Because this section is free of charge, community events are subject to run based on available space. Email events to calendar@newsadvance.com.
Through April 21
Renaissance Theatre's production of “Second Samuel,” 7:30 p.m. April 12, 13, 19 and 20 and 2 p.m. April 14 and 21 at 301 Grove St, Lynchburg. Life is unchanging and in excellent order during 1949 in the small, southern town of Second Samuel, Georgia, where residents seem to care about each other as much as they love to gossip. At least it is until the beloved piano teacher Miss Gertrude dies and the whole town is turned upside-down. For more information about the play, including how to purchase tickets, go to https://renaissancetheatrelynchburg.org.
Through April 29
Leticia Colls 2024 exhibit, during regular hours at the Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library's MOarts Gallery, 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta. Leticia Colls' homemade jewelry will be on display. Call (540) 425-7004 for hours and directions.
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April 17
Lecture series, 5:30 p.m. at Jones Memorial Library, Lynchburg. John Cook speaks on “Repairing Her Faults: A History of the Virginia Constitution.” Learn about all six of Virginia’s constitutions with an emphasis on the 1776 and 1971 versions.
Premier showing of "We have casualties ...," 10 a.m. at the American Legion, 1301 Greenview Drive, Lynchburg. The Lynchburg Area Veterans Council will host the documentary about the heroic actions of Company A from Bedford on the beaches of Normandy. Ken and Linda Parker, founders and curators of the Bedford Boys Tribute Center, are responsible for the production of the documentary and will be on hand to answer questions. For more information, contact Thomas Current at tomcurrentlaw@verizon.net or (434) 525-7925.
April 18
360 Allstars, at the Academy Center of the Arts' Historic Academy Theatre. A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 Allstars connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar international cast of world champion and world record-holding athletes and artists, 360 Allstars is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. Tickets for this event are $15 to $75. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the ticket office at (434) 846-8499 or visit academycenter.org.
Teen Art Night: Blackout Poetry Canvas Art, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Bedford Library. Teens ages 12 and older are invited to join us on the third Thursday of every month (except for June and July) for Teen Art Night. Each month we’ll have a different theme or project. The library will provide all of the supplies necessary but you’re welcome to bring additional supplies with you. In celebration of National Poetry Month, April’s program will encourage teens to make their own blackout poetry canvas. Registration recommended, but not required.
April 19
Sister Hazel, at the the Academy Center of the Arts Warehouse Theatre. Originating from Gainesville, Florida, Sister Hazel is comprised of five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called “one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years” by Performing Songwriter Magazine. Tickets for this event are $41 for general admission (standing room only). For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the ticket office at (434) 846-8499 or visit academycenter.org.
I’m No Van Gogh Paint Night, 5 to 9 p.m. at Forest Library. Come and paint whatever the canvas inspires in you. This session is a time for self-expression — there is no formal instruction, and it is open to anyone regardless of your skill level or prior experience painting. All supplies will be provided. Please dress in clothing you won’t mind getting messy. Registration is required and space is limited.
April 20
Tips & Techniques: An Altered Book Workshop, presented by the Friends of the Bedford Library, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bedford Library. In this workshop, you will learn some basic techniques for transforming discarded books into a highly personalized pieces of art. A variety of techniques will be used to transform the cover and pages of your books. Participants will use painting, collage, journaling, rubber stamping, photo transfer, embellishing and some elements of scrapbooking to create unique altered books. Materials will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring copies of photos, ephemera, scraps of fabric, ribbons, tags, old cards or anything that contains pleasing images that you wish to incorporate into your work, as well as a mat knife. The class will break from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. Participants should provide their own lunch.
Quilting Workshop, 10 a.m. to noon at Montvale Library. In this fun and creative workshop series for quilting beginners, learn how work on simple quilting techniques to turn your quilt vision into a reality. The suggested finished size is 30 inches x 50 inches; useful but not too small or large for a first project. Before the class begins, you’ll be contacted about meeting with Marietta Nester, owner of Bargain Barn Fabrics, to start planning your quilt. Registration recommended.
Kids Gardening Program, 1 to 3 p.m. at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day by planting native flowers and shrubs in the library garden as part of the new Memorial Garden Project in honor of Lib Walker and Marge Cooper. A special guest will talk to the children about the plants and the growing process. Rain date: 1 to 3 p.m., May 4.
Earth Day Celebration, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Timbrook Library. Join us for activities that will be spread around the library and Timbrook Park. We will have an enchanted trail, yard games, food truck, tie dye your own bandana, crafts, demonstrations, planet-friendly vendors and more. Learn more about how to help the earth. Bring your own water bottle (first 50 attendees get a limited edition Earth Day sticker), and grab a snack from a food truck. For all ages.
Mushrooms: Putting the “Fun” Back in Fungus, presented by the Bedford Area Master Gardeners, 11 a.m. to noon at Forest Library. Come explore the fun world of fungi with the Bedford Area Master Gardeners this spring at your library. In addition to discussing different types of mushrooms, topics will include the health benefits of mushrooms, how to safely grow your own mushrooms at home, where you can buy supplies, choosing and preparing logs for growing shiitakes, common fungal pests, and more. The library will supply participants with shiitake mushroom plugs to get you started on your mushroom-growing journey. Supplies are limited so registration is required.
Lynchburg Wine & Music Festival, noon to 7 p.m. at the Lynchburg City Stadium Event Complex, 3176 Fort Ave., Lynchburg. Surround yourself with the vibrant energy of more than 14 local wineries, cideries and distilleries, each offering samples of Virginia's finest beverages. Live music includes The Bogey’s, Blair’s West Band and The Mashup. Tickets are available at all Quik-e Food store locations, online at www.omineproductions.com and at the gate.
Bluegrass: Working on a Building 2024, 4 to 10 p.m. at Madison Heights Community Center, 424 Woodys Lake Road, Madison Heights. Food available. Tickets available at the door for $15.
April 22
Doves & Dragons: Harps and Harpsichord Music, 1 to 2 p.m. at Forest Library. Join us as we relax and listen to harp and harpsichord music performed by local husband and wife duo Doves & Dragons. No registration is required.
Creative Expressions, 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Big Island Library. Calling all creative types. The Big Island Writers Group is evolving our lovely club to include makers and crafters of all sorts to further inspire our friendly discussions. Do you knit? Crochet? If you enjoy coloring or drawing, we can provide markers, crayons, pens, and colored pencils. We’ll still exchange writing advice, of course, and share work with one another for the sake of supportive feedback. Join in the magic of our mighty little artistic community here in Big Island.
Amherst County Democratic Committee caucus, 6 p.m. at the Monroe Community Center, 129 Francis Ave., Monroe. The event's purpose is to nominate delegates to the 5th Congressional District Democratic Convention.
April 23
The Gala, 7:30 p.m. at the Academy Center of the Arts Historic Academy Theatre, 600 Main St., Lynchburg. The Liberty University School of Music’s first-ever scholarship benefit concert will feature captivating performances by students with a diverse range of musical talents. The Gala is a ticketed event with a $50 suggested donation and a limited seating capacity of 800. All donations for this event go directly to student scholarships.
Friends of the Amherst County Public Library annual meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Amherst branch, 382 South Main St., Amherst. Learn all about the summer reading programs for youth and adults as well as the latest news from Library Director Jacob Etter. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
April 24
Living the Braveheart Life: An Evening with Randall Wallace, 7:30 p.m. at the Academy Center of the Arts Historic Academy Theatre, 600 Main St. Lynchburg. E.C. Glass graduate and "Braveheart" screenwriter Randall Wallace shares his journey from E.C. Glass Hilltopper to Hollywood filmmaker with stories to inspire audience members to live lives full of faith, creativity and love. Wallace was also a creative force behind the hit movies "Man in the Iron Mask," "Pearl Harbor," "We Were Soldiers" and "Secretariat." Tickets range from $37.50 to $75. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to academycenter.org.
Lynchburg Tree Stewards informational session, 7 p.m. at the Miller Center Community Room, 301 Grove St., Lynchburg. Interested in learning more about trees and their care? Come to this meeting to learn more about volunteering with the Lynchburg Tree Stewards.
April 25 to May 5
Cavalier Theatre presents "Disney's High School Musical," 7 p.m. April 25, 26, 28, May 2 and 3; 1 and 7 p.m. May 4; and 3 p.m. May 5 at Jefferson Forest Auditorium, 1 Cavalier Circle, Forest. It's the first day after winter break. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes of East High find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain Troy discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical. Although many students resent the threat posed to the "status quo," Troy and Gabriella's alliance might just open the door for others to shine. Tickets: $12 ($8 students, seniors). For tickets and more information, visit cavaliertheatre.com.
April 25
Del McCoury Band, 7:30 at the Academy Center of the Arts' Historic Academy Theatre. Even among the pantheon of music’s finest artists, Del McCoury stands alone. From the nascent sound of bluegrass that charmed honkytonks, rural schoolhouse stages and the crowning glory of the Grand Ole Opry to the present-day culture-buzz of viral videos and digital streams, Del is the living link. Tickets are $24 to $67. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the ticket office at (434) 846-8499 or visit academycenter.org.
Lunchbox Lectures, noon at the National D-Day Memorial, Bedford. “4,415 Souls and Counting: The National D-Day Memorial Necrology Project” with John D. Long, director of education for National D-Day Memorial Foundation. For more information, visit dday.org.
Fiber Club: Knitting, Crocheting, and More, 3 to 5 p.m. at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Would you like to learn to knit, crochet, weave or share your talents with others? You’re invited to join our new Fiber Club. This will be our introductory meeting, and meetings will be held on the last Thursday of each month going forward. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, all are welcome. Supplies will be provided or you can bring your own. We’ll have yarn for small projects, but if you have some extra yarn, you can donate it to someone else to use. Bring your projects you’re already working on, or start a new one. Come chat and make new fiber friends. We’ll also have small projects for kids to make at the beginner’s sessions. Kids younger than age 12 must be supervised by an adult. All ages are welcome.
Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors regular meeting, 6 p.m. at the Spring House Restaurant, 9789 Richmond Highway, Lynchburg. The meeting is open to the public and accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information, call (434) 352-2819.
April 26
Morehouse College Glee Club, 7 p.m. at the Academy Center of the Arts Historic Academy Theatre, 600 Main St., Lynchburg. The Morehouse College Glee Club is the premier singing organization of Morehouse College, traveling all over the country and the world, demonstrating excellence not only in choral performance but also in discipline, dedication and brotherhood. Through its tradition the Glee Club has an impressive history and seeks to secure its future through even greater accomplishments, continuing in this tradition through the dedication and commitment of its members and the leadership that its directors have provided throughout the years. Tickets range from $14 to $63 and are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the ticket office at (434) 846-8499 or visit academycenter.org.
Friday Breakfast Book Club, 10 to 11 a.m. at Bedford Library. The Friday Breakfast Book Club meets on the last Friday of every month to discuss a different book. This month’s selection is "The Husbands" by Chandler Baker.
Storyteller Shelia Arnold, 7 p.m. at Court Street Baptist Church, 517 Court St., Lynchburg. Arnold will do a first-person portrayal of the life and work of Fannie Lou Hamer, an American voting rights activist, women’s rights champion and civil rights leader. Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for students. WIC members in the VCA/VHD Passport Program are admitted free upon showing WIC card. Earlier in the day, Arnold will perform in “Upstanders” for students at Madison Heights Elementary School. In “Upstanders,” she tells the stories of historical African American leaders who have stood up against bullying and unfair rules. For more information, go to amherstglebeartsresponse.org.