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September 27, 2025
September 27, 2025
Special Program by Gregg Kimball - "Searching for Jimmie Strother"
A musical lecture by author historian Gregg Kimball, centered around his recently published book "Searching for Jimmie Strother - A Tale of Music, Murder and Memory." The story of Jimmie Strother is a window into Virginia traditional music of the early twentieth century, as well as a reflection of the social conditions of the time. Blinded in an industrial accident, James “Jimmie” Strother turned to music (he was an accomplished banjo and guitar player) in order to make a living, often performing on street corners for loose change. In April 1935, he was convicted in Culpeper County of murdering his wife. While serving his sentence, he was recorded by folklorist John Lomax. Through these recordings, Strother's repertoire of comedic ditties, spirituals, and blues tunes reached a wide range of listeners, and were later covered by musicians like Pete Seeger and Jefferson Airplane. Strother’s powerful songs continue to influence, and remain deeply relevant, to American culture to this day.
The program includes a slide presentation along with live performances of Strother’s music, bringing his voice and story to life. Gregg will discuss his findings and the research leading up to the publication of his book, which included meetings and interviews with Strother's descendants. This will be a musical journey into the gritty, long forgotten world that gave birth to the blues! Gregg will be joined by blues musicians Sheryl Warner and Rick Manson. There'll be an opportunity to chat and ask questions after the presentation. Copies of Gregg's book will be available for purchase, and this is your chance to get an autographed copy!
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm) Tickets $5.00 at the door (no advance tickets). Refreshments will be available.
October 25, 2025
October 25, 2025
Elsa Howell - Traditional Ballad Singer
Elsa Howell is a ballad singer, songwriter and old time guitarist from Southwest Virginia. Raised in a musical family and steeped in the traditions of Appalachia, her passion for traditional balladry began at the age of eight, when she met Virginia ballad singer Elizabeth LaPrelle. Little did she know that, years later, she would be selected by the Virginia Folklife Program as Elizabeth's apprentice!
Elsa blends her traditional background with a love for poetry and old country music, and she has been highly praised for her strong, clear voice and confident delivery. Her role models include modern artists such as Gillian Welch, and she has also been inspired by traditional ballad singers Texas Gladden, Jean Ritchie, and Sheila Kay Adams. She has been featured at the Richmond Folk Festival, The Mid Mountain Festival in Natural Bridge, The Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D. C. While her focus is on traditional music, she also performs her own original songs, inspired by her native Virginia and its flora and fauna, as well as its women singers and their history. Elsa is drawn to songs with winding, haunted melodies and narrative lyrics, highlighting the importance of music as a storytelling tool in her own work.
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm) Tickets $12.00 in advance/$15.00 at the door. Refreshments will be available.
November 22, 2025
Ramona Martinez - Honky Tonk, Tejano and More !
With family roots in South Texas, Ramona Martinez represents a new generation of Honky Tonk music. Her powerful vocals cover an emotional range from determined to comic to vulnerable. Steeped in classic country and western styles of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, her music forges a unique blend of Honky Tonk and traditional Mexican styles that has been described as “Mexi-tonk.”
Ramona was recently recognized by Wide Open Country as one of the "15 Latino Artists Shaping Country Music," Simultaneously rooted in the traditional sounds of country music but unafraid of pushing boundaries and highlighting the connections across border cultures, Ramona's music is unique yet rooted in tradition.
Ramona has performed throughout the region, appearing at several Americana festivals including Red Wing Roots, Rooster Walk, Bristol Rhythm & Roots and the Richmond Folk Festival. She has opened for touring artists like Margo Cilker, Colby Acuff, Willi Carlisle, Redd Volkaert, Joshua Hedley, Donna the Buffalo, and Kashus Culpepper.
Fiddler Brendan Boylan of Wilson Springs Hotel will join Ramona in her Richmond Folk Music performance.
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm) Tickets $12.00 in advance/$15.00 at the door. Refreshments will be available.
December 31, 2025
NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION!
Once again, we'll be hosting our New Year's Eve bash! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for details!
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