Blue Ridge PBS premieres “On the Road: Roanoke Arts” a program that will remind viewers of the creative talent and vibrant arts organizations that can be found across the Roanoke Valley.
“On the Road: Roanoke Arts” includes short stories about Roanoke treasures such as the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Roanoke Ballet Theatre. A segment on the Music Lab at Jefferson Center showcases a state-of-the-art recording studio where teens learn about music performance, recording arts and the music business. Also featured is Studio Roanoke, a black-box theatre that specializes in the development and production of new works. These and other segments were selected from the ongoing Blue Ridge PBS “On the Road” series, which features short, local-interest stories that are broadcast at various times throughout each day.
“Through ‘On the Road,’ Blue Ridge PBS shines the spotlight on some of the gifted individuals who make our area a rich, lively artistic hub,” said Susan Jennings, the City of Roanoke’s arts and culture coordinator. “The city is pleased to support this project that spreads the word about the great arts and cultural offerings in the region.”
“For over 40 years, Blue Ridge PBS has offered front row seats to world-class symphonies, Broadway shows and the best in documentary film,” said James Baum, station president and CEO. “As a community-owned multimedia organization, we are proud to use our ‘On the Road’ series to help raise awareness of the growing arts scene in the Roanoke Valley.”
A couple of the “On the Road: Roanoke Arts” stories include information on free opportunities to experience the arts. Art In Roanoke (AIR), for example, is a City of Roanoke project that provides temporary outdoor art installations in city neighborhoods and public places. “On the Road: Roanoke Arts” shows several AIR sculptures that people can enjoy anytime.
Art by Night, held during the first Thursday of every month, is a free evening event that showcases Roanoke’s thriving arts community. Visitors can take the self-guided walking tour among the diverse galleries in the downtown area, where there are exhibit openings, demonstrations, refreshments and live music.
“On the Road: Roanoke Arts” was made possible in part with a grant from the City of Roanoke, through Roanoke Arts Commission. All “On the Road” stories are also available in streaming video at BlueRidgePBS.org. The program will air on Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. and Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m.
