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July

  • Article Item
    Moss Arts Center Curator Brian Holcombe leads a gallery tour and speaks into a microphone in front of a group of gallery visitors.
    "Beyond the Frame" , article

    SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 12 PM: Elevate your art experience during free monthly noontime tours with Curator Brian Holcombe, who provides insight and context, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the gallery processes, and answers your questions.

  • Article Item
    A detail of Michiko Itatani's "'Bluelift' painting from Cosmic Theater 23-B-5," 2023, an oil on canvas work of a liminal space that looks like an expansive lobby with sacred geometry and many lit chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
    Michiko Itatani , article

    THURSDAY, JUNE 6-FRIDAY, AUGUST 30: Michiko Itatani approaches her artistic practice through the interdisciplinary lens of philosophy, quantum mechanics, physics, and science fiction, constructing liminal spaces reminiscent of cathedrals, theatres, and grand lobbies and enveloping the viewer in immersive environments.

  • Article Item
    A detail of Erika Ranee's "I Wonder if You Know What I Mean," 2022, an acrylic, shellac, spray paint, and paper collage on canvas. This abstract piece features lime greens, pinks, teal, light blue, purple, and lots of neutral colors. Some of the lines look like the root system of a plant, some look drips, others look like sharp shapes.
    Erika Ranee , article

    THURSDAY, JUNE 6-FRIDAY, AUGUST 30: This exhibition features mixed-media paintings and works on paper — bold, abstract tableaus comprised of sinewy lines, puddles, and smears of translucent bright colors broken up by flat shapes of opaque and sometimes muddy colors.

  • Article Item
    Two people sit at a black folding card table in folding metal chairs on a stage and lean dramatically, the man almost sliding out of his chair. The dancers work on developing a new dance theatre piece.
    Andrew Schneider: Workshop , article

    FRIDAY, JULY 26, 5:30 PM: This free workshop offers a chance for dancers and non-dancers to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Andrew Schneider’s process with sound.

  • Article Item
    Dancer and theatre artist Andrew Schneider, a white man with dark brown hair, wears a microphone taped to his face, as well as a monitoring device strapped to his arm. His chest is bare, and he looks towards a rectangular light; the rest of the room is dark around him.
    Andrew Schneider: New Work-in-Progress Showings , article

    TUESDAY, JULY 30, 5 AND 8 PM: Get a peek at the creative process as artist Andrew Schneider joins two international dancers in the Cube to develop a new audio/dance work inspired by “the hyper-precise synchronicity” of movement, commissioned in part by the Moss Arts Center and ICAT.

August

  • Article Item
    Moss Arts Center Curator Brian Holcombe leads a gallery tour and speaks into a microphone in front of a group of gallery visitors.
    "Beyond the Frame" , article

    SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 12 PM: Elevate your art experience during free monthly noontime tours with Curator Brian Holcombe, who provides insight and context, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the gallery processes, and answers your questions.

  • Article Item
    A detail of Michiko Itatani's "'Bluelift' painting from Cosmic Theater 23-B-5," 2023, an oil on canvas work of a liminal space that looks like an expansive lobby with sacred geometry and many lit chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
    Michiko Itatani , article

    THURSDAY, JUNE 6-FRIDAY, AUGUST 30: Michiko Itatani approaches her artistic practice through the interdisciplinary lens of philosophy, quantum mechanics, physics, and science fiction, constructing liminal spaces reminiscent of cathedrals, theatres, and grand lobbies and enveloping the viewer in immersive environments.

  • Article Item
    A detail of Erika Ranee's "I Wonder if You Know What I Mean," 2022, an acrylic, shellac, spray paint, and paper collage on canvas. This abstract piece features lime greens, pinks, teal, light blue, purple, and lots of neutral colors. Some of the lines look like the root system of a plant, some look drips, others look like sharp shapes.
    Erika Ranee , article

    THURSDAY, JUNE 6-FRIDAY, AUGUST 30: This exhibition features mixed-media paintings and works on paper — bold, abstract tableaus comprised of sinewy lines, puddles, and smears of translucent bright colors broken up by flat shapes of opaque and sometimes muddy colors.

  • Article Item
    The Cube Fest 2024 logo, a dark grey cube made out of the letters "CUBE 24" on a textured pink and purple background. White overlaid text reads "cube fest 2024"
    Cube Fest 2024: "Immersive Indigenous Experiences" , article

    FRIDAY, AUGUST 23-SUNDAY, AUGUST 25: Cube Fest 2024 celebrates Indigenous artists forging new creative paths with technology and tradition, featuring headliners Amelia Winger-Bearskin, Bill Crouse, and Casey Koyczan.

  • Article Item
    Erika Ranee's "My Pet," 2022, an acrylic, shellac, gouache, flashe, and paper collage on canvas. The predominant colors in this abstract piece are burnt sienna and a mustard yellow, with black, pink, purple, and blue pops. Some of the lines look like anemone waving in the sea currents.
    Closing Reception | Summer 2024 Exhibitions , article

    THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 5-7 PM: Join us for a reception celebrating our summer 2024 exhibitions, featuring solo shows from Michiko Itatani and Erika Ranee, before they close.

  • Article Item
    A detail of Michiko Itatani's "'Rotation Matrix' painting from Cosmic Encounter 17-B-3," 2017, an oil on canvas work of a liminal space that looks like two intersecting staircases in a large glass observatory.
    Artist Talk | Summer 2024 Exhibitions , article

    FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 11 AM: Join us for a free artist talk in the Cube, moderated by Curator Brian Holcombe, as we send off our summer 2024 exhibitions.

September

  • Article Item
    The members of Plena Libre, five Hispanic men, wear white and nude shades and stand in front of a beige wall lit from below with pale amber light.
    Plena Libre , article

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 6 PM: Free outdoor concert! Masters of the plena and bomba styles, Puerto Rican band Plena Libre brings an unrivaled, energy-filled dance party to the Moss lawn.

  • Article Item
    The members of 123 Andrés, a young Hispanic man and woman, wear bright colors and pose animatedly in front of a white and blue building with interesting, textured architecture.
    School-Day Performance | 123 Andrés: "Across the Americas" , article

    WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 10 AM: Join Latin Grammy Award-winning 123 Andrés in this lively, interactive concert to search the continents and learn about geography, culture, and music along the way.

  • Article Item
    Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry, a young Black woman, sits in pink and purple paisley widelegged pants and a black velvet tank top and smiles towards the camera.
    "An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry" , article

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 7:30 PM: Renée Elise Goldsberry, a multi-hyphenate actress and singer who has delivered award-winning performances both on Broadway and the screen, opens the Moss season with a memorable evening of Broadway hits and American songbook classics.

  • Article Item
    A cast member of Ontroerend Goed's "Fight Night," a white woman wearing a patterned floral dress and dark grey blazer, speaks into a hanging microphone and is lit starkly from above. On stage at her feet is gold confetti and two screens behind her show a pie chart at 100%.
    Ontroerend Goed , article

    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17-WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 7:30 PM: Belgian theatre company Ontroerend Goed performs "Fight Night," a rumination on democracy and elections that gives the audience the power to vote for fictitious candidates in real time.

  • Article Item
    Members of Riyaaz Qawwali and the Harlem Gospel Travelers perform together on stage under purple light. The Riyaaz Qawwali members sit on a raised platform draped in carpets.
    Riyaaz Qawwali and the Harlem Gospel Travelers , article

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 7:30 PM: "Singing Together" is a qawwali and gospel music collaboration between Houston-based Riyaaz Qawwali and the Harlem Gospel Travelers from New York City.

  • Article Item
    A green brontosaurus made of light art in a scene from Lightwire Theater's "Dino-Light." A red heart shape appears near the dinosaur's head.
    Lightwire Theater , article

    SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2 PM: Audiences of all ages are welcome for this visually stunning, glow-in-the-dark adventure as "Dino-Light" tells the story of a playful dinosaur who wanders away from home with an unforgettable blend of puppetry, technology, and dance.

  • Article Item
    Light art T-rexs duel with lightsabers in a scene from Lightwire Theater's "Dino-Light."
    School-Day Performance | Lightwire Theater: "Dino-Light" , article

    MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 10 AM: "Dino-Light" tells the story of a playful dinosaur who wanders away from home and discovers a world full of creatures that light up the darkness and help him find the true meaning of love.

October

  • Article Item
    Moss Arts Center Curator Brian Holcombe leads a gallery tour and speaks into a microphone in front of a group of gallery visitors.
    "Beyond the Frame" , article

    SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 12 PM: Elevate your art experience during free monthly noontime tours with Curator Brian Holcombe, who provides insight and context, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the gallery processes, and answers your questions.

  • Article Item
    Fado singer Mariza, a Portuguese woman with short bleached blonde hair, brown eyes, silver hoops,a sapphire ring, and dusty rose lips, wears a royal blue blouse and looks towards the camera in front of a dark background.
    Mariza , article

    WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 7:30 PM: With enchanting charisma, an unparalleled voice, and profound emotional depth, Mariza is the premier performer of the proud, soulful Portuguese musical tradition fado.

  • Article Item
    Banjoists Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn  each hold a banjo and smile towards the camera in this black and white image.
    Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn  , article

    FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 7:30 PM: A 15-time Grammy winner, Béla Fleck is considered the world’s premier banjo player, while Abigail Washburn is a singer-songwriter and clawhammer banjo player who combines the instrument with Far East culture and sounds.

  • Article Item
    From left, Rena Priest, Rhiana Yazzie, and Deborah Taffa, Indigenous women writers who will appear as part of "Voices from the Urban Indigenous Campfire."
    "Voices from the Urban Indigenous Campfire" , article

    MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 7:30 PM: Poetry, creative writing, and rich stories interlace in this specially-curated celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, featuring three Indigenous creatives.

  • Article Item
    A graphic for the Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen." A male teenager's torso is visible from the neck down, wearing a blue striped polo shirt and with an arm in a cast. On the cast, text reads "#YouWillBeFound" and overlaid text on the blue background reads "Dear Evan Hansen, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical"
    "Dear Evan Hansen" , article

    MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 8 PM: "Dear Evan Hansen" takes a groundbreaking look — from the point of view of both parents and young people — at our complex, interconnected, and social media-filled lives. 

  • Article Item
    The dancers of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan wear all black and perform on stage, a projection of four towering columns of Chinese characters behind them. Photo by LIU Chen-hsiang
    Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan  , article

    WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 7:30 PM: With training in meditation, martial arts, modern dance, and ballet manifesting in its choreography, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan transforms ancient aesthetics into a thrilling and modern celebration of motion.

November

  • Article Item
    Moss Arts Center Curator Brian Holcombe leads a gallery tour and speaks into a microphone in front of a group of gallery visitors.
    "Beyond the Frame" , article

    SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 12 PM: Elevate your art experience during free monthly noontime tours with Curator Brian Holcombe, who provides insight and context, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the gallery processes, and answers your questions.

  • Article Item
    Author Ta-Nehisi Coates, a middle aged Black man with short hair and beard, wears a dark blazer over a light button down shirt in this black and white photo.
    "An Evening with Ta-Nehisi Coates " , article

    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 7:30 PM: The author of the "New York Times" bestseller and National Book Award winner "Between the World and Me" — which Toni Morrison called “required reading” — delivers a reading of his work, participates in a moderated conversation, and answers audience questions.

  • Article Item
    Members of Cirque Kalabanté perform "Afrique en Cirque" on stage. Men brace each other in an innovative take on a human pyramid, a man standing hand to hand upside down at the very top. Projections of green leaf animations are visible in the background.
    School-Day Performance | Cirque Kalabanté , article

    WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 10 AM: Daredevil acrobatics, human pyramids, and lively dancing is driven by Afro-jazz, kora, and thunderous djembe drums, showcasing the strength, agility, and energy of the young African diaspora.

  • Article Item
    Members of Cirque Kalabanté perform "Afrique en Cirque" on stage. A man is blurry while flipping through the air; two cast members below him prepare to catch him and two men in the background play large djembe drums.
    Cirque Kalabanté  , article

    WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 7:30 PM: Inspired by daily life in Guinea, this spirited cirque performance highlights the creativity, movement, and music of African culture and will delight the entire family.

December

  • Article Item
    Moss Arts Center Curator Brian Holcombe leads a gallery tour and speaks into a microphone in front of a group of gallery visitors.
    "Beyond the Frame" , article

    SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 12 PM: Elevate your art experience during free monthly noontime tours with Curator Brian Holcombe, who provides insight and context, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the gallery processes, and answers your questions.

  • Article Item
    The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra performs its annual "Holiday Pops Spectacular" at the Moss Arts Center. In the foreground, a man in a Santa costume plays a red electric guitar while conductor David Stewart Wiley looks on from a large red sleigh.
    Roanoke Symphony Orchestra , article

    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 4 PM: The magic of the season comes alive during this can’t-miss holiday tradition. Featuring traditional carols, timeless classics, and contemporary holiday favorites, audience participation is encouraged with sing-alongs and interactive moments, bringing everyone together in shared celebration.

January

  • Article Item
    South Korean theatremaker Jaha Koo, an Asian man with short dark brown hair and round glasses, wears a black shirt and sits on top of a table next to three Cuckoo brand rice cookers. His face is lit by a reddish-orange light.
    Jaha Koo , article

    FRIDAY, JANUARY 31-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 7:30 PM: Europe-based South Korean theatre maker Jaha Koo uses video to closely interweave politics, history, and his own personal stories. Part of Koo’s "Hamartia Trilogy," "Cuckoo" focuses on how the inescapable past tragically affects our lives today.

February

  • Article Item
    South Korean theatremaker Jaha Koo, an Asian man with short dark brown hair and round glasses, wears a black shirt and sits on top of a table next to three Cuckoo brand rice cookers. His face is lit by a reddish-orange light.
    Jaha Koo , article

    FRIDAY, JANUARY 31-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 7:30 PM: Europe-based South Korean theatre maker Jaha Koo uses video to closely interweave politics, history, and his own personal stories. Part of Koo’s "Hamartia Trilogy," "Cuckoo" focuses on how the inescapable past tragically affects our lives today.

  • Article Item
    Medieval harpist Benjamin Bagby, a middle aged white man wearing a black shirt and pants, performs "Beowulf" while holding his harp in his lap. He emphasizes the line by making a fist with the other hand.
    "Beowulf: The Epic in Performance" , article

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 7:30 PM: Vocalist, harpist, and medievalist Benjamin Bagby delivers a gripping solo spoken performance of the famed poem Beowulf. Experience this epic tale in the most epic way — reverberating through the chapel of the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church.

  • Article Item
    Jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, a young Black woman with twists pulled up into a side ponytail, wears an orange and green patterned jumpsuit and holds rests her saxophone on her shoulder.
    School-Day Performance | Lakecia Benjamin , article

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 10 AM: Charismatic saxophonist and bandleader Lakecia Benjamin is a fearless musician with deep jazz roots. Benjamin went from playing a recorder in grade school to becoming one of the most sought-after jazz musicians on the music scene.

  • Article Item
    Jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, a young Black woman with twists pulled up into a side ponytail, wears a gold cape and pants and white shirt and boots. She sits in front of a red background and holds her saxophone up and away from her body, gazing unconcernedly towards the camera.
    Lakecia Benjamin , article

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 7:30 PM: Fresh off three Grammy nominations for her 2023 album, "Phoenix," charismatic saxophonist and bandleader Lakecia Benjamin is a fearless musician with deep jazz roots.

  • Article Item
    Conductor Steven Mercurio accepts applause from the audience, members of the Czech Symphony Orchestra surround him wearing concert attire.
    Czech National Symphony Orchestra  , article

    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 7:30 PM: Recognized as one of Europe’s first-rank symphonic ensembles and renowned for its versatility, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra makes a triumphant return to the Moss stage under the baton of music director Steven Mercurio.

  • Article Item
    A Japanese drummer wears a white headband and a white fundoshi and extends both arms out side to side, a drum stick in each hand and back muscles all tensed. In front of him is an enormous drum.
    Kodo , article

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 7:30 PM: Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese taiko drum, Kodo enthralls audiences with its athleticism and energy.

  • Article Item
    Members of Japanese drumming group Kodo wear traditional attire and play drums of various sizes on stage. In the foreground, one man holds a thick drum stick in each hand and plays one side of a drum, while a fellow drummer plays the other.
    School-Day Performance | Kodo , article

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28: Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese taiko drum, Kodo enthralls audiences with its athleticism and energy.

March

  • Article Item
    Members of the Dante Quartet hold their instruments in an industrial area of a city, in front of a brick wall covered with graffiti.
    School-Day Performance | The Dante Quartet , article

    WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 10 AM: One of the U.K.’s premier string ensembles, the Dante Quartet is known for its imaginative programming and impassioned performances.

  • Article Item
    Members of the Dante Quartet hold their instruments in an industrial area of a city and smile widely.
    The Dante Quartet , article

    THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 7:30 PM: For its Moss debut, premier string ensemble the Dante Quartet is joined by Virginia Tech faculty member Brian Thorsett in the world premiere of a new work created by British composer Ian Venables.

  • Article Item
    The logo for Broadway show "The Book of Mormon"
    "The Book of Mormon" , article

    TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 7:30 PM: "Entertainment Weekly" says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of "The Tonight Show" calls it “Genius. Brilliant.  Phenomenal.” It’s "The Book of Mormon," the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical. 

  • Article Item
    Jamaal Bowman, right, and Keturah Stephen, left, dancers with A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, wear all white and appear to gall together across the frame in front of a light grey background.
    A.I.M by Kyle Abraham , article

    SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 7:30 PM: One of the world’s most visionary contemporary dance companies returns to the Moss. Led by the acclaimed choreographer and artistic director, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham draws inspiration from a multitude of sources and movement styles.

  • Article Item
    Author Charles Yu, a young Asian man with short dark hair, wears a rust brown T-shirt and smiles towards the camera in front of a medium grey background.
    "An Evening with Charles Yu" , article

    TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 7:30 PM: Charles Yu is the author of the genre-bending "Interior Chinatown," a National Book Award winner that explores the confining stereotypes of Asian Americans in Hollywood and American culture, as well as a television screenwriter (HBO's "Westworld") and author of three other books.

  • Article Item
    The cast of Circa's "Opus" perform on stage wearing black leotards or pants. Four people stand on the shoulders of four others, while the pairs each hold a person's feet. The two people, upside down, clasp hands in the center. A string quartet plays in the background.
    Circa , article

    FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 7:30 PM: With a bold and sophisticated approach to cirque, Australian-based Circa is joined live by the Debussy String Quartet for "Opus," a red-hot fusion of acrobatics and lyrical movement set to three Shostakovich quartets.

April

  • Article Item
    Violinist Theotime Langlois de Swarte, a young white man with medium length straight dark brown hair, wears a navy blue patterned button down shirt in an ornate hallway. He holds his violin sideways and holds his bow horizontally, perpendicular to the violin, across the frame.
    Les Arts Florissants , article

    WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 7:30 PM: Internationally renowned early music ensemble Les Arts Florissants takes the stage with one of today’s most sought-after young early music stars, violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte, to perform Vivaldi’s masterpiece, "Four Seasons."

  • Article Item
    Playwright george emilio sanchez, a middle aged Indigenous man with long grey hair, wears a white button down shirt and lifts both hands in a near shrug, the projection of a desert tumbleweed behind and across him.
    george emilio sanchez , article

    THURSDAY, APRIL 24-FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 7:30 PM: Writer, performance artist, and social justice advocate george emilio sanchez confronts the ways the courts have historically diminished the tribal sovereignty of Native nations, juxtaposing this against his experiences navigating generational trauma and Indigenous identity.

  • Article Item
    Text overlaid on a purple background reads "Little Women by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott"
    School-Day Performance | "Little Women" , article

    FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 10 AM: The School of Performing Arts presents a school-day performance of "Little Women" by Kate Hamill, adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott.

May

  • Article Item
    Cuban jazz pianist Chucho Valdes, an older Hispanic man, wears a purple hat and a multicolored floral button down shirt. He sits at an open grand piano covered from top to bottom in spray paint art and smiles towards the camera.
    Chucho Valdés and Irakere 50 , article

    SATURDAY, MAY 10, 7:30 PM: World-famous pianist, composer, and arranger Chucho Valdés leads a tribute to 50 years of Irakere, his band that revolutionized Afro-Latin jazz with its bold fusion of Afro-Cuban ritual music, Cuban popular music, jazz, rock, and a splash of classical music.

July

  • Article Item
    Dancer and theatre artist Andrew Schneider, a white man with dark brown hair, wears a microphone taped to his face, as well as a monitoring device strapped to his arm. His chest is bare, and he looks towards a rectangular light; the rest of the room is dark around him.
    Andrew Schneider: New Work-in-Progress Showings , article

    TUESDAY, JULY 30, 5 AND 8 PM: Get a peek at the creative process as artist Andrew Schneider joins two international dancers in the Cube to develop a new audio/dance work inspired by “the hyper-precise synchronicity” of movement, commissioned in part by the Moss Arts Center and ICAT.

August

September

  • Article Item
    The members of Plena Libre, five Hispanic men, wear white and nude shades and stand in front of a beige wall lit from below with pale amber light.
    Plena Libre , article

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 6 PM: Free outdoor concert! Masters of the plena and bomba styles, Puerto Rican band Plena Libre brings an unrivaled, energy-filled dance party to the Moss lawn.

  • Article Item
    Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry, a young Black woman, sits in pink and purple paisley widelegged pants and a black velvet tank top and smiles towards the camera.
    "An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry" , article

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 7:30 PM: Renée Elise Goldsberry, a multi-hyphenate actress and singer who has delivered award-winning performances both on Broadway and the screen, opens the Moss season with a memorable evening of Broadway hits and American songbook classics.

  • Article Item
    A cast member of Ontroerend Goed's "Fight Night," a white woman wearing a patterned floral dress and dark grey blazer, speaks into a hanging microphone and is lit starkly from above. On stage at her feet is gold confetti and two screens behind her show a pie chart at 100%.
    Ontroerend Goed , article

    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17-WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 7:30 PM: Belgian theatre company Ontroerend Goed performs "Fight Night," a rumination on democracy and elections that gives the audience the power to vote for fictitious candidates in real time.

  • Article Item
    Members of Riyaaz Qawwali and the Harlem Gospel Travelers perform together on stage under purple light. The Riyaaz Qawwali members sit on a raised platform draped in carpets.
    Riyaaz Qawwali and the Harlem Gospel Travelers , article

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 7:30 PM: "Singing Together" is a qawwali and gospel music collaboration between Houston-based Riyaaz Qawwali and the Harlem Gospel Travelers from New York City.

  • Article Item
    A green brontosaurus made of light art in a scene from Lightwire Theater's "Dino-Light." A red heart shape appears near the dinosaur's head.
    Lightwire Theater , article

    SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2 PM: Audiences of all ages are welcome for this visually stunning, glow-in-the-dark adventure as "Dino-Light" tells the story of a playful dinosaur who wanders away from home with an unforgettable blend of puppetry, technology, and dance.

October

  • Article Item
    Fado singer Mariza, a Portuguese woman with short bleached blonde hair, brown eyes, silver hoops,a sapphire ring, and dusty rose lips, wears a royal blue blouse and looks towards the camera in front of a dark background.
    Mariza , article

    WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 7:30 PM: With enchanting charisma, an unparalleled voice, and profound emotional depth, Mariza is the premier performer of the proud, soulful Portuguese musical tradition fado.

  • Article Item
    Banjoists Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn  each hold a banjo and smile towards the camera in this black and white image.
    Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn  , article

    FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 7:30 PM: A 15-time Grammy winner, Béla Fleck is considered the world’s premier banjo player, while Abigail Washburn is a singer-songwriter and clawhammer banjo player who combines the instrument with Far East culture and sounds.

  • Article Item
    From left, Rena Priest, Rhiana Yazzie, and Deborah Taffa, Indigenous women writers who will appear as part of "Voices from the Urban Indigenous Campfire."
    "Voices from the Urban Indigenous Campfire" , article

    MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 7:30 PM: Poetry, creative writing, and rich stories interlace in this specially-curated celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, featuring three Indigenous creatives.

  • Article Item
    A graphic for the Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen." A male teenager's torso is visible from the neck down, wearing a blue striped polo shirt and with an arm in a cast. On the cast, text reads "#YouWillBeFound" and overlaid text on the blue background reads "Dear Evan Hansen, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical"
    "Dear Evan Hansen" , article

    MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 8 PM: "Dear Evan Hansen" takes a groundbreaking look — from the point of view of both parents and young people — at our complex, interconnected, and social media-filled lives. 

  • Article Item
    The dancers of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan wear all black and perform on stage, a projection of four towering columns of Chinese characters behind them. Photo by LIU Chen-hsiang
    Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan  , article

    WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 7:30 PM: With training in meditation, martial arts, modern dance, and ballet manifesting in its choreography, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan transforms ancient aesthetics into a thrilling and modern celebration of motion.

November

  • Article Item
    Author Ta-Nehisi Coates, a middle aged Black man with short hair and beard, wears a dark blazer over a light button down shirt in this black and white photo.
    "An Evening with Ta-Nehisi Coates " , article

    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 7:30 PM: The author of the "New York Times" bestseller and National Book Award winner "Between the World and Me" — which Toni Morrison called “required reading” — delivers a reading of his work, participates in a moderated conversation, and answers audience questions.

  • Article Item
    Members of Cirque Kalabanté perform "Afrique en Cirque" on stage. A man is blurry while flipping through the air; two cast members below him prepare to catch him and two men in the background play large djembe drums.
    Cirque Kalabanté  , article

    WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 7:30 PM: Inspired by daily life in Guinea, this spirited cirque performance highlights the creativity, movement, and music of African culture and will delight the entire family.

December

  • Article Item
    The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra performs its annual "Holiday Pops Spectacular" at the Moss Arts Center. In the foreground, a man in a Santa costume plays a red electric guitar while conductor David Stewart Wiley looks on from a large red sleigh.
    Roanoke Symphony Orchestra , article

    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 4 PM: The magic of the season comes alive during this can’t-miss holiday tradition. Featuring traditional carols, timeless classics, and contemporary holiday favorites, audience participation is encouraged with sing-alongs and interactive moments, bringing everyone together in shared celebration.

January

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    South Korean theatremaker Jaha Koo, an Asian man with short dark brown hair and round glasses, wears a black shirt and sits on top of a table next to three Cuckoo brand rice cookers. His face is lit by a reddish-orange light.
    Jaha Koo , article

    FRIDAY, JANUARY 31-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 7:30 PM: Europe-based South Korean theatre maker Jaha Koo uses video to closely interweave politics, history, and his own personal stories. Part of Koo’s "Hamartia Trilogy," "Cuckoo" focuses on how the inescapable past tragically affects our lives today.

February

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    South Korean theatremaker Jaha Koo, an Asian man with short dark brown hair and round glasses, wears a black shirt and sits on top of a table next to three Cuckoo brand rice cookers. His face is lit by a reddish-orange light.
    Jaha Koo , article

    FRIDAY, JANUARY 31-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 7:30 PM: Europe-based South Korean theatre maker Jaha Koo uses video to closely interweave politics, history, and his own personal stories. Part of Koo’s "Hamartia Trilogy," "Cuckoo" focuses on how the inescapable past tragically affects our lives today.

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    Medieval harpist Benjamin Bagby, a middle aged white man wearing a black shirt and pants, performs "Beowulf" while holding his harp in his lap. He emphasizes the line by making a fist with the other hand.
    "Beowulf: The Epic in Performance" , article

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 7:30 PM: Vocalist, harpist, and medievalist Benjamin Bagby delivers a gripping solo spoken performance of the famed poem Beowulf. Experience this epic tale in the most epic way — reverberating through the chapel of the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church.

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    Jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, a young Black woman with twists pulled up into a side ponytail, wears a gold cape and pants and white shirt and boots. She sits in front of a red background and holds her saxophone up and away from her body, gazing unconcernedly towards the camera.
    Lakecia Benjamin , article

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 7:30 PM: Fresh off three Grammy nominations for her 2023 album, "Phoenix," charismatic saxophonist and bandleader Lakecia Benjamin is a fearless musician with deep jazz roots.

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    Conductor Steven Mercurio accepts applause from the audience, members of the Czech Symphony Orchestra surround him wearing concert attire.
    Czech National Symphony Orchestra  , article

    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 7:30 PM: Recognized as one of Europe’s first-rank symphonic ensembles and renowned for its versatility, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra makes a triumphant return to the Moss stage under the baton of music director Steven Mercurio.

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    A Japanese drummer wears a white headband and a white fundoshi and extends both arms out side to side, a drum stick in each hand and back muscles all tensed. In front of him is an enormous drum.
    Kodo , article

    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 7:30 PM: Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese taiko drum, Kodo enthralls audiences with its athleticism and energy.

March

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    Members of the Dante Quartet hold their instruments in an industrial area of a city and smile widely.
    The Dante Quartet , article

    THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 7:30 PM: For its Moss debut, premier string ensemble the Dante Quartet is joined by Virginia Tech faculty member Brian Thorsett in the world premiere of a new work created by British composer Ian Venables.

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    The logo for Broadway show "The Book of Mormon"
    "The Book of Mormon" , article

    TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 7:30 PM: "Entertainment Weekly" says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of "The Tonight Show" calls it “Genius. Brilliant.  Phenomenal.” It’s "The Book of Mormon," the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical. 

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    Jamaal Bowman, right, and Keturah Stephen, left, dancers with A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, wear all white and appear to gall together across the frame in front of a light grey background.
    A.I.M by Kyle Abraham , article

    SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 7:30 PM: One of the world’s most visionary contemporary dance companies returns to the Moss. Led by the acclaimed choreographer and artistic director, A.I.M by Kyle Abraham draws inspiration from a multitude of sources and movement styles.

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    Author Charles Yu, a young Asian man with short dark hair, wears a rust brown T-shirt and smiles towards the camera in front of a medium grey background.
    "An Evening with Charles Yu" , article

    TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 7:30 PM: Charles Yu is the author of the genre-bending "Interior Chinatown," a National Book Award winner that explores the confining stereotypes of Asian Americans in Hollywood and American culture, as well as a television screenwriter (HBO's "Westworld") and author of three other books.

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    The cast of Circa's "Opus" perform on stage wearing black leotards or pants. Four people stand on the shoulders of four others, while the pairs each hold a person's feet. The two people, upside down, clasp hands in the center. A string quartet plays in the background.
    Circa , article

    FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 7:30 PM: With a bold and sophisticated approach to cirque, Australian-based Circa is joined live by the Debussy String Quartet for "Opus," a red-hot fusion of acrobatics and lyrical movement set to three Shostakovich quartets.

April

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    Violinist Theotime Langlois de Swarte, a young white man with medium length straight dark brown hair, wears a navy blue patterned button down shirt in an ornate hallway. He holds his violin sideways and holds his bow horizontally, perpendicular to the violin, across the frame.
    Les Arts Florissants , article

    WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 7:30 PM: Internationally renowned early music ensemble Les Arts Florissants takes the stage with one of today’s most sought-after young early music stars, violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte, to perform Vivaldi’s masterpiece, "Four Seasons."

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    Playwright george emilio sanchez, a middle aged Indigenous man with long grey hair, wears a white button down shirt and lifts both hands in a near shrug, the projection of a desert tumbleweed behind and across him.
    george emilio sanchez , article

    THURSDAY, APRIL 24-FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 7:30 PM: Writer, performance artist, and social justice advocate george emilio sanchez confronts the ways the courts have historically diminished the tribal sovereignty of Native nations, juxtaposing this against his experiences navigating generational trauma and Indigenous identity.

May

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    Cuban jazz pianist Chucho Valdes, an older Hispanic man, wears a purple hat and a multicolored floral button down shirt. He sits at an open grand piano covered from top to bottom in spray paint art and smiles towards the camera.
    Chucho Valdés and Irakere 50 , article

    SATURDAY, MAY 10, 7:30 PM: World-famous pianist, composer, and arranger Chucho Valdés leads a tribute to 50 years of Irakere, his band that revolutionized Afro-Latin jazz with its bold fusion of Afro-Cuban ritual music, Cuban popular music, jazz, rock, and a splash of classical music.

July

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    Moss Arts Center Curator Brian Holcombe leads a gallery tour and speaks into a microphone in front of a group of gallery visitors.
    "Beyond the Frame" , article

    SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 12 PM: Elevate your art experience during free monthly noontime tours with Curator Brian Holcombe, who provides insight and context, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the gallery processes, and answers your questions.

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    Two people sit at a black folding card table in folding metal chairs on a stage and lean dramatically, the man almost sliding out of his chair. The dancers work on developing a new dance theatre piece.
    Andrew Schneider: Workshop , article

    FRIDAY, JULY 26, 5:30 PM: This free workshop offers a chance for dancers and non-dancers to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Andrew Schneider’s process with sound.

August

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    Moss Arts Center Curator Brian Holcombe leads a gallery tour and speaks into a microphone in front of a group of gallery visitors.
    "Beyond the Frame" , article

    SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 12 PM: Elevate your art experience during free monthly noontime tours with Curator Brian Holcombe, who provides insight and context, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into the gallery processes, and answers your questions.

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    Erika Ranee's "My Pet," 2022, an acrylic, shellac, gouache, flashe, and paper collage on canvas. The predominant colors in this abstract piece are burnt sienna and a mustard yellow, with black, pink, purple, and blue pops. Some of the lines look like anemone waving in the sea currents.
    Closing Reception | Summer 2024 Exhibitions , article

    THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 5-7 PM: Join us for a reception celebrating our summer 2024 exhibitions, featuring solo shows from Michiko Itatani and Erika Ranee, before they close.

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    A detail of Michiko Itatani's "'Rotation Matrix' painting from Cosmic Encounter 17-B-3," 2017, an oil on canvas work of a liminal space that looks like two intersecting staircases in a large glass observatory.
    Artist Talk | Summer 2024 Exhibitions , article

    FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 11 AM: Join us for a free artist talk in the Cube, moderated by Curator Brian Holcombe, as we send off our summer 2024 exhibitions.

July

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    A detail of Michiko Itatani's "'Bluelift' painting from Cosmic Theater 23-B-5," 2023, an oil on canvas work of a liminal space that looks like an expansive lobby with sacred geometry and many lit chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
    Michiko Itatani , article

    THURSDAY, JUNE 6-FRIDAY, AUGUST 30: Michiko Itatani approaches her artistic practice through the interdisciplinary lens of philosophy, quantum mechanics, physics, and science fiction, constructing liminal spaces reminiscent of cathedrals, theatres, and grand lobbies and enveloping the viewer in immersive environments.

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    A detail of Erika Ranee's "I Wonder if You Know What I Mean," 2022, an acrylic, shellac, spray paint, and paper collage on canvas. This abstract piece features lime greens, pinks, teal, light blue, purple, and lots of neutral colors. Some of the lines look like the root system of a plant, some look drips, others look like sharp shapes.
    Erika Ranee , article

    THURSDAY, JUNE 6-FRIDAY, AUGUST 30: This exhibition features mixed-media paintings and works on paper — bold, abstract tableaus comprised of sinewy lines, puddles, and smears of translucent bright colors broken up by flat shapes of opaque and sometimes muddy colors.

August

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    A detail of Michiko Itatani's "'Bluelift' painting from Cosmic Theater 23-B-5," 2023, an oil on canvas work of a liminal space that looks like an expansive lobby with sacred geometry and many lit chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
    Michiko Itatani , article

    THURSDAY, JUNE 6-FRIDAY, AUGUST 30: Michiko Itatani approaches her artistic practice through the interdisciplinary lens of philosophy, quantum mechanics, physics, and science fiction, constructing liminal spaces reminiscent of cathedrals, theatres, and grand lobbies and enveloping the viewer in immersive environments.

  • Article Item
    A detail of Erika Ranee's "I Wonder if You Know What I Mean," 2022, an acrylic, shellac, spray paint, and paper collage on canvas. This abstract piece features lime greens, pinks, teal, light blue, purple, and lots of neutral colors. Some of the lines look like the root system of a plant, some look drips, others look like sharp shapes.
    Erika Ranee , article

    THURSDAY, JUNE 6-FRIDAY, AUGUST 30: This exhibition features mixed-media paintings and works on paper — bold, abstract tableaus comprised of sinewy lines, puddles, and smears of translucent bright colors broken up by flat shapes of opaque and sometimes muddy colors.