On September 24th, in the Community Hall, the Center welcomed John Bullard to the Center for a Classical Banjo Concert, with Markus Compton on Piano.
As a classically trained musician and the first graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Music to earn a degree in performance with the banjo, John Bullard has established a critically praised performing and recording career dedicated to exploring the artistic marriage of banjo and classical music.
In a bluegrass town, John Bullard transformed the recognized Appalachian banjo into a classical instrument; introducing the audience to a new appreciation. Bullard’s performance was truly unique; offering a lively, exciting, foot-tapping concert! We look forward to having him back in the future!
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On October 14th, crowds gathered once again as Shawn Spencer and the Improvisers entertained concertgoers with Jazz and Blues compositions
The evening was complete with opportunities for attendees to take their place on the dance floor, as well as enjoy food and drink in the company of friends and the local community of music lovers.
Shawn Spencer is the vocalist for Star City Swag, a group based in Roanoke, VA, that harkens to a bygone era of classic blues and jazz. Drawn to the elegance and sophistication of jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Nancy Wilson, Spencer pays homage to these Sovereign Sirens. We have been thrilled to welcome Spencer’s exciting Jazz styles to the Center on several past occasions and were pleased she was able to join us once again along with the Improvisers, to much anticipation.
The Improvisers features Chris Prokosch on Bass, Tom Floyd, Piano; Scott Walter, Trumpet; Lou Madsen, Saxaphone; and Robbie Vaughan, Drums. Individually, these musicians have brought their fresh sounds and extensive Jazz experience to audiences in the New River Valley, North Carolina, Los Angeles, and far beyond.
The evening featured a surprise announcement from former Executive Director of the Center, Jeff Liverman, who revealed to concertgoers that the Center’s Community Hall, where the concert took place, will now have a new name: the Fallon Community Hall. This new name honors Linda Fallon who is retiring from her role as President of the Center’s Board of Directors; it also memorializes Ed Fallon, whose role in the art center’s history was pivotal. Ed & Linda Fallon have made a lasting and ground-breaking mark on Classical Music in Floyd County, and it is therefore fitting that this space, in which Classical musicians and audiences have long since gathered, now bears the Fallon name. During the announcement, Liverman reflected on Linda Fallon’s role on the Board of Directors: “She exemplifies the kind of Board Member and volunteer every single non-profit wants. She gives so significantly of her time, her talent, and her treasure. She leads every single effort, and at least in my experience, she has lead two five year plans—a big undertaking! She has grown the Center immensely in the time that she has worked here.”
We want to thank the community for coming out, enjoying, and supporting our concert series!
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