Media Comments of Arts Fest 2008
Arts Fest Wrap-up
"Roanoke celebrated the grand opening of the Taubman Museum of Art last weekend, but it wasn't the only thing happening in this rapidly changing former railroad town. The same weekend that visibly confirmed downtown Roanoke's reincarnation as an arts and cultural attraction also witnessed the second Roanoke City Arts Festival. A movable feast of music, dance, theater, literature, film, gallery exhibitions and the culinary arts, the festival sprawled across two days and multiple venues."
- The Roanoke Times, Nov. 12, 2008
Hit the Road:
"As the leaves are turning brown and gold atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's a perfect time to point your car west and head the Roanoke Arts Festival. In its second year, the festival is placing itself in the grand tradition of regionally based arts gatherings throughout the world. The over a dozen events include everything from puppets to piano, jazz to culinary arts. Festival highlights include the award winning play Doubt, blues great Guitar Shorty, songstress Crystal Gayle and a new work by UNA Dance Theatre. The festival also highlights the opening of the new Taubman Museum of Art."
- Port Folio Weekly, Hampton Roads, VA, Nov. 4, 2008
About the 2008 Roanoke Arts Festival
On the heels of last year’s inaugural Roanoke Arts Festival, the second annual Roanoke Arts Festival, re-timed this year to help celebrate the opening of the new Taubman Museum of Art, will be held Nov. 8-9 with free and ticketed performances and visual arts that are sure to appeal to a wide range of regional audiences and visitors alike.
With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a stunning backdrop, the Roanoke Arts Festival will feature more than a dozen events and exhibits at venues across the city. From an evening with Crystal Gayle (video) to a free rock concert, bluegrass workshop, theater performances, culinary arts and puppets and classical music, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
See the complete calendar of events.
The concept of a city arts festival can be said to have originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s. The Edinburgh International Festival is likely the best example of a successful contemporary city arts festival. Today, renowned city arts festivals include the Spoleto Festival USA of Charleston, S.C., and the Virginia Arts Festival in the Norfolk area.
Now in its second year — and a third one being planned — Roanoke may one day be added to that illustrious list.
See a video of last year's inaugural Roanoke Arts Festival.
