Performing Arts

The Second-Wind Band

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 | 10:45-12:45pm

RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS, COME JOIN US!  All ability levels are welcome, with director's approval. 

Want to be a musician? We can make your dream come true with serious fun!

Organized in 1994, this is one of only two Virginia-based New Horizons Band Project (NHBP) bands—a project that promotes lifelong learning through music and boasts over 100 senior citizen bands. Greg Vaughn directs a group of players, most of whom had either never played an instrument or hadn’t played since their school days. The repertoire includes classical, show tunes, patriotic, and holiday music. Along with community performances, the band’s schedule includes two annual concerts at the Center.

For more information and session prices, contact Greg Vaughn at: band@thecentercville.org For rehearsal information and performance schedule, check the band calendar.

Click here for information about the First-Wind Band.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Director band@thecentercville.org

Performance by Charlottesville Opera Young Artists

Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

The world of opera is experiencing a rush of exciting new works, and many pieces considered "contemporary" have quickly become classics. Join the Charlottesville Opera Young Artists for this program featuring music from the 20th Century forward, all sung in English. Free and open to all. Register here.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

First-Wind Band

Thursday, June 24, 2021 | 10:30-12:00pm

Learn new musical skills or revitalize old ones with the First-Wind Band. All you need is the desire to learn to play an instrument. Interested, but no instrument? We have several for rent. Playing music is not only fun, but is good for your mental and physical health. Ask any of the members and they’ll tell you that it keeps them active and involved, and is a great way to make new friends. For more info and session prices, contact Greg Vaughn at band@thecentercville.org

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Tap Dancing Lessons - Beginners (ON SITE)

Thursday, June 24, 2021 | 10:30-11:30am

 Thursdays, 10:30am-11:30am

Classes are taught by Diana Freeman, a Royal Academy of Dance Instructor.  Diana has taught ballet and tap for over 40 years.  She was also a member of a Seniors Tap Dance team, competing in European championships and winning three consecutive years in two categories.  Tap dance offers a fun way to exercise.  If you "used to" tap, it's not too late to dust off your tap shoes and re-learn this skill.

Standard Members - $40/month; Prime Members - included in membership

REGISTRATION REQUIRED BELOW.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Tap Dancing Lessons- Intermediate (ON SITE)

Thursday, June 24, 2021 | 11:30-12:30pm

Thursdays, 11:30am-12:30pm

Classes will be taught by Diana Freeman, a Royal Academy of Dance Instructor.  Diana has taught ballet and tap for over 40 years.  She was also a member of a Seniors Tap Dance team, competing in European championships and winning three consecutive years in two categories.  Tap dance offers a fun way to exercise.  

Members only.

Location: The Center

African Drumming Class (On site)

Thursday, June 24, 2021 | 2:00-4:00pm

Thursdays, 2:00 pm

The African Drumming Class will introduce participants to traditional beats in a group setting from the cultures of the Old Mali Empire, the coastal cultures of Ghana, and some New World beats from the Caribbean and Brazil.

The class will always be aiming towards preparation for performance, as the opportunities arise and participants have the skills and comfort to do so.

Participants will learn the motor skills needed to advance as drummers, how to verbally articulate different beats, group like beats and separate them by styles. Different notation styles will be introduced, as an aid to memorizing beats.

African Drumming Class:

     Objective One: Introduce traditional beats of Old Mali Empire and coastal Ghana. 

     Objective Two: Establish ensemble rhythm; playing together while holding separate beats against each other.

     Objective Three: Learn common accompaniment patterns within each style, and how to use them with common dance beats, from whatever source.

For more info, contact Bruce Penner at (434) 249-1406. The instructor  will provide whatever media is needed.

Free and open to the community. Register below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

The Flashbacks

Friday, June 25, 2021 | 10:45-12:45pm

One of only two Virginia-based New Horizons Band Project (NHBP) bands, a project that promotes lifelong learning through music and boasts over 100 bands, this 22-member jazz ensemble is under the direction of Greg Vaughn. Their classic swinging sounds can be heard at the Center and throughout the region at public events and private parties.

Guests are welcome to visit practices.

Need a band for a special event? Contact the director to see if we fit the bill! 

For rehearsal information and performance schedule, contact the director at band@thecentercville.org

Members only.

Location: The Center

Thursdays Around 5 (ONSITE)

Thursday, July 8, 2021 | 5:03-7:00pm

Thursdays Around 5 is The Center at Belvedere's own answer to Charlottesville's Fridays After Five.  These performances seek to showcase area musicians and provide another opportunity for the Charlottesville music-loving community to hear some favorite bands or be introduced to new ones.  Open to all.  The admissions fee for each event is $10 per person.  Advance registration is required by calling Linda Hahn at (434) 220-9736 or by registering below.  Space is limited.

Boxed Lunch
Thursday, July 8, 5:03–7:00 pm

This Charlottesville-based indie pop/rock band features the melodic songwriting duo of Justin Storer (drums/vocals) and Joel Streeter (guitar/vocals), along with Emily Gardiner (vocals), Zack Beamer (bass/vocals) and Chad Page (lead guitar). Boxed Lunch is known for their high-energy live shows and amazing harmonies. This event will be held outside, weather permitting. Moe’s Original BBQ Food Truck will be here too!

Three Wishes
Thursday, July 22, 5:04–7:00 pm

Joy Kuhar (vocals), Mike D’Antoni (guitar/vocals) and Dan Sebring (guitar/vocals) will delight you with their beautiful harmonies, serious guitar playing. - 106 Street Food Truck will be on site. 

Silas and Rob Frayser
Thursday, August 12, 5:02–7:00 pm

Silas Frayser is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer. He is from Charlottesville and was raised in nearby Batesville. Silas has released multiple singles on Spotify and iTunes. His father, Rob joins him on vocals and the mandolin. Rob has his own band, Second Draw. Firefly Food Truck will be here!

JRB Band
Thursday, August 26, 5:03–7:00 pm

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Performances by the Cville Band and Ensembles

Thursday, July 15, 2021 | 7:00-8:00pm

The Municipal Band of Charlottesville was formed in 1922 by local business leaders as a community resource. It consists of 90 volunteer musicians who enjoy speaking the universal language of music, the happiness of fellowship, and the service they render to their community. These events are free and open to all. No registration is necessary.

Thursday, July 15, 7:00-8:00 pm – Saxophone Quartet – a variety of modern, jazz, and popular music.

Thursday, July 29, 7:00-8:00 pm – French Horn Ensemble  - German waltzes and marches, folk tunes, jazz, show tunes and more!

Tuesday, August 3, 7:30 pm – Concert by the Municipal Band

Thursday, August 5, 7:00-8:00 pm – Dixieland Band -

Thursday, August 19, 7:00-8:00 pm – Brass Quintet – a diverse repertoire that ranges from Baroque and classical transcriptions and arrangements to modern jazz and popular songs

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Cool Lane Jazz Combo

Thursday, July 29, 2021 | 5:30-7:00pm

Enjoy a lovely evening at The Center listening to the Cool Lane Jazz Combo, a quartet of local musicians who come together to play standard and contemporary jazz. Whether it’s taking pop songs and turning them into instrumental tunes or performing well-known standards, you’ll enjoy an evening of talented musicians playing without boundaries and expressing the smooth sounds of musical freedom. Free and open to all.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

A Visit with Sojourner Truth (ONSITE)

Thursday, August 5, 2021 | 5:30-6:30pm

We invite you to come and learn the fascinating story of Sojourner Truth in this multifaceted program for all ages.

Learn about Truth’s journey from a life of enslavement to becoming a free individual and a passionate advocate for women’s rights. Many of the trials and tribulations she faced along the way through will be presented via thoughtful narration, media, and a live re-enactment by Center member Enid B. Krieger.  Free and open to all. 

Open to all.

Location: The Center

An Evening with Harriet Tubman (ONSITE)

Thursday, August 19, 2021 | 5:30-7:00pm

Charmaine Crowell-White, a living history interpreter, will bring Harriet Tubman to life on The Center’s stage. Learn about the woman who rescued more than 300 slaves and was known as “The Moses of Her People” though this rich and vivid program. Ms. Crowell-White has performed with The Valentine Museum in Richmond, VA and other museums, theaters, libraries, schools, churches, colleges and universities across the nation. Her extensive acting credits include pivotal roles in both theater and film. Free and open to all. 

Charmaine Crowell is a graduate of San Jose State University and a former member of the African American Drama Company of San Fransisco. She has performed and directed for many theater companies across the United States of America.

Theater credits include major roles in For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf, God's Trombones, A Raisin in the Sun, Home, Death and the Maiden, North Star and others. Film credits include: Peggy Sue Got Married, Major Payne, Hannibal, Thomas Jefferson - An American Scandal, a worshipper in the PBS mini-series The Abolitionists, the role of Minerva in the Spielberg Lincoln film, a free slave woman in Killing Lincoln and a laundry servant in the AMC television series Turn.

Charmaine is a Living History Interpreter. Her presentations celebrat the lives of Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Suky, Dolly Madison's personal servant. She resides in Keswick, Virginia.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Soul Reflections with Myra Anderson (ONSITE)

Thursday, September 30, 2021 | 5:30-6:30pm

Charlottesville native Myra Anderson will read her poems depicting an intimate journey of life, of black experience past and present, of trauma and hope, ancestors, mental health, and of healing and resilience. A 7th generation descendant of the enslaved families of Monticello and the Enslaved Laborers of the University of Virginia, Myra has been the featured poet at numerous local events. Come engage in this interactive reading event and experience the value of black culture through poetic prose. Her widely anticipated debut poetry book “Reclaimed Roots” is due for release in Fall of 2021. Free and open to all.

Open to all.

Location: The Center