nashville will be making a welcome return to the Kiln after playing Merlefest, in April 2012. Only band ever to receive a standing ovation midway through their first set at the Kiln!! The Greencards have established themselves as one of the better and more successful bluegrass bands working today. They have toured with the likes of Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, and are a popular concert attraction on their own. Their releases have constantly charted high on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart. “Laid back tunes that land in a sweet spot halfway between Americana and bluegrass” -TIME Magazine.
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
September
September 1 Gary Ruley ( Bluegrass)
Sponsored by: BB&T
The Brighter Side of Banking…Anytime, Anywhere!
Honoring Rockbridge Free Clinic
Gary Ruley
Whenever Gary Ruley performs he always provides a high energy acoustic ensemble that plays to sell-out crowds. Expect the maestro, on his welcome return to the Kiln, to provide high-octane bluegrass, newgrass and roots music, connecting generations of yesterday and today with inventive sounds of powerful acoustic music. Ruley is celebrated as one of the finest acoustic flatpickers around making him much sought-after for his mix of bluegrass with standards from the likes of Ellington, Grisman, and the Beatles. Whatever the music, he plays with incredible drive and precision combined with the informality of one of your best friends playing some of the best porch stomping music you will ever hear.
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
September 8 Annual Rockbridge Wine Festival
18th Annual Rockbridge Wine Festival – September 8th, Noon- 5:00pm
Come taste samplings of Virginia’s finest wines and enjoy food vendors ranging from specialty shops to the area’s finest restaurants offering a taste of their most tempting foods.
Entertainment will be provided throughout the day.
Purchase tickets at the Chamber Office, 100 E. Washington St., Lexington (540-463-5375), online at www.lexrockchamber.com, or at the gate.
Tickets prices are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. Reduced “rates for minors and designated drivers. This event is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
September 9 Fishtank Ensemble (Gypsy Jazz)
Sponsored by: Stellar One
Excellence. Partnership. Service!
Honoring Rockbridge Christmas Baskets
Fishtank Ensemble
The LA Weekly calls them “cross pollinated gypsy music….one of the most thrilling young acts on the planet.” Formed in 2005 and playing everywhere from the hippest LA clubs to festivals, cultural centers, museums, parades, and even on the street, the gypsy jazz band includes two explosive violins, the world’s best slap bass player, musical saw, flamenco and gypsy jazz guitar, trombone, opera, jazz and gypsy vocals, accordion and one little banjolele. Tackling everything from French hot jazz to wild Serbian and Transylvanian gypsy anthems, Flamenco, and oddball originals, the band is a not to be missed event for world music lovers…and everyone will love this intoxicating mix of music!!
Tickets: (Adult $22.50 in advance – $27.50 day of) (Senior 60+ $20 in advance – $25 day of)
(Child 12& under $12 in advance – $14.50 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
September 15 Chaise Lounge (Jazz)
Sponsored by: Swisher & Davis CPAs
Quality. Service. Ethics!
Honoring Woods Creek Montessori
Chaise Lounge
Chaise Lounge performs a blend of music that sounds like it was recorded at Capitol Recording Studios in 1962 and somehow found its way to today’s pop charts. It is the combination of five of the Washington area’s top jazz musicians playing sparkling arrangements of standards and original tunes and featuring the luminous vocals of Marilyn Older.
Tickets: (Adult $22.50 in advance – $27.50 day of) (Senior 60+ $20 in advance – $25 day of)
(Child 12& under $12 in advance – $14.50 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
September 22 The Black Lillies (Americana)
Sponsored by: Charles W. Barger & Son
Promoting the Responsible Stewardship of our
Natural Resources used in Everyday Life!
Honoring TBC
The Black Lillies
Back by popular demand! Since the release of their “100 Miles of Wreckage” album, The Black Lillies appear to be oscillating between the Grand Ole Opry and Lime Kiln! “100 Miles of Wreckage” has so far spent more than five months on the Americana radio Top 40 charts – four of them in the top 20. The video for “Two Hearts Down” taken from “100 Miles” was the number 2 video in the CMT Pure 12 Pack. In between visits to the Kiln and the Grand Ole Opry, they have performed on National Public Radio’s Mountain Stage, PBS’s Jammin’ at Hippie Jack’s, and they’ve conquered numerous festivals – Pickathon, the Americana Music Association Festival, Four Corners Folk Festival, Bristol Rhythm and Roots, even Bonnaroo.
Tickets: (Adult $17 in advance – $22 day of) (Senior 60+ $15 in advance – $20 day of)
(Child 12& under $9 in advance – $11 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
September 29 American Shakespeare Center’s “Twelfth Night” (Play)
Sponsored by: The Inn at Hunt Ridge
Welcome to bestwesternvirginia.com !
Honoring Hoof-beats Therapeutic Riding Center
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, performed by the American Shakespeare Center’s travelling Troupe. Fools’ Love Writing at the height of his powers, Shakespeare gives us a feast of language and songs – and a stage full of memorable characters – from the lovesick Olivia to the alesick Sir Toby Belch, from the acquiescent Sir Andrew Aguecheek to the pompous Malvoli…
Tickets: (Adult $27.50 in advance – $32.50 day of) (Senior 60+ $25.50 in advance – $30.50 day of) (Child 12& under $14.50 in advance – $17 day of)
To watch a video, click here.
December
A Classical Victorian Christmas
The Rainer Trio with Ariana Wyatt, Soprano
As winners of the Ibla Grand Prize Competition in Italy, Kevin and Bryan Matheson of the Classic Strings Duo are awakening audiences to the music of the violin-viola duo. They received critical acclaim at their Carnegie Weill Recital Hall debut as part of the Ibla Foundation winners’ tour and have been recognized for their mesmerizing and spirited performances – two perfect virtuosos, playing as one. The duo has teamed up with pianist Brenda Wittwer, as the Rainier Trio.Ariana Wyatt, is a recent graduate of the Juilliard Opera Center. In 2004 Ms. Wyatt competed as a National Semi-Finalist of the Metropolitan Opera Nation Council Auditions on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, having won first place in the Western Region in 2003. She has also been a finalist at the Charles A. Lynam Vocal Competition, and a winner of the New West Symphony and Pasadena Opera Competitions.
