Discovering the District

Cultural events are everywhere in Central Virginia. A thriving museum system, an ever-expanding community fine arts center, and six lively college campuses ensure a full calendar of performances, exhibits, workshops, and lectures. Dedicated patrons support a symphony. There are nonprofit venues for opera, bluegrass, and blues. Longstanding dance companies and theater groups draw loyal audiences. And now, at the center of the scene, is The James River Arts and Cultural District.

It’s a lot easier to say “The District” than try to describe and direct people toward all of the individual museums, galleries, performance spaces, music venues, book shops, restaurants, antique shops, seasonal events, and outdoor gathering spots that have grown up around Lynchburg’s downtown.

Starting at the Old City Cemetery and Legacy Museum near Fifth and Taylor streets, looping through the entire downtown business district, and heading up Rivermont Avenue past the home of the Lynchburg Art Club, The James River Arts and Cultural District offers visitors a good introduction to Central Virginia’s boundless cultural spirit.

The first Friday of the month, from 5–8 p.m., the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company’s Art Trolley provides free rides to exhibits and special events throughout The District. The route begins at the Academy of Fine Arts on Main Street. Upon request, the trolley will also stop at downtown restaurants.

COMMUNITY THEATRE

Altavista Little Theater. The Altavista Little Theatre is a group of volunteers dedicated to serving area citizens through the dramatic arts. The normal season includes two performances per year, which are held at the Altavista High School auditorium. (434) 369-9622.

Bedford Little Town Players. Named the “2009 Nonprofit of the Year” by the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, this hometown theatre performs plays such as Don’t Dress for Dinner, Fiddler on the Roof, and Love, Sex, and the I.R.S. (540) 586-5881.

Dillard Fine Arts Center Theatre. Lynchburg College’s multipurpose building dedicated to theatre, dance, and the arts is a wonderful place to experience a collegiate performance. Past student-produced plays have included Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Tempest. (434) 544-8100.

Glass Theatre. Some of the best local student-produced

theatre productions come from E.C. Glass High School. With performances like The Music Man and Steel Magnolias, this lively cast of teens is sure to entertain you with their talent and highenergy performances. (434) 522-3712.

Liberty University Department of Theatre Arts. Liberty University’s new Tower Theater seats 650 and features a full orchestra pit, balcony seating, and a state-of-the-art control room. The stage allows for Broadway-sized productions like Hairspray and Phantom of the Opera. The Department of Theatre Arts produces six main shows a season, as well as student produced work and cabarets. (434) 582-2085.

The Renaissance Theatre. Performing classics like Rent and various works of Shakespeare, as well as modern plays, this theater, located in downtown Lynchburg, will surely become a favorite. Open space, excellent acoustics, and an inviting atmosphere make this one of the best local theatres around. (434) 845-4427.

DANCE

Dance Theatre of Lynchburg. Founded in 1999, this dance company in downtown Lynchburg offers dance programs in tap, ballet, and hip hop. (434) 846-6272.

VaDance Studio. Central Virginia’s premier ballroom

dance studio offers group classes, private lessons, and parties. Dancercise, Zumba, Hip Hop, Yoga, and other classes are available. Exercise and move to the sound of Tango, Salsa, Swing music and more. (434) 525-9410.

CLASSICAL AND CHORAL

Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra. The Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra has been entertaining Central Virginia with the sound of music since 1983. Each season iS filled with special events, guest artists, and musical selections for a wide range of audiences. (434) 845-6604.

Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra. The youth orchestra is a full orchestra comprised of high school students and a few very talented middle school students. This devoted group typically rehearses once a week from late September through April and performs two major concerts.(434) 845-6675.

Jefferson Choral Society. This 90-voice regional chorus performs choral works from all periods and many genres. Their annual season consists of three major concerts presented in Central Virginia theatres and churches. (434) 528-5700.

Cantate, The Children’s and Youth Choir of Central Virginia. Comprised of children throughout Central Virginia, Cantate is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training area youth in proper vocal production, note and score reading, and musical interpretation. Grades 3-12, auditioned choir. (434) 528-1138.

SHOWS, CONCERTS & EVENTS

The Academy of Fine Arts. The Academy of Fine Arts is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting and presenting the visual and performing arts, while creating opportunities for arts education. These functions are centered in the Academy of Fine Arts complex, anchored by the historic Academy of Music Theatre. Performances range from the American Shakespeare Center’s As You Like It to the Second City Touring Company’s Fair & Unbalanced. (434) 528-3256.

The Ellington Fellowship Playhouse. The Ellington provides an intimate setting for music and dancing in historic downtown Lynchburg, featuring local and nationally-known musicians performing a wide range of music: from roots and soul, blues and jazz, to straight up rock and roll. (434) 845-2162.

First Fridays The first Friday of the month, from 5–8 p.m., the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company’s Art Trolley transports art lovers to museums, galleries, and special events throughout the James River Arts and Cultural District. The route begins at the Academy of Fine Arts on Main Street and runs from downtown to Rivermont Avenue to 13th Street, with stops along the way at participating galleries and businesses. Upon request, the trolley will also stop at downtown restaurants.

Opera on the James. Opera on the James is an OPERA

America level four professional company dedicated to bringing audiences the intensely emotional experience of world- class live performance. Recent seasons have included Tosca, Hansel & Gretel, La Traviata, and Don Giovanni. (434) 528-3397.

Phase 2 Dining & Entertainment. Newly remodeled in 2010, Phase 2 features a large dance floor and a variety of music from local and nationally known artists. The venue is perfect for banquets, private and corporate events, and other occasions. (434) 846-3206.

RiverFlick Film Series. Free and open to the public, the RiverFlick Film Series is a community event located at the corner of Ninth and Jefferson streets in downtown Lynchburg. Family-friendly movies are shown in an outdoor theater once a month throughout the summer. (434) 845-8850.

Sedalia Center. Located in Big Island, VA, the Sedalia

Center promotes the cultural and performing arts by offering programs, cultural festivals, and gallery exhibitions. From Celtic festivals, to writer’s conferences, to chili cook-off competitions— the center celebrates the region’s eclectic cultural interests and tastes. (434) 299-5080.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

Avoca Museum. Avoca is an excellent example of Queen Anne architecture. The museum promotes awareness of American history, especially as it relates to the cultural and natural history of Central Virginia. It maintains a collection of Native American artifacts and Confederate memorabilia. (434) 369-1076.

Daura Gallery. Located on the campus of Lynchburg College, The Daura Gallery is named in memory of Catalan-American artist Pierre Daura and his wife, Louise. The gallery offers a full schedule of new exhibits and lectures. Admission is free. (434) 544-8343.

Legacy Museum of African American History. The mission of the Legacy Museum is to collect and preserve historical artifacts, documents, and memorabilia relating to significant contributions of the African American community in Lynchburg and the surrounding area. The museum hosts themed exhibitions throughout the year. (434) 845-3455.

The Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House. Housed in Lynchburg’s second courthouse, completed in the Greek Revival-style in 1855, the museum offers locals and tourists alike the opportunity to learn more about people and places that influenced the Hill Citythroughout history. (434) 455-6226.

Maier Museum of Art. Since 1920, Randolph College’s

nationally recognized Maier Museum has featured works by outstanding American artists of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The museum hosts an active schedule of special exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year, providing valuable learning opportunities for Randolph students and the Lynchburg community. (434) 947-8136.

Pest House Medical Museum. Located in Lynchburg’s Old City Cemetery, the small, white-frame Pest House Medical Museum was built in the 1840s and served as a medical office after the Civil War. In the late 1980s, the Southern Memorial Association restored the building to recreate and interpret fascinating nineteenth-century scientific breakthroughs and medical treatments. (434) 847-1465.

Riverviews Artspace. Riverviews Artspace promotes the growth and appreciation of contemporary art and artists in Central Virginia through various exhibitions and programs yearround. The space includes three galleries, numerous studios, and a screening room. (434) 847-7277.