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 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.
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.
People are also reading…
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.
Bright Beginnings' annual summer learning kit assembly for rising kindergarten students, 10 a.m. to noon at the United Way of Central Virginia, 1010 Miller Park Square, Lynchburg. Volunteers will assemble kits to support children who will be going into kindergarten. Summer learning kits are distributed to encourage children and caregivers to continue developing the skills they learned in pre-K, to avoid summer learning loss and begin kindergarten ready to succeed. This year, this project was adopted and supported by members of First Christian Church in Lynchburg, who collected materials for 100 kits.
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.
April 27
Conversations with Thomas Jefferson and Marquis de Lafayette, 7 p.m., followed by reception at the Academy Center of the Arts, 600 Main St. Lynchburg. Experience the camaraderie, support and mutual respect between revolutionaries — Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette, the French aristocrat who joined the Continental Army in the fight for American Independence. Presented in one performance only. Tickets are $38 for adults (18 and older) and $20 for college students (with student ID) and youth (ages 17 and younger) plus taxes and fees. Reservations are suggested.
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.
Saturday Matinee Presents: "The Holdovers," 2:30 to 4:45 p.m. at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Join us for a monthly Saturday afternoon screening of a movie for adults. This month we’ll watch "The Holdovers" starring Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa and others. This dramedy tells the story of a disagreeable schoolteacher named Paul Hunham (Giamatti). With no family or friends, Paul ends up staying at school during Christmas break to supervise holdover students who can’t travel home for the holidays. Troublemaker Angus (Sessa) and head cook Mary (Randolph) build an unexpected bond with Paul on campus. Together, they go through hilarious adventures, celebrating Christmas in their own unique way.
Senior Bingo, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Stewartsville Library. When is it ever appropriate to shout when you’re in the library? When you have bingo, of course! Adults ages 50 and older are invited to come try your luck and play bingo together. Snacks and prizes will be provided. Registration recommended, but not required.
Winnie the Poo: Kanga Rules, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Commerce Street Theater, 1022 Commerce St., Lynchburg. "Kanga Rules" is a one-act musical based on the charming characters in A.A. Milne's "Winnie The Pooh" books. After each production, children in the audience will be invited to participate in a special hands-on program about family and conversations with a team from Amazement Square and enjoy a snack. Tickets for "Kanga Rules" are available for $5 each. To purchase tickets, visit the Commerce Street Theater website or call (434) 528-3336.
The Village Garden Club of Amherst's annual Garden Fest, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Amherst County Historical Society’s Hamble Center, 154 S. Main St., Amherst. Members grow plants throughout the year to sell during the event. Perennials, annuals, native plants, trees, shrubs, houseplants, cacti, herbs, tomatoes and other vegetables, and more will be available. Gardening-related items will also be available in the Garden Boutique area. All proceeds support the club’s local gardening projects, including the Route 60 traffic circle garden, as well as donations to local organizations such as 4-H camp scholarships. Like us on Facebook for details.
Mike Sokolowski Trio, 6 to 8 p.m. at Second Stage Amherst, 194 Second St., Amherst. The group is making its first appearance at Amherst Java and Jazz, presented by Amherst Glebe Arts Response and Second Stage Amherst. Tickets: Adults, $12; students $6. Women and children older than age 9 showing a WIC card get in free through VCA passport program.
April 28
Brahm's "A German Requiem," 4 p.m. at the Academy Center of the Arts' Historic Academy Theatre, 600 Main St., Lynchburg. The Jefferson Choral Society presents the Iain Farrington arrangement of Brahms’ "A German Requiem" in English scored for chorus, one baritone and one soprano soloist, plus an eight-piece chamber orchestra. Tickets range from $20 to $40. For more information, visit academycenter.org.
May 2
Artrageous, 7:30 p.m. at the Academy Center for the Arts' Historic Academy Theatre, 600 Main St., Lynchburg. Artrageous is a troupe of misfits artists, singers, dancers and musicians who started as friends doing street theater in Vancouver. Together they started the “All and Everything Theater,” a nonprofit children's theater focusing on children’s entertainment, street theater and life-sized bunraku puppetry. Tickets: $20 to $75. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the ticket office at (434) 846-8499 or visit academycenter.org.
Adult Book Club, 2 to 3 p.m. at Montvale Library. The book club meets the first Thursday of every month. In May, we’ll discuss "Klara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro. No registration is necessary, and new members are always welcome.
Computer 101 Class: Smartphone Basics, 1 to 2 p.m. at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. This month’s Computer 101 class is all about smartphones. We’ll learn common terminology, the basic functions of a smartphone and provide resources for further instruction. This class will cover both Android and Apple iOS phones.
AIR at Ghost Ranch Reception and Presentation, 6 to 8 p.m. at Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library. Join us for a presentation by fabric artist Arlene Blackburn on her experiences as an artist in residence at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, which was the longtime residence and artistic inspiration for artist Georgia O’Keefe. Blackburn will share insights and inspiration from her time spent at the ranch, after which attendees may view quilted artworks created by Blackburn during her residency, with a reception to follow. Register for the event if you’d like to receive an email reminder.
Land & Table Book Club, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Bedford Library. The Land & Table Book Club offers a way to engage with the core ideas and topics that are motivating a new generation to create more resilient food systems and vibrant local community life. We’ll read books about: eating locally, self-reliant living, agrarian culture, growing food, culinary history, community resilience, going back-to-the-land and more. We meet on the first Thursday of each month and welcome anyone to our meetings, even if you haven’t read the book. Visit the BPLS online calendar and follow the link to place a copy of each month’s book on hold. May’s book up for discussion is "Ten Acres Enough: The Classic 1864 Guide to Independent Farming" by Edmund Morris. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, check out the Land & Table website at: https://landandtable.com/