09/18: Classical meets Jazz

The Community Room at The Jacksonville Center means a lot of things to a lot of people. To quilting enthusiasts, it’s home to both the Old Church Gallery Quilters Guild bi-monthly meetings and samples of their meticulously-created fiber arts.

To others, it’s the weekly meeting place of Sumati Goldberg’s Gentle Yoga Class. To still others, it’s a place to gather, snack and visit at the Jax’s Meet-the-Artists receptions.

The stage, built by board member, artisan-instructor and talented wood artist Don George, hints at yet another role for this gabled space: intimate musical venue.

On Saturday, September 18, the stage will be graced by Maestro David Stewart Wiley and Friends, who will be playing a benefit concert entitled “Classical meets Jazz.” From Bach to Gershwin, Bolling to Joplin, this is a rare opportunity to experience world-class music in a down-home venue.

David Stewart Wiley serves concurrently as Music Director & Conductor of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and New York’s Long Island Philharmonic. Prior to these positions, he served as Assistant Conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. In demand as a guest conductor, pianist and composer, Maestro Wiley has conducted numerous orchestras throughout the US as well as in Europe, Asia, and Africa. His musical friends are all members of the Roanoke Symphony – Julee Hickcox, flute/piccolo; John Smith, Bass; and Al Wojtera, percussion.

Wiley and Friends will perform at 7:30 pm on Saturday, September 18, in the Community Room at The Jacksonville Center in Floyd. A Meet-the-Artists Champagne and Wine Reception will follow the performance.

Tickets are $25.00 in advance or $30.00 at the door. Reserve your seats today; tickets can be purchased at The Jacksonville Center, by calling (540) 745-2784, online at jacksonvillecenter.org, or by contacting Linda Fallon at (540)745-4317.