Alleghany Highlands ARTS COUNCIL

08/29/2026

The Alleghany Highlands Arts Council is offering a free concert to the public this Tuesday evening, September 1, at the Tom Dean Underground at the Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge. The concert is part of the Arts Council's Season Ticket Sales Campaign Kick-off.

Melissa McKinney is an Asheville-based singer-songwriter known for her raw, soulful voice and deeply emotional delivery. A winner of the 2025 MerleFest Band Competition and second-place finalist at the 2026 International Blues Challenge, Melissa brings blues, soul, and roots music together with grit, warmth, and an undeniable connection to her audience. Joining her is Adama Dembele, a master djembéfola from the Ivory Coast and the 33rd generation of a family devoted to preserving the music and culture of the djembe. On lead guitar is Ghana-born Jeffrey “Ghanaian Bluesman” Attakorah, whose soulful playing blends blues, funk, rock, and the vibrant sounds of West Africa. Together, the trio creates a powerful meeting of African rhythm, blues tradition and soul.

This free event is made possible by a grant from The Alleghany Foundation. No tickets are necessary.

Call 540-962-ARTS (2787) for more information or to arrange accessibility accommodations.

07/20/2026

Meet the cast of Rapunzel.
52 talented and enthusiastic kids, two actor/directors (Ray and Morgan) and 2 administrators (Tammy and Jacy) Not pictured is our awesome accompanist Cathy Jo Drummer. Let the fun begin!!

07/11/2026

The Alleghany Highlands Arts Council will once again sponsor Missoula Children’s Theatre in our region, July 20 – 25, at Curfman Hall in Covington Middle School.

This year’s production is RAPUNZEL, with roles for up to 60 local kids. Age levels range from rising 1st graders to this year’s graduating seniors. Unfortunately, children must have completed kindergarten to participate.
Auditions are Monday, July 20 at 10:00 am in Curfman Hall. No advance preparation is necessary, and there is never a fee to participate. For those who might want to join in but not be onstage, Assistant Directors will also be cast to assist in rehearsals throughout the week and to handle essential backstage responsibilities. Those auditioning should arrive on time and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition.

Missoula Children's Theatre touring productions come complete with costumes, scenery, props, and makeup. MCT Tour Actor/Directors will conduct rehearsals each day from 10 AM to 2:30 PM.

The musical "Rapunzel" will be presented on Saturday, July 25, at Covington Middle School, with performances at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Tickets are $6,and can be purchased at the door on Saturday. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

The Missoula Children's Theatre residency is brought to you by the Alleghany Highlands Arts Council with support from The Alleghany Foundation and the Frances P. Rupert Scholarship for Music and the Performing Arts, managed through the Foundation Serving Southwest Virginia. Other supplemental funding is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

MCT is the nation’s largest touring children’s theatre company and, for more than 50 years, has toured from Montana to Japan. This year, it will visit nearly 1,000 communities with up to 44 teams of Tour Actor/Directors. This is the 31st year it has visited the Alleghany Highlands.

For more information, call the Arts Council at 962-ARTS (2787)

07/07/2026

05/19/2026

Won't you please consider donating to our cause?
Use this link or scan the QR code in the photo https://www.givelocalah.org/organization/Alleghany-Highlands-Arts-Council We would appreciate your support

05/06/2026

The beauty of the body in motion was on full display last night as the Richmond Ballet delighted our audience at the Masonic Theatre. Free admission was extended to local dance studios.
The company also performed for all 4 local elementary schools back in March as part of the SaraLu Snyder School PerformanceSeries. Thank you to The Alleghany Foundation, the Virginia Commission for the Arts and our patrons The Dreszers for helping us make this residency possible.
(Photo Credit to Chuck Alvarez)