January/February 2015
A Guide to Clarksburg, Fairmont, Morgantown, and the Surrounding Area
In This Issue west virginia poem collection talking jazz! chef on the move west virginia statehood, part 3 Check out our new website! threecitieswv.com 1
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Two Waterfront Place Morgantown, WV 26501 www.WPHotel.co Facebook.com/WaterfrontPlaceHotel
Contents
26 Talking Jazz! Arts Mon grant supports “Talking Jazz: A Forum on Jazz Improvisation”
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27 Some Thoughts on Snow Sports Skiing, snowboarding, and just about anything outside in the snow… 28 Chef on the Move 33 MACplayers Production of RED Wins at West Virginia Theatre Festival
Contents
34 Calendar of Events 2 From the Publisher
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Features
6 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on January 19 2015 Theme is “The Road to the Vote” 7 Gardner Winter Music Festival Celebrates 37th Year Join us February 27 and 28 24
Advertiser Directory
3 Dining & Entertainment Dining, nightlife and entertainment for all ages 8 See & Do Points of interest and activities
Three Cities is published by DKWV Publications PO Box 824 Clarksburg, WV 26302 Publisher Donna Kirk 304.680.2238 dkwvpublications@frontier.com ©2015 DKWV Publications Layout and design Steven Joswick
13 Annual Empty Bowls Monongalia
12 Accommodations Hotels, bed & breakfasts and more
22 West Virginia Statehood Part 3: The Child of the Storm
32 Shopping Unique local shops and galleries
24 A Collection of Poems About West Virginia Idylliad to be published in March 2015
32 Services Professional services to meet all your needs
Submissions for Calendar of Events welcome 1
From the Publisher
From the Publisher The January-February 2015 issue of Three Cities focuses on the Arts in our community. We are profiling Elizabeth Savage, a professor and poet; Jenny and Nathan Wilson, jazz musicians; Marion Ohlinger, Master Chef; RED, an award-winning play performed locally; and the Worley Gardner Winter Festival. Many events are detailed in this issue, but remember there are additional events listed in the Calendar of Events toward the back of this publication. The Three Cities website is now live! Visit threecitieswv.com for all the great content featured in the print edition along with previous issues. Explore our wonderful sponsors’ websites. Enjoy exclusive web content and all the most up-to-date local happenings. Like us on Facebook to access March– December 2014 issues and the most current issue of Three Cities. Stay warm and healthy during these winter months! Donna Kirk Publisher
Advertiser Directory The Three Cities Advertising Directory is organized by Dining, See & Do, Accommodations, Shopping, and Services. Establishments are listed alphabetically by location: Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Fairmont, Morgantown and surrounding areas. If your business or service area is interested in being included, please contact us at dkwvpublications@frontier.com. 2
Advertiser Directory / Dining & Entertainment
Dining & Entertainment Bridgeport area Oliverio’s Ristorante oliveriosristorante.com / Rts 73 and 50, Bridgeport / 304.842.7388 Since 1965, the Oliverio family has had a reputation for wonderful Italian food. They welcome you for pasta, veal, chicken, seafood and steak dishes in an atmosphere that is a lovely contrast of new and old world. Dinners from $10.95, children’s prices. All legal beverages. Mon–Fri 11–10 | Sat 4–10 | Sun 4–9. Provence Market Café and Marketplace provencemarketcafe.com / 603 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport / 304.848.0911 Since 2002, nationally recognized Provence Market’s menu features South of France inspired flavors. Try our Duckling Michel, Champagne Scallops, or have your Filet Crowned with Crab and Wine Butter Sauce. We also offer locally sourced specials and nightly specials. Visit our website to view our full Lunch and Dinner menus. Chef Hart selected to the inaugural edition Best Chefs of America. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Adjacent Wine Shop. Like us on Facebook to receive our current events and activities. Tues–Thur 11–9 | Fri–Sat 11–10. Available for private parties Sundays and Mondays. Wonder Bar Steak House wonderbarsteakhouse.com / Bridgeport Hill, Wonder Bar Road, Bridgeport / 304.622.1451 “Top of the Town.” Its atmosphere of distinction makes it one of the state’s finest restaurants, specializing in hand-cut steaks, South African Rock Lobster, and other seafood dishes. Tues–Sat open at 5 pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Reservations suggested.
Clarksburg area Minard’s 813 Pike Street, Clarksburg / 304.623.1711 Well-known family restaurant whose old-world ambiance is the ideal setting for family recipe Italian food. Excellent steaks, chicken, and seafood are also offered. Once the Minard family home, there are six dining rooms, each tastefully decorated. Couples will love the romantic wine garden which seats just 12. Family-style dinners (for four or more) and children’s prices. All legal beverages. Sun–Thurs 11–10 | Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm.
Fairmont area Heston Farm Winery hestonfarm.com / 1602 Tulip Lane, Pleasant Valley Road Exit off I-79, Fairmont / 304.366.WINE Taste our large selection of traditional wines,
whiskeys, and moon shine. Enjoy farm-fresh food in our unique indoor and outdoor dining areas, decorated with vintage farm equipment, rustic tools, and antiques. Mon 11–6 / Tues–Sat 11–9 / Sun 11–3. Muriale’s Restaurant murialesrestaurant.com / 1742 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont / 304.363.3190 An award-winning restaurant serving the best in Italian cuisine and excellent steaks, seafood, and salads. Great service, a lovely atmosphere and an unbeatable children’s menu make this a best bet for family dining. A good selection of wines. Six dining rooms seat a total of 250. Banquet rooms accommodate up to 200. Deck dining. Open seven days at 11 am. Poky Dot thepokydot.com / 1111 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont /304.366.3271 Since 1950, the Poky Dot has meant great food and fun. It’s still true today! You’ll love to dine in this unique atmosphere. Breakfast is served all day; desserts are legendary. Come enjoy our wonderful décor: ‘fifties’ memorabilia, a wall of murals, and a working juke box! Open seven days.
Morgantown area Cox-Roosevelt Inn coxroosevelt.com / 1012 Dogtown Road, Reedsville, WV / 304.864.3405 Just outside the town that Eleanor Roosevelt built, we offer a memorable dining experience. Very exclusive. Good food graciously served in pleasant surroundings. Award-winning chef serving dinners on the veranda, or back porch, or in the dining room. Reservations only. Oliverio’s Ristorante oliveriosristorante.com / 52 Clay Street, Morgantown / 304.296.2565 Since 1965, the Oliverio family has had a reputation for wonderful Italian food. They welcome you for pasta, veal, chicken, seafood and steak dishes in an atmosphere that is a lovely contrast of new and old world. Dinners from $10.95, children’s prices. All legal beverages. Mon–Fri 11–10 | Sat 4–10. Peking House pekinghousewv.com/ 1137 Van Voorhis Road, Morgantown / 304.598.3333 Peking House offers excellent Peking and Szechuan cuisine including seafood, beef, pork, and chicken dishes. A banquet area accommodates 80. Take-out available. Fantastic Sunday buffet. Lunch, Mon–Fri 11:30–2 | Dinner, Mon–Thur 4:30–9:30 | Fri–Sat 4:30–10:30 | Sun 12–9.
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Feature / Matin Luther King, Jr. Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on January 19 2015 Theme is “The Road to the Vote” The Community Coalition for Social Justice and Main Street Morgantown are cosponsoring the Ninth Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at 2 pm on Monday, January 19 at the Metropolitan Theatre, 369 High Street, Morgantown. This year’s theme is “The Road to the Vote” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This is a free family-friendly program and will feature performances by the Flying Colors, Cheat Lake Elementary School Choir, and Belinda Nicholas. Students from St. Francis School will demonstrate milestones on the expansion of voting rights.
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Those attending are asked to bring items for the Scotts Run Settlement House Backpack Program that supplies weekend food for local school children and/or outwear like coats, boots, gloves, and hats for the Coordinating Coalition on Homelessness. The Community Coalition for Social Justice will have social justice-themed bumper stickers for sale at the event. More information, including items requested for the backpack program, is available at www.ccsjwv. org. The City of Morgantown provides financial support for this event.
Feature / Gardner Winter Music Festival
Gardner Winter Music Festival Celebrates 37th Year Join us February 27 and 28 Shake off those winter blues and come play or listen at South Middle School in Morgantown, West Virginia. This festival showcases traditional Appalachian music with continuous on-stage performances, workshops, informal jam sessions, and socializing. GWMF gives traditional Appalachian music lovers a place to play, listen, dance, and learn in the cold of winter. Everyone is welcome and musicians get in free with their instruments! Please join us Friday evening 6–11 pm and Saturday 9 am– 11 pm. Don't miss the Square Dance in the cafeteria from 8–10 pm. The Davis and Elkins Appalachian Ensemble will perform in the auditorium from 7–8 pm on Saturday. You can get a taste of their
music in their YouTube video: Davis and Elkins Appalachian Ensemble Promo. Worley Gardner started this festival in 1978 and his late wife Margaret continued it after his passing. A group of traditional-musicloving volunteers keeps it going today. Festival sponsors include PattyFest, Inc. and South Middle School. For more information, visit gwmf.org or email gwmf@frontier.com.
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Advertiser Directory / See & Do
Tutto Gelato Café tutto-gelato.com / 755 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suburban Plaza, Morgantown / 304.291.2444 For the busy day, bustling morning, restful afternoon, late night snack, mid-day meal, lazy weekend, date night, family outing, rushed lunch, business coffee, sweet tooth, healthy choice, pick-me-up… For the Italian in you… Tutto Gelato Café. In addition to our gelato, our menu includes breakfast, pastries, paninis, soups, salads, pizza cones, all fresh every day. We also offer catering. Mon–Sat 7 am–9 pm | Sun 9 am–9 pm
make downtown Fairmont an even better place with more opportunities for economic development and fun activities.
See & Do
Main Street Morgantown downtownmorgantown.com / 201 High St., Suite 2, Morgantown / 304.292.0168 Morgantown is home to over 26,000 people. With one of the strongest economies for small metro areas (CNN Money) Morgantown has much to offer. From outdoors activities, to a state of the art research institution, to a historic downtown rife with history, we’ve got it all. Nestled in the hills of northern West Virginia, Morgantown is a hop skip and a jump away from the Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. metro areas but is just far enough away to provide a relaxing and scenic ambience.
Bridgeport area Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau greater-bridgeport.com / Bridgeport offers a little bit of something for everyone. From convenience and easy access to local flavor and off the beaten path. You’ll find something different around every corner.
Clarksburg area Clarksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau clarksburgvisitorswv.com / 208 Court Street, Clarksburg / 304.622.2157 Find out more about historic Clarksburg and what it has to offer!
Fairmont area Main Street Fairmont mainstreetfairmont.org / Downtown Fairmont is a historic community located along the banks of the Monongahela River. With a history tied to the commercial production of coal, our culture is steeped in tradition. Our organization is working to continue to
To preserve the history of the region for the public by collecting and displaying local cultural artifacts. Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm 175 Kirk Street, Morgantown | (304) 319-1800
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Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau marioncvb.com / 1000 Cole Street, Suite A, Pleasant Valley / 304.368.1123 Check out our new website to find out what’s happening in Marion County!
Morgantown area
Morgantown Art Association Gallery morgantownartassociation.com / Mountaineer Mall, Morgantown / 304.291.5900 We bring together all those individuals interested in the creative arts! Visit the studio to view monthly displays, participate in scheduled watercolor and oil painting classes. Tues–Fri 10 am–4 pm. Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau tourmorgantown.com / 341 Chaplin Road, First Floor, Morgantown / 304.292.5081 Active calendar of events on our website! (continued pg. 12)
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Lodging & Fine Dining Dogtown Road / Arthurdale, WV (304) 864 3405 www.coxroosevelt.com
Reservations only
Breakfast • Gelato • Panini • Espresso Bar • WiFi • Catering Located in Suncrest next to Kegler’s, a café offering a cozy atmosphere for studying, meetings or a getaway from the daily grind at the office. Homemade soups and gelato, made-to-order paninis for breakfast, lunch or dinner. A full espresso bar to jumpstart your day the Tutto way. 755 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suburban Plaza, Suncrest • (304) 291-2444
See our full menu at www.tutto-gelato.com
Open Monday–Saturday 7am–9pm • Sunday 9am–9pm 11
Advertiser Directory / Accommodations
Morgantown History Museum morgantownhistorymuseum.org / 175 Kirk Street, Morgantown / 304.319.1800 The Morgantown History Museum is a nonprofit institution and the first city-sponsored museum in the Greater Morgantown area. Its mission is to preserve and promote local and regional history and to make it accessible to the citizens of Morgantown and visitors to the region. Tues–Sat 10 am–5 pm.
Fairmont area
Mylan Park mylanpark.com / 500 Mylan Park Lane, Morgantown / 304.983.2383 Mylan Park is a state-of-the-art recreational and educational complex located on over 300 acres of beautifully reclaimed surface-mined property just minutes from downtown. The Mylan Park Foundation, Inc. advances the educational, recreational, social and economic benefits to North Central West Virginia citizens, with the purpose of improving the quality of life for residents of, and visitors to, the Greater Morgantown area.
Clarksburg area
Lewis County
Bridgeport area
Mountain Lakes CVB mountainlakescvb.com / 2906 US Hwy 33 E, Weston, WV / 304.269.4988 The rolling mountains and peaceful waterways in Lewis County are a refreshing retreat. When the hectic pace of everyday life presses upon you, make your way to our part of the world. We’re not far from you!
Artworks artworkswv.com / 601 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport / 304.842.7626
Accommodations Morgantown area Comfort Inn Rt 119 North at Exit 148, I-79 and Exit 1, I-68, Morgantown / 304.296.9364 Featuring 80 comfortable rooms, tv, direct dial phones, whirlpool rooms, and exercise facilities. Outdoor pool. Free continental breakfast. Ramada Inn and Conference Center 20 Scott Avenue, Morgantown / 304.296.3431 Full-service hotel and conference center featuring 149 rooms, including suites, extended stay, and jacuzzi rooms. Offering the area’s finest hospitality in a very relaxing atmosphere. Meeting and banquet facilities accommodating up to 500 people. Waterfront Place Hotel wphotel.com / 2 Waterfront Place and University Blvd., Morgantown / 304.296.1700 Beautiful, full-service hotel near everything— WVU, PRT, downtown, businesses and hospitals. Concierge level, two restaurants, three bars, spa, fitness center, wifi, covered parking, and meeting and banquet facilities for up to 1,500 people. 12
The Inn at Pettyjohn innpettyjohn.com / 1117 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont / 304.363.0100 48 completely renovated guest rooms, lounge, outdoor heated pool and spa, whirlpool and fireplace suites available; all rooms feature refrigerators, microwave, and 32” flat screen TVs.
Hilton-Garden Inn Clarksburg 606 Emily Drive / 304.326.9200 112 rooms, featuring the latest in technology and ergonomic comfort. Each guest room features a spacious work desk and a hospitality center with microwave, refrigerator, and coffeemaker. Business center complimentary and accessible 24 hours a day. Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Shopping
(continued pg. 32)
Feature / Annual Empty Bowls Monongalia
Annual Empty Bowls Monongalia Come join many of your fellow community members in an important fundraiser! On February 28, come to the Hazel and JW Ruby Community Center at Mylan Park from 11 am to 2:30 pm. You will experience a joyful event as you contribute to this worthy cause. Through education and continued community involvement, Empty Bowls Monongalia provides resources and broker assistance to Monongalia County agencies supporting individuals and families threatened by food insecurity. Empty Bowls Monongalia has set its 2015 fundraising goal at $125,000. The money will provide much needed funding for 21 local food pantries, meal programs, and weekend backpack feeding programs that support over 15,000 food-insecure residents in Monongalia County. Through the efforts of the organization and hundreds of volunteers, 1,571 ceramic bowls, 273 gallons of soup, 20 gallons of coffee, 4,000 cookies, bread, and disposables were donated to the fundraiser in the past. Officials said to reach the 2015 goal, those donations need to increase substantially.
Tickets are available for a minimum donation of $15 per person. Children 10 and under eat free but do not receive a ceramic bowl. Purchasing a ticket in advance reserves a bowl on the day of the event. Tickets will be sold to walk-in patrons as available. Take-out is available any time from 11 am to 2:20 pm. To purchase tickets: Visit http://ebmon.org/events/tickets/ Call Leslie Graebe, 304.288.6070 or email Leslie.Graebe@mail.wvu.edu Or visit one of the following locations: The WOW! Factory, 3453 University Ave., Star City Slight Indulgence, 2300 Collins Ferry Rd. The Elegant Alley Cat, 358 High St. Appalachian Gallery, 270 Walnut St. Classic Furniture, 1537 Sabraton Ave. Twin’s Grocery, 7242 Mason Dixon Hwy The Flying Fish, 5003 Mid Atlantic Dr. Bard Reed Salon, 1212 Van Voorhis Rd. First United Bank and Trust, All locations Dynamic Physical Therapy, All locations For more information on how to volunteer, donate, or help, email information@ emptybowlsmon.org or visit ebmon.org.
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Three Cities is proud to announce the lauch of our new website! www.threecitieswv.com
Visit threecitieswv.com for all the great content featured in the print edition along with previous issues. Explore our wonderful sponsors’ websites. Enjoy exclusive web content and all the most up-to-date local happenings. Contact us at dkwvpublications@frontier.com to learn more about advertising in the magazine and on the website.
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The following pages reflect maps of Clarksburg/Bridgeport, Morgantown, and Fairmont, and depict Three Cities advertiser locations, color-coded by type of business. advertising with
Paid advertising in Three Cities includes an ad placement, a listing in the Advertiser Directory, a location marker on the relevant map(s), as well as an internet presence on Facebook and on the Three Cities website, threecitieswv.com. If your business or service area is interested in becoming an advertiser, please contact us at dkwvpublications@frontier.com.
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Clarksburg / Bridgeport, WV Dining & Entertainment See & Do Accommodations Shopping Services
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Morgantown, WV Dining & Entertainment See & Do Accommodations Shopping Services
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Feature / Science Saturdays
Fairmont, WV Dining & Entertainment See & Do Accommodations Shopping Services
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Feature / West Virginia Statehood, Part 3
West Virginia Statehood Part 3: The Child of the Storm By Michael Workman, PhD
This article is the last in a three-part series written for Three Cities by Michael Workman, PhD. This issue features Part 3: The Child of the Storm. If you missed the September-October or November-December issues, you can find Parts 1 and 2 on the Three Cities Facebook page or website, threecitieswv, in the digital versions. Our trio of statehood leaders faced far more than constitutional hurdles. In addition to the political struggle for statehood, two bloody civil wars raged throughout western Virginia. The movements and crucial battles of regular, uniformed troops are well known, but no complete or even-handed history of the state’s “bushwhacker’s war” has been written. We do know of such colorful groups like the Moccasin Rangers, McNeil’s Rangers, and the Logan Wildcats, and something of the activities of rebel belles like Nancy Hart and Belle Boyd. Two things do seem clear, though: guerrilla activities, as 22
well as Confederate raids, were widespread, occurring in nearly every county (even in the northern panhandle). Also, in contrast to the motives of random bloodlust or revenge commonly attributed to them by northern journalists, guerrillas were reacting in direct opposition to statehood and the imposition of authority from the nascent Wheeling government. No state—with the possible exception of Texas—faced as many birth pangs as West Virginia. The often invoked metaphor, “child of the storm,” is accurate, but obscures the fact that statehood was a planned birth, the result of a long-term political movement and an outcome sought for generations. In retrospect, mistakes were made: the decision to assume a significant chunk of the Virginia state debt in 1861 was incredibly short-sighted. But the biggest blunder was to create such an extensive state with a territory encompassing a
Feature / West Virginia Statehood, Part 3
number of disaffected southern and eastern counties. These counties were taken more or less by conquest during the war. In their zealousness, statehood leaders bit off more than they could chew, bringing in to the body politic many who had only hatred for the new state. They would form the nucleus of an opposition party that would overwhelm state-makers. This division is one of the reasons why West Virginia remains a highly sectionalized state. Despite their mistakes, we still have good reasons to be proud of the framers’ achievements. The new state provided a framework for political equality and democracy, as well as a platform for capitalism and progress. It provided for emancipation. Thanks to the Willey Amendment West Virginia became a new home for liberty. West Virginia was the first southern state to emancipate its slaves. The founders also provided for free public education. As segregation tightened during the next generation in the South, West Virginia remained the only southern state to provide a separate AND equal education for its African-American students. What of the legacy of our trio of framers from the Monongahela Valley? For the most part, they have become obscure, shadowy figures, partly because their political ascendency was so short-lived. The counter-revolution of 1872 shifted political leadership in the state to Democrats and moved the orbit of power to the south and east—well before these men could establish their legacies.
Michael E. Workman, PhD, was born and raised in Fayette County, WV. He earned degrees in history and political science at West Virginia University, where he later served as research associate under Professor Emory Kemp. He has written and published on the history of technology and labor and West Virginia history, including the 2012 “Guardian of the Union: Parkersburg, West Virginia during the Civil War.” He is presently an Assistant Professor at West Virginia State University.
Francis Pierpont has received some attention from posterity: He was recognized with a marble statue at National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington in 1910; and a biography came from the pen of one of the state’s noted historians, Charles Ambler. Willey has been honored with a street name in Morgantown, and his 1840 home place on Wagner Street has been preserved and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With his ambiguous role in statehood, Carlile has been neglected or, justifiably, served as a tragic figure in historical narratives. It is something of an irony that while our ancestors gave their lives and fortunes in the nation’s bloodiest war to support the ideals and goals of these men, their descendants have all but turned their backs. It belies the sentiment expressed in 1910 by Stephen B. Elkins in dedicating the Pierpont statue at the U.S. Capitol. His eulogy concluded: “He founded a state whose people will love and bless his memory as the sun rolls on.” Further Reading Curry, Richard Orr. A House Divided: A Study of Statehood Politics and the Copperhead Movement in West Virginia. University of Pittsburgh Press, 1964. Popular among scholars, it deals with the divisions in the west on statehood issue. Curry, Richard Orr and F. Gerald Ham. “The Bushwhackers’ War: Insurgency and Counter-Insurgency in West Virginia.” Civil War History (December 1964). One of the earliest and best articles on the guerrilla war. Moore, George Ellis. A Banner in the Hills: West Virginia Statehood. New York: AppletonCentury-Crofts, 1963. A straight-forward treatment of statehood. Williams, John Alexander. West Virginia: A History, first published in 1976 and by West Virginia University Press in 2003. Popular and well-written, it is the best from the revisionists. “A State of Convenience,” online exhibit developed by the West Virginia Department of Culture and History, www.wvculture.org. Collection of primary-source documents; title reflects revisionist interpretation. 23
Feature / A Collection of Poems About West Virginia
A Collection of Poems About West Virginia Idylliad to be published in March 2015 Elizabeth A. Savage is a professor of English at Fairmont State University (FSU), where she also serves as poetry editor for Kestrel: A Journal of LIterature & Art. The journal was founded in 1993 and has earned an excellent international reputation as a competitive and skillfully designed literary magazine. Three Cities will feature more about the journal in a future issue.
used the Idylliad project to slow down and write very deliberately about West Virginia through the seasons of at least one year. “My intention in writing about West Virginia in Idylliad was, in part, trying to remember what it looked like when I first moved here— to see where I was and see it without daily familiarity as well. The writing was a tool for discovery—finding out what I don’t know about where I am. Additionally, this book was my first venture into homeric tropes, like similes and double similes found in the Iliad. It was part of a challenge to myself because I had avoided traditional literary tropes in poems.”
Her newest book, Idylliad, to be published in March 2015 by Furniture Press Books, a small press in Baltimore, is a collection of poems about West Virginia, encountered through homeric tropes. “I wanted to write in order to see West Virginia more clearly.” Elizabeth Although her teaching always comes was born and raised in Richmond VA, and first, Elizabeth has managed a long list of then received her undergraduate degree publications. She is a published poet and at James Madison, followed by a masters journal contributor, with considerable at Boston College. While working on her research and speaking engagement activity. PhD at Duquesne, she first met people who Elizabeth has previously published a worked at Fairmont State. They said many chapbook and a book. Additionally, Verse positive things about FSU, its intimacy, and literary journal, known for publishing its teaching atmosphere. So although her experimental poetry, is featuring a 26-poem first post-doctoral teaching position was dossier she wrote this past fall. with Virginia Commonwealth University, she But what sets Elizabeth Savage apart from actively pursued a position at Fairmont State. others? Elizabeth spends a lot of energy She’s now lived here over a decade and 24
Feature / A Collection of Poems About West Virginia
promoting other poets and helping them get published. Inspired by her personal experience of hoping for but rarely receiving feedback as an aspiring poet, she has taken the initiative to spend time forming personal relationships with writers, reviewing their work, and helping them prepare for publication. Elizabeth enjoys this interaction immensely, and states “It also helps me be a better poetry editor. All the editors at Kestrel want to give writers more than just pages in our journal.”
Territory vs Property “Let me recite what history teaches. History teaches.” – Gertrude Stein East rails into west where safe belies spent & the whitetail leaps over whitewashed fence & whitewater streams like a darkened spring
Another outstanding attribute Elizabeth down the desolate face of June exhibits is the pride she takes in her as bodies run in place students. She explained that many of her floating hats, flowing boots students are very concerned about the (First published in Weave Magazine, future of West Virginia and think about ways a bicoastal literary organization and they can personally continue to make it a print publication) better place to live. “If my students are any indication, there’s cause for optimism in West Virginia. They are aware of exploitation “When I wrote this poem, I was thinking about the way my neighbors and I talk to each other about the space we share, how we vary in our references to the land that we officially own. Sometimes, there seems to be ways we tacitly agree about what land belongs to us individually and what belongs to all of us who live on this tiny road a lot of locals don’t even know is here. In terms of real estate taxes, each of us pays for a specific acreage, a lot of which we can’t see because it’s so wooded, but the way we think of property lines is pretty blurry. The lack of possessiveness, I think, makes us neighbors, but our respect for each other’s boundaries, at other times, does too. Considering this interesting phenomenon among people, including and especially me, who tend to be intensely private, I thought about West Virginia’s inception as a legal and political in their hometowns. Even as freshmen, many boundary, but one that came from a similar of them are thinking about ways they might collective imagining that continues. I also work with corporations to change things thought about all the wildlife that knows once they leave school and get into the nothing about property lines or place workplace.” boundaries–a deer eating your irises doesn’t The poem “Territory vs Property” is one of know “my yard” from shinola. They are the poems from Idylliad—the title joins “idyll” always ‘here,’ wherever they are.” (meaning “little picture,” usually of an idealized pastoral scene) and Homer’s brutal war poem the Iliad. Following the poem is a paragraph explaining what Elizabeth was thinking about as she penned this poem.
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Feature / Talking Jazz!
Michael Berry, Hal Galper, Jenny and Nathan Wilson
Talking Jazz! Arts Mon grant supports “Talking Jazz: A Forum on Jazz Improvisation” The Jenny Wilson Trio is an ensemble that performs creative jazz throughout the MidAtlantic region and beyond. Since we last featured the group, in the January-February 2014 issue of Three Cities, the ensemble’s composition has changed. The trio still includes acoustic bassist and husband, Nathan Wilson, and now includes drummer Michael Berry. Michael is from Denver and played for many years with the Grammynominated group “Rare Silk.” Jenny and Nathan often perform as a piano/bass duo with Jenny providing vocals as well. Son Evan Lintz is still drumming occasionally with his parents when time permits. He has graduated from WVU and is working in Washington DC, but he will be performing with the trio in Orlando, Florida this winter at the Timucua Arts Foundation. In addition to their work performing, teaching, and writing music, Jenny and Nathan were awarded grants for several initiatives in 2014. The WV Department of Culture and History awarded Jenny a professional development grant that enabled the jazz trio to travel to upstate New York for two days of coaching with jazz musician Hal Galper. Jenny commented, “Hal’s stature in the international jazz community is extremely high and his pedagogy is 26
respected in the most prestigious of higher learning institutions. Our work with Hal has given us some concrete goals as a trio and we now have a methodology for working together that gives us direction and a unified focus. It was extremely valuable to have this experience as a trio.” Additionally, Jenny recently received a grant from Arts Mon, and she will soon be presenting a forum, “Talking Jazz: A Forum on Jazz Improvisation.” The forum will explain in layman’s terms how musicians think and play as they improvise. Nathan also received a grant from Arts Mon for new recording equipment that will enable him to record their next CD as well as other projects in the community. Recently, The West Virginia Arts Presenters invited the trio to showcase their work to representatives from the WV Arts Council in Charleston, WV. They were the only West Virginia artists and the only jazz musicians at the showcase. That appearance has already resulted in several new opportunities for them. The trio is expanding its repertoire of original music. Jenny’s compositions have been widely enjoyed on the trio’s CD recording “What She Sang In Winter.” Her poignant and sultry vocals are featured on the latest CD, “Willow.” Both recordings
Feature / Some Thoughts on Snow Sports
have been sold in the US, Asia, and Europe. Living in Morgantown is a plus–the trio plays regularly at the Suncrest Black Bear and at Terra Café as well as private events for WVU and the local business community. The trio also frequently plays in Pittsburgh at Little E’s Jazz Club, Sonoma, Backstage Bar, and Cioppino. They are also active in Bridgeport with the WV Jazz Society as clinicians for the Jazz Academy and as performers. They play at Mia Margherita monthly and also provide music for the residents at Emeritus at Maplewood in Bridgeport several times a month. In 2014, the trio again traveled to New York, Maine, and Florida for successful
performances in various concert venues. Jenny and Nathan ultimately hope to perform in Japan and Europe as well. Their first performance of the new year will be at Tin 202 on High St. in Morgantown for an after-dinner jazz concert with bebop trumpet master Adam Loudin, on January 2 at 8:30 pm. Check out the trio’s website, www.jennyandnathan.com, to learn more about the Jenny Wilson Trio, listen to music samples, see their performance schedule, or purchase CDs. As always, they would like to thank their friends, fans, and local venues who support live music in our community.
Some Thoughts on Snow Sports Skiing, snowboarding, and just about anything outside in the snow… By Bill Kirk, Certified Ski Instructor, Professional Ski Instructors of America
You are going outside to a mountain environment so attire appropriately: base layer, intermediate layer, and outer waterproof layer. Synthetic fabrics are great and even wool is making a comeback. Of course, a hat and waterproof gloves are a necessity. A snowsport is a physical activity and thus requires some level of fitness. An exercise program prior to, or at least some stretching, will inevitably help. Protective wear is not optional. A helmet, wrist protection (for snowboarders), eyewear (sunglasses/goggles), and sunscreen are musts. Raccoon eyes look cool but melanoma and cranial fractures are not. Use only equipment adjusted by a certified technician. Your limbs will thank you.
Know your responsibility as a snowsport participant (i.e., the Responsibility Code printed with the trail map you always carry with you). Right? Snow is not always soft and fluffy. Machinemade snow that has been groomed each night for the past two months can and may exhibit the properties of concrete or fine velvet. Beseech the weather gods for your desired surface. Ski or snowboard with friends and family– it’s more fun. Snowsports may be somewhat expensive, but the benefit of the experience far outweighs the dollars spent. And, it beats winter too! Oh, did I forget sled riding, tubing, crosscountry, and snowshoeing? Most of the above apply.
Beginners–take a lesson, Intermediates– take a lesson, and you Experts–take a lesson. It will make your day more fun. Resorts make their own determination as to the difficulty of its trails/slopes. A trail marked easiest (green circle) at one resort may be marked more difficult (blue square) at another resort. Most difficult (black diamond) usually means most difficult wherever you go. 27
Feature / Chef on the Move
Morgantown’s Richwood Grill has been closed for over a year. And yet Executive Chef Marion Ohlinger was one of three finalists in Morgantown Magazine’s Best Chef category for 2015. Voted the Best Chef in the Best of Morgantown contest in 2013, he has a huge following, and fans will be delighted when he and his wife Alegria eventually find the right venue to open. Or maybe the right something else? At the Richwood Grill, Marion capitalized on his experiences traveling the world and cooking in restaurants across the U.S by creating new dishes made with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Together, Alegria and Marion founded a restaurant that fused global flavors with a focus on sustainability.
Chef on the Move “It’s the only thing I know how to do. I can’t do normal food. I have a desperate need to be creative and do new stuff.” Chef Marion Ohlinger
Marion stated, “My goal is to promote Appalachia. It’s the last cultural pocket of America left undiscovered. I want to help preserve our culture and build it into the future. We were the first in WV, and maybe in Appalachia, to serve farm to table. We strived to keep the dollars in Appalachia—the one exception was a global wine list. In season, we kept over 90% of output within 200 miles. In the off-season, we went down to 50%. So we were experimental, and also adventurous. Customers couldn’t always get what they wanted when they entered the restaurant. I like to compare our work with the Ramones: we never really had a hit, but had our diehard dedicated followers!” Since closing the restaurant, Marion has been quite busy finding new and innovative outlets! “I’ve been free-lancing, catering, personal chefing, helping other restaurants here and there, judging a lot of cooking competitions, doing demonstrations at farmers markets, and traveling a lot–Hong Kong, Thailand, Mexico, and about twenty states since Richwood closed. I’m writing a book about Appalachian foodways and culinary culture, and putting together a synopsis for a PBS show about it. We are doing a Kickstarter to help with funding in the spring.” Marion recently announced he is reviving his monthly dinner series, as Guest Chef,
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Feature / Chef on the Move
rechristened the Appalachian Global Dinner “This doesn’t mean we have given up on Series. I will provide the ingredients and opening a new restaurant, but we haven’t menu, and restaurants will provide the found the right place yet. We are always open to suggestions. When we do find the right place, and we won’t settle for anything My goal is to promote Appalachia. It’s that’s not what we want, it will be the next the last cultural pocket of America left progression. We’ve always been the most adventurous restaurant in the area; that undiscovered. I want to help preserve our culture and build it into the future. won’t change, and of course it will be farmto-table. I’d like to see just how far I can take the concept of sourcing locally,” said Marion. venue and cooks. There are eight restaurants For updates, “Like” Chef Marion Ohlinger on lined up so far. Venues and exact dates for Facebook. each event will be announced at least one month ahead of time.
Applachian Global Dinner Series will be by reservation only. Here is a sampling of the planned dinners. January / 10th Anniversary Rum and Chocolate Dinner–Single-Origin Heirloom Chocolate Dishes Paired with Small-Batch Rums February / The Maritimes–Cuisine of Newfoundland, Labrador, and Nova Scotia March / The Cuisine of Yemen–Portuguese and Indostani Influences in the Coastal Middle East March / West Virginia Craft Beer and Global Artisan Cheese–Pairing Local Craft Beers with Rare Handmade Cheeses of the World April / Appalachian Ramp Lollapalooza– Ramps Thirty Ways: This Ain’t Your Grandma’s ‘Church Social Ramp Dinner Pot Luck Fundraiser’ May / Scottish Keiseki–Japanese-Scots Fusion Featuring a Scottish and Japanese Whisky Pairing June / Pre-Colonial Appalachia– The Native Cuisine of the Seneca, Shawnee, and Cherokee June / Edible Music–Twelve Iconic Food Songs Re-imagined as Small Plates Paired with Libations from Twelve Classic Drinking Songs July / Bolivia: Where the Pampas Meets the Andes–Traditional Bolivian Cuisine Featuring a Pit-Roasted Alpaca and a Spit-Roasted Rhea
July / Highway 61 Revisited–Mississippi River Soul Food: Cool Beer and Haute Tamales August / Before Myanmar–Historic Cuisine of British Burma August / One Mile Meal–Pop-Kitchen on a Local Farm: Preparing an Entire Meal Using Only Ingredients From Within One Square Mile September / Flogging a Dead Horse– The 7th and Absolutely Last Ever Appalachian Deconstruction and Molecular Gastronomy Dinner October / Wild Appalachia–Modern and Traditional Cuisine Prepared Using Only Wild Fish & Game and Foraged Ingredients October / 10th Annual Day of the Dead Celebration–Traditional Oaxacan Cuisine Paired with Single-Village Mescals November / Georgia Meets Georgia–The Cuisine of Asiatic Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains Crossed with the Southern Appalachian Mountain Cuisine of American Georgia November / Bourbon and Beef–The Terroir of Appalachian Beef: Grass-Fed Beef from Diverse Regions of West Virginia Paired with Single-Barrel Bourbons December / Sugar and Spice–Following the Global Foodpath of Sugarcane and The Spice 29
VISIT LEWIS COUNTY GET OUT OF TOWN!
FOR ALL YOUR TRAVEL AND TOURISM NEEDS
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mountainlakescvb.com
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Advertiser Directory / Services
Owned and operated by artist Lotus A. MacDowell, Artworks specializes in custom framing and has an outstanding selection of art and unique gifts. Here you will find a large selection of MacDowell’s original artwork and limited edition prints, as well as the work of a number of West Virginia and other nationally known artists.
Morgantown area Arrow Gift Shoppe arrowgiftshoppe.com / 220 High Street, Morgantown / 304.296.6100 This small shop is full of interesting choices to liven up your life. West Virginia town signs, seasonal wreaths, a large selection of nostalgic tin signs, candles, cards, decorative lags, cookie cutters, WV post cards and souvenirs, Don Knotts’ memorabilia, cookbooks, pet placemats, tote bags. Very reasonable prices. Mon–Fri 11 am–5:30 pm | Sat 10 am–5 pm. Morgantown Art Association morgantownartassociation.com / Mountaineer Mall, Greenbag Road, Morgantown / 304.291.5900 Local and regional artists are showcased in exhibits of their work, many of which are for sale. Art includes oil, watercolor, acrylics, pastels, block prints, photographs, jewelry, and reproductions. Staffed by member artists. Come visit and talk ART. Classes and workshops offered during the day and evening. Tues–Fri 10 am–4 pm or by appointment. The Shoppes at Seneca Center senecacenter.com / 709 Beechurst Avenue, Morgantown / 304.692.7500 The former Seneca Glass Factory is a Morgantown landmark, restored and on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it houses a variety of shops offering gifts, women’s fashions, bath and body products, antiques and collectibles, and more. Services include Real Estate. Mon–Sat.
Sutton WV Everything Fiesta everythingfiesta.com / Flatwoods Factory Stores, I-79 Exit 67, Flatwoods, WV / 304.765.5383 Large variety of world-famous Fiesta, beautifully displayed. First-quality Fiesta and accessories and a large selection of second-quality Fiesta at discounted prices. Mon–Sat 10–6 | Sun 12–6.
Services Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Fairmont, and Morgantown areas 32
MVB Most Valuable Bank mvbbanking.com / Numerous locations and growing. Check out our website for the bank nearest you! We are a vibrant community bank founded on the principles of honesty, respect and accountability. MVB takes great pride in providing sound solutions for all your financial needs, from high interest checking, to home loans, business loans, and beyond. Our teamwork approach is designed to deliver extraordinary products and services, every day.
Morgantown area Air Service of West Virginia airservicewv.com / 3715 Collins Ferry Rd, Morgantown / 304.599.4649 “A Higher Degree of Service” Our commitment to bringing the best to our customers—dependable service and the highest quality products—means we are always on top of the newest technologies and products in the HVAC industry. J. Douglas Crane, LC cranewvlaw.com / 150 Pleasant St, Morgantown / 304.292.3037 Call us when you need help with issues in the areas of family law, bankruptcy, corporate business, and estate planning. Mon–Fri 9am–5pm Groom groomstyleformen.com / 1006 Northpointe Plaza, Morgantown / 304.241.5634 At GROOM we are doing things differently. Our focus is to provide an amazing salon experience for men. Walk-in to GROOM and get a great haircut with style know-how. Relax with a scalp and neck massage topped off with a hot towel, then take in a little TV and a beverage. Walk out with style that is sure to please. Tues–Fri 10 am–6 pm | Sat 9 am–3 pm. Lauran Kirk Hair Artistry (LKHA) lkhasalon.com / 1003 Northpointe Plaza, Morgantown / 304.296.5542 Experience Lauran Kirk Hair Artistry. Experience the relaxation of the wash house, explore the inventiveness of the color bar, and gain style knowhow at the toolbar or take home gallery. Learn how our team approach can benefit you, especially when schedules get busy. Our combined efforts will change your expectations of a salon experience. Tues–Thur 9 am–7 pm | Fri 9 am–5 pm | Sat 9 am–3 pm | Closed Sun and Mon. RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals remax.com / 709 Beechurst Avenue, Suite 24, Seneca Center, Morgantown / 304.292.3900 Located in Historic Seneca Center, we are a full-time, full-service real estate office featuring residential and commercial real estate sales, accredited buyer agents, and real estate appraisals.
Feature / RED Wins at West Virginia Theatre Festival
David Beach; Shenedoah Thompson
MACplayers Production of RED Wins at West Virginia Theatre Festival Monongalia Arts Center’s MACplayers production of John Logan’s play RED will represent West Virginia at the Southeastern Theatre Conference Community Theatre Festival in March 2015 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
RED was performed at MAC in July 2014. The production was entered in the WV Theatre Association’s festival, competing against productions from the Historic Fayette Theatre and JIRAL Entertainment in Sutton.
Co-directed by and co-starring Morgantown actors David Beach and Shenendoah Thompson, RED won Best Play at the West Virginia Theatre Association’s Community Theatre Festival on November 8 in Bridgeport. Thompson also won Best Actor for his portrayal of Ken.
For the production to participate in the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Chattanooga, it will take substantial additional funds beyond MAC’s nonprofit operating budget. To raise these funds, MAC will host additional performances in February and have a separate fundraising campaign to cover the costs, including the rights to perform the play; competition registration; transportation and lodging for cast, crew, and set; and additional props, such as canvas and paint. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit bit.ly/ REDfundraiser or contact MAC for more options. More information is available at info@monartscenter.com, 304.292.3325, or monartscenter.com
The play focuses on abstract expressionist, Mark Rothko, in the late 1950s when he was commissioned to paint a series of murals for the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York. During the two years Rothko worked on the murals, his assistant, Ken, gained the confidence to challenge him, and Rothko learned the murals could become his undoing. RED premiered in London in 2009 before transferring to New York in early 2010. It won Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play.
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Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events January 4 and every Sunday (except last of month) | Jenny and Nathan Wilson Jazz Duo Terra Café, 11 am–2 pm January 4 | Hustle Workshop Get a jump start on learning to dance the Hustle. The Couples Hustle is characterized by chameleon-like qualities that provide an extremely smooth look as dancers turn and rotate with seamless motion, similar in composition and style to swing. It’s a highly effective addition to any experienced or beginner dancer’s repertoire. Many of the class and workshop participants have been pleasantly surprised by the versatility and adaptability of this unique couples dance to many types of music including Top 40 hits, disco classics, 60s, 70s and 80s classics, dance jazz, blues and even county music. First session is free. Additional classes Jan 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3. More information available at bopark.org. Marilla Recreation Center. 6–8 pm. January 6 and every Tuesday | Jenny and Nathan Wilson Jazz Duo Black Bear in Evansdale, Morgantown. 6:30–9:00 pm January 9–31 | The Most Vulnerable by PSALM Monongalia Arts Center is proud to host the work of the Proud Students Against Landmines and Cluster Bombs (PSALM) in the Benedum Gallery. The portraits created by PSALM will feature child survivors of landmines and cluster munitions. PSALM students will act as gallery guides during the January 9 opening reception, 6:30–8:30 pm. The opening reception and exhibition have no admission fee and are open to the public. January 10 | Mary Lucille DeBerry Book Signing for Alice Saw the Beauty DeBerry’s poems tell the stories behind family heirlooms—such as a hand-woven coverlet, a homemade rolling pin, and a 19th century copper bedspring—while also covering gardening, wood-walks, and fascinating people—both real and imagined. DeBerry has had poetry published in numerous 34
journals and anthologies including Appalachian Heritage, Appalachian Journal, and Wild Sweet Notes: Fifty Years of West Virginia Poetry. Monongalia Arts Center. 2–3 pm. This event has no admission fee and is open to the public. January 11 | Run to Read Half Marathon In its 10th year, this event has drawn over 260 runners each of the last 3 years. Last year runners came from 22 West Virginia counties and 10 states. This level and accurately measured course (USATF certified) is perfect for a “personal best” time. Register in advance, online or by printing a form and mailing it to save $10, or register the day of the race at the old visitor center. For more information, visit Runningintheusa. Prickett’s Fort State Park. 1–4:00 pm. Benefits Literacy Volunteers of Marion County, a United Way agency and a 501©(3) entity. January 15 and every third Thursday of each month | Morgantown Poets Hosted by the Monongalia Arts Center. MAC, High Street, Morgantown. Morgantown Poets is an informal not-for-profit, all-volunteer community group that meets from 7–9 pm the third Thursday of each month at MAC, providing literary enthusiasts in north-central West Virginia the opportunity to express themselves, share their work, network, and to connect up-and-coming writers with more established authors. New writers are welcome. An Open Mic will follow. Free and open to the public. Email info@monartscenter.com, call 304.292.3325, or visit monartscenter.com January 16 & 17 | Brad Paisley at the WVU Coliseum West Virginia native Brad Paisley, a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and entertainer announced on ESPN’s College GameDay in Morgantown that he will perform two shows at the WVU Coliseum. Tickets run between $39 and $79. All WVU students will receive a $10 discount with a valid student ID. Tickets are available at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, ticketmaster. com, and by phone at 304.293.SHOW and 800.745.3000. WVU Coliseum. 7:30 pm.
Calendar of Events
January 16 | Wanda Sykes Ranked in Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Funniest People in America, Sykes has showcased her unique and hilarious view of the world in everything from sketch shows, sitcoms, stand-up specials, and books. Sykes has been a fixture of television, winning four Emmys for her work on “The Chris Rock Show” and “Inside the NFL,” and has also appeared on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” as well as multiple HBO and Comedy Central stand-up specials. WVU Creative Arts Center. 7:30 pm. January 18 | West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Mountain Stage with Larry Groce Acts will include Lee Ann Womack, Mac McAnally, Angaleena Presley, and Charlie Worsham. All Tickets General Admission: $18 in advance, $25 day-of-show. One discounted ticket per valid WVU Student I.D. Discount valid at campus box offices and 304.293. SHOW only. Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center Box Offices and Ticketmaster outlets. WVU Creative Arts Center. 7 pm. January 19 | Community Coalition for Social Justice-Main Street Morgantown Eighth Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Celebration This eighth annual celebration will be held on Monday, January 19th, at 2 pm at the Metropolitan Theatre, 373 High Street, Morgantown. The theme this year is “The Road to the Vote” to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. See related article, page 6. January 22 | Million Dollar Quartet Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the phenomenal true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four musicians were gathered together by Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” at Sun Records in Memphis. Features 21 timeless hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,”
“Fever,” “Hound Dog” and more. WVU Creative Arts Center. 7:30 pm. January 23 | MAComedy Night Monongalia Arts Center will host the Winter MAComedy Night on at 8 pm in MAC’s Tanner Theatre. Don’t miss this four comic lineup (for mature audiences) in an intimate theatre setting. January 23-24 | Winter Jazz Weekend The 6th Annual Winter Jazz Weekend is set, with the theme “New York Nights” for Friday and Saturday, January 23 and 24 at the Bridgeport Conference Center. New York City’s Eddie Allen will appear both nights. The event, sponsored by the Bridgeport Arts Council, will feature jazz education for local students. Friday night is formal, with dinner served and dancing to follow. Saturday will also include dinner, but not served, it has a more casual speak-easy setting. Great food, music and drinks! February 7 | WVU Children’s Hospital 12th Annual Gala Fundraiser Join us for an evening filled with gourmet dining, entertainment, dancing, and live and silent auctions. A black tie event, the gala includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, live entertainment, and dinner. Cocktail reception, 5:30 pm; Dinner begins at 7 pm. Waterfront Place Hotel, Morgantown. For more information, call 304.598.4346 x5 or email skuboviusm@wvuhealthcare.com. February 9 | The 5 Browns Whether performing individually or together in various combinations from duo to complex five-piano arrangements, The 5 Browns bring a fresh energy and dynamic character to the color and tonal spectrum of their sound-waking up classical music! The 5 Browns all attended New York’s Juilliard School, becoming the first family of five siblings ever accepted simultaneously. The 5 Browns have released three CDs that each went to #1 on Billboard magazine’s Classical Album Chart. The New York Post has proclaimed: “One family, five pianos, and 50 fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years. WVU Creative Arts Center. 7:30 pm.
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Calendar of Events
February 12 | Stand-Up Comic: Darik Santos from America’s Got Talent Monongalia Arts Center is excited to host Darik Santos, a stand-up comic and quarterfinalist of season 9 of America’s Got Talent, at 8 pm in MAC’s Tanner Theatre. Admission is $10. February 15 | Richard Marx Richard Marx’s career as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer has spanned nearly three decades. He has made history with a string of indelible hits, including “Don’t Mean Nothing,” “Should’ve Known Better,” “Hold Onto the Nights” and “Right Here Waiting.” He has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, earned 14 No. 1 singles, and is the only male artist to simultaneously chart seven Top 5 singles on Billboard charts. WVU Creative Arts Center. 7:30 pm. February 17 | Artist Networking Event Monongalia Arts Center will host the February Artist Networking Event for artists in Monongalia County and the surrounding region from 5:30–7 pm. The purpose of the event is to provide artists of all disciplines with an opportunity to connect with fellow artists in a relaxed social setting. This event does not have an admission fee. February 20–22 | 18th Century Firearms and Accoutrements Show Come join us for a fun and educational buying experience from some of the best craftsmen in WV, VA, PA, OH and NY. Whether 18th century reenactor or serious collector, there will be something for everyone. Prickett’s Fort Visitor Center. $3 at the door. Friday 1–6 pm, Saturday 9 am–5 pm, and Sunday 9 am–3 pm. February 20, 21, 22, 27, & 28 | Same Time, Next Year Monongalia Arts Center is excited to announce the winter MACplayers production, Same Time, Next Year, will show in MAC’s
Tanner Theatre on February 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 8 pm and February 22 at 2 pm. Same Time, Next Year follows a love affair between two people, Doris and George, who are happily married to others but rendezvous once a year, developing an emotional intimacy that is deeper than what the situation would seem to allow. Admission is $10. Tickets are available online at monartscenter.com/shop, via phone at 304.292.3325, or at the MAC Lobby Desk. February 22 | Sister Act Sister Act is Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The New York Post calls it “ridiculously fun,” and audiences are jumping to their feet in total agreement! Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look–a convent! A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship. WVU Creative Arts Center. 7:30 pm. February 27–28 | Gardner Winter Music Festival GWMF gives traditional Appalachian music lovers a place to play, listen, dance, and learn in the cold of winter. Everyone is welcome and musicians get in free with their instruments! Join us Friday evening 6–11 pm and Saturday 9 am–11 pm. See related article, page 7. February 28 | Empty Bowls Monongalia Through education and continued community involvement, Empty Bowls Monongalia provides resources and broker assistance to Monongalia County agencies supporting individuals and families threatened by food insecurity. $15. Mylan Park. 11 am–2:30 pm. See related article, page 13.
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Mylan Park is a community non-profit recreational and educational campus, the largest and most diverse special event venue in North-Central West Virginia.
Whether you are planning or attending an event, the Hazel and J.W. Ruby Community Center has something for you. Located at Mylan Park in Morgantown, 1.7 miles off Interstate 79, Exit 155, this 54,000 sq.ft. facility can accommodate trade shows, expositions, performance events, banquets, festivals, and sports events. On site and new this year, 30 RV parking spaces with hook-ups available for rent.
500 MYLAN PARK LANE, MORGANTOWN, WV 26501
www.mylanpark.com