Now in its 26th year, Appalfolks of America presents The Virginia Opry, classic country music with a blend of bluegrass, gospel music, and classic rock. This special event is held at the Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge, VA. on Saturday, May 6th at 8pm. It is “Country Music Fan Appreciation Night,” featuring Jana Allen as guest vocalist and Freight Train, a bluegrass band, back by popular demand. In addition to its guest performers, The Virginia Opry will feature three female vocalists: Kim Cahoon, an original member; Holly Nicely, a new member; and Taura Reynolds, Holly’s sister who will make her debut. All tickets are $12 for general admission seating based on a first come, first served basis.
Ray Allen founded Appalfolks of America Association (AAA) in 1985, the Historic Masonic Theatre was donated to Appalfolks in 1991, and by the spring of 1992, Appalfolks had restored the theatre from a twin-cinema to its original version of a performing arts theatre that was built before motion pictures became commercially attractive. After more than $200,000.00 in improvements and 12 years of programing, AAA donated the theatre to The Town of Clifton Forge in exchange for a contract to continue as a presenter with a free office in the theatre. By July of 2016 after being closed for five years to complete the restoration AAA started in 1991, the theatre reopened ($6.3 million to complete the restoration). The Virginia Opry is receiving an honorary resolution passed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for completing 25 years as a presenter of country music and bluegrass in the Alleghany Highlands.
Currently, Appalfolks of America Association is under contract to present a minimum of six performances per year. Here are their upcoming 2017 performances at the Masonic Theatre:
May 6, The Virginia Opry
May 13, The Virginia Opry sponsors Gospel Reunion with The Announcers
June 3, STARS’ Variety Show
July 8, The Virginia Opry
August 12, Michael Hoover’s “Memories of Elvis,”
August 26, STARS’ Variety Show
October 7, The Virginia Opry
November 4, Corbin Hayslett with Charlotte Ivy opening
December 2, The Virginia Opry
December 17, STARS’ Christmas Show
The Masonic Theatre is located at 510 Main Street in Clifton Forge, Virginia. For more info, visit historicmasonictheatre.com or call 540-862-5655
– HashtagWV May 2017
HASHTAGWV ART & ENTERTAINMENT Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Christina Entenmann-Edwards has been a WV resident since September 2008. She was born and raised in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and is no stranger to hard work and the entrepreneurial spirit. In 2006, she graduated from Quinnipiac University (Hamden, Connecticut), Cum Laude, with a B.A. in History. In 2010, she graduated with an M.B.A. from Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia). In February 2012, Christina launched HashtagWV as the area’s first full-color, free arts and entertainment tabloid + online platform. Christina completed the Leadership West Virginia class of 2021, which is an innovative program that grows, engages, and mobilizes leaders to ignite a life passion to move West Virginia forward.