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August

September

  • 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: Director of Visual Arts Brian Holcombe provides insight, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses, and answers your questions during these free tours.

  • Article Item
    Brian Dettmer's "Memories of the Mountains" (detail), a sculptural installation commissioned for the Center for the Arts Grand Lobby. The work, made out of Virginia Quarterly Review books, depicts a mountain landscape.
    Grand Lobby Mural: Brian Dettmer , article

    THROUGH 2028: Brian Dettmer reimagines hardcover books and turns them into stunning mountain landscapes and reflections on time in this Grand Lobby mural.

  • Article Item
    A composite of color portraits of Clare Grill, left, and Margaux Ogden, right, both young white women. Grill has shoulder length sandy brown hair; Ogden has long blonde hair with dark roots. Both pose in front of their work.
    Turner Street Mural: Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden , article

    THROUGH July 2026: Works by fall 2025 exhibiting artists Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden grace the center's exterior wall on Turner Street — perfect for selfies!

  • Article Item
    A detail of Josephine Halvorson's "Army Cannon Heater," 2022. A rusted metal army heater is nestled in the branches of a rhododendron bush.
    Artist Talk | Josephine Halvorson , article

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 3-4 PM: Fall 2025 exhibiting artist Josephine Halvorson joins Brian Holcombe, curator, for a free discussion in the Cube.

  • Article Item
    A composite of details of work from the four artists exhibiting in the Center for the Arts' fall 2025 exhibitions. From left, Clare Grill's "Crack," 2024; Margaux Ogden's "Bathers (Cadmium Yellow, Hansa Yellow, Primary Red & India Yellow Hue)," 2024; Dana Frankfort's "MORE THAN WORDS," 2013; and Josephine Halvorson's "Mass," 2023-2024.
    Opening Reception | Fall 2025 Exhibitions , article

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 4-6 PM: Catch a free opening reception for the 2025 fall exhibitions, featuring artists Clare Grill, Margaux Ogden, Dana Frankfort, and Josephine Halvorson.

  • Article Item
    A composite image of works by Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden. Grill's "Twist," 2024, at left, and Ogden's "Bathers (Phthalo Green, Magenta, Cyan & Red)," 2024 (detail)
    Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden , article

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22: Clare Grill’s layered paintings draw from antique embroidery, while Margaux Ogden's compositions evoke imagery from both the natural and built world.

  • Article Item
    A composite image of works by Dana Frankfort and Josephine Halvorson. Frankfort's work, at left, is a light blue background with some pink and purple tones at the top, and overlaid are the words "more than words" in yellow. The words are hard to make out. Halvorson's work, at right, depicts a makeshift memorial with a small bouquet of sunflowers, a prayer candle, and a clay medallion that reads "Friends are the flowers in the garden of life"
    Dana Frankfort and Josephine Halvorson , article

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22: Dana Frankfort’s energetic works feature words painted in gestural washes of color, while Josephine Halvorson paints at the scale of encounter, with subjects are observed on-site.

  • Article Item
    The members of Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano sit and stand together holding their instruments.
    Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano , article

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 6 PM: Catch a free outdoor concert by Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano, masters of Cuba's iconic son cubano. This music is made for dancing!

  • Article Item
    A composite of color portraits of Clare Grill, left, and Margaux Ogden, right, both young white women. Grill has shoulder length sandy brown hair; Ogden has long blonde hair with dark roots. Both pose in front of their work.
    Artist Panel | Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden , article

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 3-4 PM: Fall 2025 exhibiting artists Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden join Brian Holcombe, curator, for this free discussion in the Cube.

  • Article Item
    The members of New York jazz ensemble the Hot Sardines gathers in a jazz club, some holding their instruments.
    The Hot Sardines , article

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 7:30 PM: New York-based jazz ensemble the Hot Sardines brings brassy horns, rollicking piano, rich vocals, and a tap dancer.

  • Article Item
    Members of Step Afrika! in orange and black costumes perform on stage.
    Workshop: "Stepping with Step Afrika!" , article

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25,6:30-7:45 PM: Immerse yourself in the rhythm, physicality, and history of stepping with Step Afrika! company members as your guides.

  • Article Item
    Members of Step Afrika! elicit cheers from the crowd during a performance on stage.
    School Matinee | Step Afrika! , article

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 10-11 AM: Step Afria! performs a free student matinee for area public, private, and homeschool students in grades 3-8. Registration required.

  • Article Item
    Members of Step Afrika! accept applause from the audience during a performance on stage.
    Talk: "Get to Know Step Afrika!" , article

    SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 6:30-7 PM: Explore the rich history and cultural resonance of step dancing with the visionary leaders of Step Afrika!

  • Article Item
    Members of Step Afrika! perform in blue pants and black rain boots on stage.
    Step Afrika! , article

    SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 7:30 PM: Step Afrika! delivers an experience like no other, with traditional African American stepping, drumming, and vibrant storytelling.

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: Director of Visual Arts Brian Holcombe provides insight, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses, and answers your questions during these free tours.

  • Article Item
    Brian Dettmer's "Memories of the Mountains" (detail), a sculptural installation commissioned for the Center for the Arts Grand Lobby. The work, made out of Virginia Quarterly Review books, depicts a mountain landscape.
    Grand Lobby Mural: Brian Dettmer , article

    THROUGH 2028: Brian Dettmer reimagines hardcover books and turns them into stunning mountain landscapes and reflections on time in this Grand Lobby mural.

  • Article Item
    A composite of color portraits of Clare Grill, left, and Margaux Ogden, right, both young white women. Grill has shoulder length sandy brown hair; Ogden has long blonde hair with dark roots. Both pose in front of their work.
    Turner Street Mural: Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden , article

    THROUGH July 2026: Works by fall 2025 exhibiting artists Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden grace the center's exterior wall on Turner Street — perfect for selfies!

  • Article Item
    A composite image of works by Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden. Grill's "Twist," 2024, at left, and Ogden's "Bathers (Phthalo Green, Magenta, Cyan & Red)," 2024 (detail)
    Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden , article

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22: Clare Grill’s layered paintings draw from antique embroidery, while Margaux Ogden's compositions evoke imagery from both the natural and built world.

  • Article Item
    A composite image of works by Dana Frankfort and Josephine Halvorson. Frankfort's work, at left, is a light blue background with some pink and purple tones at the top, and overlaid are the words "more than words" in yellow. The words are hard to make out. Halvorson's work, at right, depicts a makeshift memorial with a small bouquet of sunflowers, a prayer candle, and a clay medallion that reads "Friends are the flowers in the garden of life"
    Dana Frankfort and Josephine Halvorson , article

    THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22: Dana Frankfort’s energetic works feature words painted in gestural washes of color, while Josephine Halvorson paints at the scale of encounter, with subjects are observed on-site.

  • 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.
    Abel Selaocoe, cello and vocals , article

    THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 7:30 PM: South African cellist Abel Selaocoe moves seamlessly across genres, improvising, vocalizing, and creating his own percussion.

  • Article Item
    South African cellist Abel Selaocoe, a middle aged Black man with braids pulled up into a bun on the top of his head.
    Craft Talk: Culture and Connection with Abel Selaocoe , article

    FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 10:10-11 AM: Join South African cellist, singer, and composer Abel Selaocoe for an interactive discussion about his groundbreaking approach to music.

  • Article Item
    Artist Brian Dettmer, a middle aged white man wearing a black T-shirt and black framed glasses. His hair and beard are salt and pepper, and he is surrounded by books, materials, and completed works in his art studio.
    Artist Talk | Brian Dettmer , article

    THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 3-4 PM: Exhibiting muralist Brian Dettmer joins Brian Holcombe, curator, for a free discussion in the Cube.

  • Article Item
    Mandolinist Chris Thile stands in front of a sea glass green background in a plaid jacket.
    "Up Close with Chris Thile" , article

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 4-4:45 PM: Delve into mandolinist Chris Thile’s musical mind during an engaging Q&A session, the perfect prelude to his evening performance.

  • Article Item
    Indian Run Stringband performs for a full room.
    Pre-Show Performance: Indian Run Stringband , article

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 6:15-6:45 PM: Indian Run Stringband performs on the patio ahead of the performance by mandolinist Chris Thile.

  • Article Item
    Mandolinist Chris Thile stands in front of a sea glass green background in a plaid jacket.
    Chris Thile , article

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 7:30 PM: Grammy Award-winning mandolinist Chris Thile is a founding member of bluegrass string bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek.

  • Article Item
    Members of Ballet BC wear sheer nude tops and black pants as they perform BOLERO X.
    Talk: "All About Boléro" , article

    TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 6:30-7 PM: Explore the rich history of Ravel’s "Boléro" and its contemporary ballet origins before experiencing Ballet BC’s bold interpretation.

  • Article Item
    Members of Ballet BC wear white costumes as they perform on stage.
    Ballet BC , article

    TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 7:30 PM: Vancouver-based Ballet BC creates dance at its most essential: visceral, powerful, thought-provoking, and transformative.

  • Article Item
    "New Yorker" cartoonist Roz Chast sits on the steps of a New York brownstone in a navy blue long-sleeved shirt.
    Gaelynn Lea and the Music Inclusion Ensemble , article

    MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 7:30 PM: The Music Inclusion Ensemble centers disability narratives and performs a diverse repertoire by disabled composers.

  • Article Item
    "New Yorker" cartoonist Roz Chast sits on the steps of a New York brownstone in a navy blue long-sleeved shirt.
    "An Evening with Roz Chast" , article

    WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 7:30 PM: "New Yorker" cartoonist Roz Chast is one of the greatest chroniclers of life's anxieties and surreal imaginings.

  • Article Item
    La Marisoul, the lead singer of La Santa Cecilia, a Latina woman in a black and white striped dress in front of a red background.
    School Matinee | La Santa Cecilia , article

    THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 10-11 AM: L.A.-based La Santa Cecilia performs a free matinee for students in public, private, and homeschools in grades 6-12. Registration required.

  • Article Item
    The members of La Santa Cecilia stand in front of a red background, some theatrical smoke in the frame. The lead singer, Marisoul, stands towards the front in black framed cat eye glasses, a black and white striped dress, and a black scarf, her hands spread wide.
    La Santa Cecilia , article

    THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 7:30 PM: The L.A.-based, Grammy-winning La Santa Cecilia is a modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock, and world music.

November

December

January

February

March

April

  • Article Item
    Brian Dettmer's "Memories of the Mountains" (detail), a sculptural installation commissioned for the Center for the Arts Grand Lobby. The work, made out of Virginia Quarterly Review books, depicts a mountain landscape.
    Grand Lobby Mural: Brian Dettmer , article

    THROUGH 2028: Brian Dettmer reimagines hardcover books and turns them into stunning mountain landscapes and reflections on time in this Grand Lobby mural.

  • Article Item
    A composite of color portraits of Clare Grill, left, and Margaux Ogden, right, both young white women. Grill has shoulder length sandy brown hair; Ogden has long blonde hair with dark roots. Both pose in front of their work.
    Turner Street Mural: Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden , article

    THROUGH July 2026: Works by fall 2025 exhibiting artists Clare Grill and Margaux Ogden grace the center's exterior wall on Turner Street — perfect for selfies!

  • Article Item
    Guitarist Bill Frisell, a white man with white hair and tortoise shell glasses, stands in a futuristic hallway, his electric guitar slung around his neck, in a denim button down shirt.
    Bill Frisell , article

    FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 7:30 PM: Grammy-winning jazz guitar icon Bill Frisell’s career as a musician and composer has spanned more than 40 years and many recordings.

  • Article Item
    The Blacksburg Master Chorale performs Handel's "Messiah" on the Moss Arts Center stage.
    National Geographic Live , article

    TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 7:30 PM: "National Geographic" Explorer Muhammed Muheisen's photographs take an unflinching but hopeful look at lives impacted by war.

  • Article Item
    The Takács Quartet in concert attire in a grassy field holding their instruments. Trees and a mountain range are visible behind them.
    The Takács Quartet , article

    WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 7:30 PM: World-renowned Takács Quartet and violist Jordan Bak bring a lush program of Mozart viola quintets and Schubert's "Quartetsatz."

  • Article Item
    2025-2026 season Moss Arts Center guest curator Esraa Warda, an Algerian American dance performer with long curly dark brown hair. She wear gold earrings and rings and shows the palms of her hands to the camera, each fingertip and a circle in the center of each palm painted red.
    "Algeria Moves!" , article

    THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 7:30 PM: Performer and educator Esraa Warda brings a night of music, voice, and dance to highlight the artistry and spirit of Algeria.

  • Article Item
    Members of Itraab Music Ensemble perform in concert at the Center for the Arts.
    Itraab Music Ensemble Concert , article

    WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 7:30 PM: Experience music from Southwest Asia, North and East Africa, and Gulf regions in this concert by a beloved ensemble.

May

September

  • Article Item
    The members of Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano sit and stand together holding their instruments.
    Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano , article

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 6 PM: Catch a free outdoor concert by Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano, masters of Cuba's iconic son cubano. This music is made for dancing!

  • Article Item
    The members of New York jazz ensemble the Hot Sardines gathers in a jazz club, some holding their instruments.
    The Hot Sardines , article

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 7:30 PM: New York-based jazz ensemble the Hot Sardines brings brassy horns, rollicking piano, rich vocals, and a tap dancer.

  • Article Item
    Members of Step Afrika! perform in blue pants and black rain boots on stage.
    Step Afrika! , article

    SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 7:30 PM: Step Afrika! delivers an experience like no other, with traditional African American stepping, drumming, and vibrant storytelling.

October

  • 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.
    Abel Selaocoe, cello and vocals , article

    THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 7:30 PM: South African cellist Abel Selaocoe moves seamlessly across genres, improvising, vocalizing, and creating his own percussion.

  • Article Item
    Mandolinist Chris Thile stands in front of a sea glass green background in a plaid jacket.
    Chris Thile , article

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 7:30 PM: Grammy Award-winning mandolinist Chris Thile is a founding member of bluegrass string bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek.

  • Article Item
    Members of Ballet BC wear white costumes as they perform on stage.
    Ballet BC , article

    TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 7:30 PM: Vancouver-based Ballet BC creates dance at its most essential: visceral, powerful, thought-provoking, and transformative.

  • Article Item
    "New Yorker" cartoonist Roz Chast sits on the steps of a New York brownstone in a navy blue long-sleeved shirt.
    Gaelynn Lea and the Music Inclusion Ensemble , article

    MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 7:30 PM: The Music Inclusion Ensemble centers disability narratives and performs a diverse repertoire by disabled composers.

  • Article Item
    "New Yorker" cartoonist Roz Chast sits on the steps of a New York brownstone in a navy blue long-sleeved shirt.
    "An Evening with Roz Chast" , article

    WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 7:30 PM: "New Yorker" cartoonist Roz Chast is one of the greatest chroniclers of life's anxieties and surreal imaginings.

  • Article Item
    The members of La Santa Cecilia stand in front of a red background, some theatrical smoke in the frame. The lead singer, Marisoul, stands towards the front in black framed cat eye glasses, a black and white striped dress, and a black scarf, her hands spread wide.
    La Santa Cecilia , article

    THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 7:30 PM: The L.A.-based, Grammy-winning La Santa Cecilia is a modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock, and world music.

November

  • Article Item
    Members of Hotel Modern perform "The Great War" on stage, a white man and a white woman moving toy cannons across a map of Europe.
    Hotel Modern , article

    THURS., NOV. 6-FRI., NOV. 7, 7:30 PM: Hotel Modern creates fascinating performances that fuse drama, visual art, object theatre, puppetry, music, and film.

  • Article Item
    The cast of 360 ALLSTARS gathers on stage. From left, one rides a BMX bike, three hold up a large German wheel while a fourth man balances on top of it, a man hits a breakdance pose, and a man balances one basketball on top of another.
    360 ALLSTARS , article

    SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 4 PM: 360 ALLSTARS brings an energy-packed party with dancing, rapping, beatboxing, acrobatics, BMX biking, basketball, and more.

  • Article Item
    Cast members of "TINA – The Tina Turner Musical" perform on stage, giant lit letters reading TINA behind them.
    "TINA – The Tina Turner Musical" , article

    MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 7:30 PM: "TINA – The Tina Turner Musical" is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

December

  • Article Item
    A woman wearing reindeer antlers watches the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's "Holiday Pops Spectacular" as conductor David Stewart Wiley speaks and Santa looks on.
    Roanoke Symphony Orchestra , article

    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 4 PM: The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra brings the magic of the season to the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre with its "Holiday Pops Spectacular."

  • Article Item
    The Blacksburg Master Chorale performs Handel's "Messiah" on the Moss Arts Center stage.
    Blacksburg Master Chorale , article

    SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 4 PM: The Blacksburg Master Chorale is joined by an orchestra and soloists to present an iconic work of the holiday season, Handel's "Messiah."

January

February

  • Article Item
    The graphic for Cirque Mechanic's "Tilt: A Circus Thrill Ride," showing the silhouette of a theme park against a yellow background. The word "Tilt!" is shown in red marquee lettering above the Cirque Mechanics logo
    Cirque Mechanics , article

    TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 7:30 PM: Prepare to journey to the backlot of an inventive theme park as Cirque Mechanics returns with its newest adventure.

  • Article Item
    Foto: Emilia Therese
    Danish Radio Big Band , article

    FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 7:30 PM: Danish Radio Big Band brings powerhouse sound alongside three-time Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant.

  • Article Item
    The Blacksburg Master Chorale performs Handel's "Messiah" on the Moss Arts Center stage.
    "Chicago" , article

    MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 7:30 PM: "Chicago" is the musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz.

March

  • Article Item
    The Blacksburg Master Chorale performs Handel's "Messiah" on the Moss Arts Center stage.
    Irish Baroque Orchestra , article

    TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 7:30 PM: Experience something different this St. Patrick’s Day with music from flagship period instrument ensemble Irish Baroque Orchestra.

  • Article Item
    The Blacksburg Master Chorale performs Handel's "Messiah" on the Moss Arts Center stage.
    Stephanie Lake Company , article

    SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 7:30 PM: With all-out dancing and electrifying sound, "Manifesto" features nine dancers and nine drummers on nine drum kits.

April

  • Article Item
    Guitarist Bill Frisell, a white man with white hair and tortoise shell glasses, stands in a futuristic hallway, his electric guitar slung around his neck, in a denim button down shirt.
    Bill Frisell , article

    FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 7:30 PM: Grammy-winning jazz guitar icon Bill Frisell’s career as a musician and composer has spanned more than 40 years and many recordings.

  • Article Item
    The Blacksburg Master Chorale performs Handel's "Messiah" on the Moss Arts Center stage.
    National Geographic Live , article

    TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 7:30 PM: "National Geographic" Explorer Muhammed Muheisen's photographs take an unflinching but hopeful look at lives impacted by war.

  • Article Item
    The Takács Quartet in concert attire in a grassy field holding their instruments. Trees and a mountain range are visible behind them.
    The Takács Quartet , article

    WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 7:30 PM: World-renowned Takács Quartet and violist Jordan Bak bring a lush program of Mozart viola quintets and Schubert's "Quartetsatz."

  • Article Item
    2025-2026 season Moss Arts Center guest curator Esraa Warda, an Algerian American dance performer with long curly dark brown hair. She wear gold earrings and rings and shows the palms of her hands to the camera, each fingertip and a circle in the center of each palm painted red.
    "Algeria Moves!" , article

    THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 7:30 PM: Performer and educator Esraa Warda brings a night of music, voice, and dance to highlight the artistry and spirit of Algeria.

May

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: Director of Visual Arts Brian Holcombe provides insight, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses, and answers your questions during these free tours.

September

October

November

December

February

April

August

September

October

November

December