The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, VA (VR) – The Masonic Theatre was buzzing with so much activity on all three levels on Sunday, June 14, as America’s 250 birthday was celebrated.
Boy Scout Troop 2, led by Scoutmaster Washington with Ezra Smart, Kenny Sprouse, Israel Washington and Skipp McMullan and Cub Scouts leader Tom Greenwood with Zack Greenwood, Den leader and Noah and Owen greeted the visitors to the Masonic Theatre with friendly smiles and waving American flags and umbrellas when needed. The Troop and pack are always looking for members. Reach out to Scouting.org.
On the third floor in the Westrock Community Room, the VA250 Quilt Exhibit has been highly attended by visitors admiring the work of forty quilters who showed off their exceptional talents in this special project to honor America’s 250 birthday. Thank you to all of you for bringing this special event to the Masonic Theatre. We honor you for your patriotism and support of our veterans. If you have not seen these quilts, please go by the Masonic Theatre to see the unbelievable talent. It will not disappoint.
Meanwhile in the Underground, The Give Me Liberty traveling exhibition by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission explores Virginia’s foundational role in the American Revolution. The display explores Virginia’s unique people, events, and sites that helped secure American independence.
The Alleghany Highlands VA250 committee was very excited to bring this display to the Masonic Theatre as an added feature to the Flag Day celebration. The exhibition was available for viewing as the visitors waited for the RSO and their patriotic concert. Thank you, VA250 Commission, for this honor. Bill Atherholt, what a special Flag Day for you and your colleagues this year. Thank you to all for a wonderful weekend. Outside Clifton Forge Masonic Lodge and Love All Barbeque were selling food for your dining pleasure in a setting of 289 plus flags honoring veterans.
THE MAIN EVENT: Bruce Loving, President of the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation introduced the new Executive Director of the Masonic Theatre, J.J. Musgrove. Musgrove introduced conductor David Stewart Wiley. He has been the Music Director and Conductor of the Roanoke Symphony
Orchestra since the late 1990s. For all you Arts Council members and concert goers, the RSO entertained us with their Christmas performance on many occasions. The conductor even wears his Santa hat. This performance offers an opportunity for local youths to see live concerts.
From the opening with “The Star-Spangled Banner” to the encore “Stars and Stripes, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra did not disappoint the audience with their great patriotic tribute to honor all veterans. Jacy Burdette, Board member of the Alleghany Highlands Arts Council and teacher at
Covington Middle School made the following statement: “I was so delighted to see JJ (the new director) address his first Historic Masonic Theatre audience, and WHAT A TURNOUT! It was an incredible night celebrating with friends, family, food, flags, and the amazing Roanoke Symphony Orchestra”.
The orchestra played tunes from many notable performers starting with Seventy-Six Trombones” from the Music Man. Music, music, music. No patriotic performance would be complete without some Georg M. Cohan tunes – You’re a Grand Old Flag and “Yankee Doodle Dandy”. I have seen James
Cagney in the 1942 musical Yankee Doodle Dandy many times. Makes you proud to be an American.
Wiley talked about his friendship with Billy Joel and played “Elegy: The Great Peconic”. Program would not be complete without recognizing Daryll Duff, guest performer, singing “Our Great Virginia” – state song of Virginia. A Satchmo (Louis Armstrong” medley performed before the final selection – Richard Rodgers’ Climb Ev’ry Mountain”. The program closed with STARS AND STRIPS.
No Flag Day program would be complete without the Armed Forces Medley: Coast Guard (Semper Paratus), Army (The Army Goes Rolling Along), Marine Corps (Marines’ Hymn), Navy (Anchors Aweigh), Air Force (The Wild Blue Yonder). I can picture VFW Post 1033 member Dale Comer, standing so tall and proud of being an American and proud of his service to our country. We, as Americans, are proud of the men and women who fought for us in all the branches of the military. God Bless America always.
We want to express many thanks to the staff and management at the Masonic Theatre who put in extra hours to make this day great for everyone – Executive Director, J.J. Musgrove; Teresa Hammond, Past Executive Director; and Wendy Hudler, Director of Operations. The Masonic Theatre offers so many performances in all musical areas. Check them out.
