1) New Organ Highlights Sacred Music in the Village
The new organ at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church will highlight the next “Sacred Music in the Village” event in Blowing Rock this Sunday, Sept. 28. The organ, built by Lively-Fulcher Organbuilders of Rocky Mount, Virginia is the final part of the complete restoration of the church accomplished over the last year, and was built to complement the style of worship and well-respected music program at St. Mary’s. The event will begin at 3 p.m. with an introduction to the new organ by St. Mary’s Music Director Dr. James Bumgardner, followed by choral evensong at 3:30 p.m., presented by the choir of the church. Service music for evensong will include the Walmsley Magnificat and Nunc dimittis, and the Clucas Preces and Responses. The anthem will be factum est silencium (involving an exciting battle between the Archangel Michael and a dragon) by Phillips. Evensong is presented monthly at St. Mary’s from April through October; it is part of the monastic daily cycle of prayer offered around the world and has changed little since the 16th Century. St. Mary of the Hills is located on Main Street in Blowing Rock. For more information, please call the church office at 828-295-7323.
2) New Play “Homes: The Art of Deduction” to be Presented Oct. 1-5
Check your magnifying glasses at the door! Appalachian State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Holmes: The Art of Deduction,” an original work by Dr. Derek Davidson and directed by Teresa Lee, both theatre faculty members. This family-friendly play – recommended for ages 8 and above – will be presented on campus in the state-of-the-art Valborg Theatre Oct. 1 – 4 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance on Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices start at just $9 for Appalachian students and $16 for adults. For more information click on www.theatre.appstate.edu, or call the box office at 828-262-4046, or the toll-free number 800-841-ARTS (2787). Playwright Davidson presents a unique and surprising twist on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic hero, Sherlock Holmes. In this witty version, Sherlock and his sidekick, Dr. Watson, solve mysteries in their customary fashion, but this time with the help of some unlikely assistants. Lee assures the audience that this is “not your typical Holmes story,” and that “the classic stereotypes will be blown apart within a matter of minutes when the curtain opens. This show is nimble, lively, and moves very quickly.” With stunning visual elements including projections and moveable scenery, “Holmes” promises to be an engaging performance. This new adaptation of two different Sherlock Holmes cases will feature more female characters, including the widely popular Irene Adler. Seniors Jake Dailey and Preston Perrin play the roles of Holmes and Watson, respectively. When asked about his experience with the show, Perrin said, “It’s definitely been a learning experience. The show is really fast-paced, so you have to constantly be on your toes. As a young actor, it’s great training for constantly being aware of your surroundings and the situation you find yourself in, as a character.” The 16-person cast consists of nine women and seven men and is comprised of talented Appalachian students ranging from freshmen to seniors. Valborg Theatre is located on the north side of Chapell Wilson Hall on Howard Street. The door faces the back of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on King Street. Parking is available after 5 p.m. on campus in faculty/staff lots and after 5:30 p.m. in the College Street parking deck near Belk Library and Information Commons.
3) Feminist Pride Day Observed Oct. 1 at Appalachian
The Women’s Center at Appalachian State University will host Feminist Pride Day on Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sanford Mall. With the theme, “Feminism is for Everybody,” the observance will include t-shirt and button sales, a “I Need Feminism Because…” photo project, and the opportunity to learn more about feminism. Proceeds will benefit the Abigail Adams Scholarship at Appalachian that is awarded each year to a nontraditional female student.