Sassafrass is quite the experience, for kids and adults alike! Sassafrass Junction Puppet Theater is located across from the Alban Theater in St. Albans. The Theater with its bright purple walls, colorful “tree stage” and cozy gift shop provide an environment that children of any age can come and dream in! Ticket prices are $5 per person with children under the age of one free. Parking is in front of the theater and in it’s many adjacent lots. Shows are Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Call 304-395-5373 for reservations and come spend a fun day out in the USA!

The West Virginia Youth Symphony is a non-profit arts organization that supports five music ensembles and numerous chamber groups. Cadet Strings for beginning strings student, Youth Strings for intermediate level string musicians and Youth Orchestra a full orchestra open to string, brass, woodwind and percussion students. The Youth Winds are a beginner winds, brass and percussion group under the direction of Dr. David Williams, local composer and music critic. With a mission to provide excellent instrumental instruction and opportunities to present quality performances, the West Virginia Youth Symphony consists of over ninety members including players from Ohio, Kentucky and seven counties in West Virginia.

The West Virginia Youth Symphony is conducted by Robert Turizziani, the principal clarinetist with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the founder and music director of the Seneca Chamber Orchestra and the music director of the River Cities Symphony. Members of the West Virginia Youth Symphony participated in a European Tour in 2000 to Prague, Vienna and Budapest and a European Performance Tour to Italy and Austria in July of 2006.

The Sound Factory is Charleston’s Premiere Multi-Level Nightclub, Sports Bar, and Restaurant. Located in the heart of Charleston WV’s downtown bar district on Kanawha Blvd and Capitol Street, The Sound Factory makes for a great hangout and place to go and listen to hard rock bands. The club features many of the up and coming bands from around the region as well!

Weekend crowds usually pack the club with a great vibe and late night fun including pool tables and full bar. There is never a dull moment.

There is no doubt why people from all around come to enjoy the great food and laid back atmosphere of the Sound Factory! The upstairs provides a different atmosphere, one that is cozier with food and friends, grab dinner here and then venture downstairs for drinks and lots of music!

You will be sure to find a diverse crowd in both age and style and it’s no wonder why there is truly something for all to enjoy here!

A DIAMOND IS FOREVER!

Theron Denson may not look like singer Neil Diamond but sure does sound like him! Theron, aka Black Diamond, first started turning heads in a predominantly white church in Charleston, WV. When two ladies turned around and said he sounds just like Neil Diamond!

At the time, Theron had no idea who Neil Diamond was but would find out quickly. He started singing for those he worked for and they liked it! However, his employers didn’t love it as much and he was threatened to be fired if he continued singing on the job. It was after this that he decided to make a career out of singing like Neil Diamond. He became the “Black Diamond” and started picking up jobs wherever he could.

The hard work paid off and word got out about his talent and flair. In 2003, he was invited to appear on the Jimmy Kimmel show in Hollywood. This appearance ramped up his popularity and he’s been going with his best Neil Diamond impersonation ever since! He has appeared with many celebrities including The Village People, Sheena Easton, Brad Paisley, Taylor Dayne and Boyz II Men, just to name a few.
 

West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier preforming arts organization, presenting more than 50 concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Their mission is to enrich symphonic music experiences demonstrating the highest level of artistic quality to the state and the region. The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is a US orchestra that performs at the Clay Center. The orchestra has played with such soloists as Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Isaac Stern, Marilyn Horne, and Kathleen Battle.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra maintains a significant commitment to music education by supporting education programs in Kanawha County Schools, bringing Young People’s Concerts to thousands of West Virginia elementary school students annually, and providing support to the West Virginia Youth Symphony. With everything from Classical to Piano Pops the West Virginia Symphony does it all! With different performances all throughout the year there is sure to be a show or shows you will not want to miss!