Weekend Roundup: Local Art, Authors

By Rachael Dickson (Contact)

Thursday, September 4, 2008

This weekend Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center begins its first concert series and will show off local artwork in the process. Also, Loudoun celebrates International Literacy Day this Friday with local authors and leaders. Or, if you're just looking to celebreate the end of summer, Willowcroft Vineyards and Belmont Country Clubs have just the events for you.

Franklin Park Arts Center Opens its First-Ever Concert Series

This Friday, Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center will host the first concert in its first concert series ever, with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys appearing in a sold-out show.

The center opened just this last February after more than 10 years of fundraising and work by the local community.

"This is our first full season here - it's so exciting," manager Jeff Stern said. "It's a good way to start off the whole season."

As the center's mission is to feature Loudoun-based groups and artists, local bluegrass band Acoustic Burgoo, comprised of teenagers from the area, will be opening for Stanley, a Grammy Award-winning musician.

"We want everybody in Loudoun to be able to come to see how talented we are out here," Stern said.

Though the show this Friday is sold-out, the center has many other events coming up this month, including appearances by classical guitarist Chris Anderson and a performance of Peter and the Wolf by the Loudoun Ballet Company.

Local artists are also making an appearance at the center this month in the Endless Summer Art Show and Sale. A variety of artwork, including painting, sculpture, photography, and crafts, will be on display in the lobby through Sept. 30. Visitors are more than welcome to walk into the center and view the art at any time other than scheduled concerts or events.

"People will have lots of opportunities to get out and see the artwork," Stern said.

Loudoun Authors, Leaders Read at Event

Though International Literacy Day isn't until Monday, Loudoun County will be celebrating early at "Loudoun Reads" this Friday.

This annual program, presented by the Loudoun Literacy Council features a variety of local authors and community leaders reading selections from their favorite stories and poems. Loudoun County Supervisor Andrea McGimsey will appear to read a piece by William Shakespeare.

Local authors Noel Grove, Marc Leepson, Jan Neuharth, Tom Sweitzer will appear at the event. Two students from the Loudoun Literacy program, Yu Chang, and Jing-Chiou Lee, will be reading from their original works.

Afterwards, some of the authors will sign books and light refreshments will be served.

Loudoun Reads will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday in the Leesburg Town Rose Garden.

Elsewhere in Loudoun

Check out one of these other events in Loudoun County this weekend.

End of Summer Backbarn BBQ

$12 per person

12-4 p.m. Saturday

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards

38906 Mt. Gilead Road

Leesburg, VA 20175

LoudounPaloosa: End of Summer BBQ and Music Fest

$20 per person at gate, $15 for advance purchase

12-11 p.m.

Belmont Country Club

19661 Belmont Manor Lane

Ashburn, VA 20175

Todd Wright at Notaviva Vineyards

Free Performance

Tasting Room 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Performances 2-4 p.m.

Notaviva Vineyards

13274 Sagle Road

Purcellville, VA 20132

Tagged: arts, entertainment, Franklin Park Center, reading, Roundup

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