1) Jazz Ensemble II Performs March 4
Jazz tunes inspired by the Beatles, a Latin beat and the romance of Paris will be performed March 4 at Appalachian State University by Appalachian Jazz Ensemble II. The performance, directed by Rob Berry, begins at 8 p.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall. The ensemble’s brass and percussion section open with a Bill Holman arrangement of “Norwegian Wood,” written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The ensemble also will perform “Hey! That’s Nacho Cheese!” by Tom Kubis and “Soft as Velvet” by Sammy Nestico, featuring alto saxophonist Dan Reed. Also on the program is “Tutu” by Marcus Miller, “Jordu” by Duke Jorgan, “Uchibeng Wow-Wow” by Michael Mossman, “Big Mama Cass” by Don Sebesky and “April in Paris” by Vernon Duke.
2) High Country Lifelong Learners Host Screening of Annie Hall March 9
High Country Lifelong Learners in association with the Watauga County Public Library invite you to join us for a movie viewing of the Annie Hall on March 9 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The romantic adventures of neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and his equally neurotic girlfriend Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) is ranked #2 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 10 greatest films in the genre ”Romantic Comedy”. After breaking up with his girlfriend Annie Hall, Alvy Singer goes on a stream of consciousness journey through his memories of their relationship, trying to find out what caused them to part ways. He often breaks the fourth wall, speaking to the camera, entering peoples’ stories, and even using animation. This film has an MPAA rating of PG and an approximate run-time of 93 minutes.
3) Baha’i Devotional Meeting Held March 8
There will be a Baha’i Devotional Meeting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, at 283 Westbrook Dr. in Boone. The theme of the meeting will be “Perspectives on Fasting.” The Baha’i Faith is the youngest of the world’s revealed faiths. Its teachings center on unity and the removal of prejudice. All are welcome. For directions and more information, call 264-5620.
4) Raleigh Ringers Perform at Boone UMC May 3
The Raleigh Ringers, an internationally acclaimed, advanced community handbell choir, will perform at Boone UMC located at 471 New Market Blvd, Boone on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 4 p.m. Seating is limited and tickets are ON SALE NOW with the early bird discount of only $12.00 per ticket. This special price is available through March 22. After this date, regular priced tickets will be $15.00. Since its founding in 1990, The Raleigh Ringers has been dazzling concert audiences with unique interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music, including famous rock ‘n’ roll tunes arranged just for handbells. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.booneumc.org/tickets/.
5) New Opportunity School for Women at Lees-McRae Accepting Applications
The New Opportunity School for Women (NOSW) at Lees-McRae College, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, is accepting applications for its three-week residential summer program that helps low-income women gain the skills and confidence to turn their lives around. This summer’s session will be held from May 31 – June 20. “Our mission is to help women improve their personal, educational and financial circumstances,” said Jennie Harpold, director of the NOSW at Lees-McRae. “Women who would benefit from our program are those who really want to improve their situation, but need access to additional resources. We supply the tools they need to fulfill their potential.” Founded in 1987 in Berea, Ky., the New Opportunity School for Women opened an expansion site at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk in 2005. Today, there are four schools located throughout Appalachia. The programs have collectively graduated more than 700 women in the Appalachian region with 76 percent of the graduates currently employed, enrolled in further education, or both. “My life has totally changed since attending the New Opportunity School for Women,” said a recent graduate. “I have the opportunity to go back to college, and that’s something I thought would never happen…the program was perfect, the timing was perfect. The program made me realize that life is short and you have to do what you really want to do and you have to stand up for yourself and you also have to give back.” During the three-week residential session, instruction is provided in many subjects including: creative writing, public speaking, interviewing and Appalachian literature. Experienced volunteer instructors teach basic accounting, computer and resume writing skills as well as how to navigate the college application process. Women also work on furthering their personal growth. Internships in the local community provide the women with the opportunity to further explore career paths. Women participating in the program attend cultural events, such as concerts, a summer theatre production at Lees-McRae College and a series of lectures related to local Appalachian culture. Thanks to generous help from individual donors, local churches and local agencies that support women’s initiatives, there is no cost to the students attending this program. In past years, NOSW has received funding from the High Country Women’s Fund and the Appalachian Women’s Fund, which merged to become Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge, Inc. Assistance with childcare costs and travel costs are available. Applicants should have or be working toward a GED or high school diploma, be of low-income, and have an interest in a new career and/or higher education. To apply for this life-changing program, contact Jennie Harpold at nosw@lmc.edu or 828-898-8905. Interested parties may download an application from lmc.edu/nosw or request one from the NOSW office.
6) Ashe Civic Center Presents Jeff Little March 7
The Ashe County Arts Council will sponsor Jeff Little In Concert at the Ashe Civic Center on Saturday, March 7.