SML Art Council Special Events

By Micah Gaudio

As the sun glistened off the water in the background; a symphony serenaded guests in the intimate and inviting atmosphere of a gorgeous lake home. Marty Bowers sat listening and almost had to pinch herself. Between watching the skillful fingers of the musicians and gazing at the breathtaking view, she thought, “This is it. This is absolutely incredible.”

                While many aspects of the Arts Council are geared toward specific artistic expressions, their Special Events extend beyond the membership. From bringing parts of the Roanoke Symphony into lake homes to old-fashioned barn dances, the Special Events Division provides a myriad of unique things to do. Lois Spencer commented, “The main focus of The Art Council’s mission statement is to provide events where individuals and groups can be exposed to various art forms for their cultural pleasure and enrichment.” Marty Bowers adds, “The committee brainstorms to come up with new ideas. We try to offer a variety, because people enjoy different things.”

                Over the years, the Special Events division has entertained lake residents through concerts, dances, coffee houses, plays, dinner parties and more. They bring in musicians from all genres including Jazz, Bluegrass, Folk and Classical. And, they find unique ways to host events. One year they turned Westlake Country Club into a Roadside Tavern and had a Colonial dinner where dressed-up guests could sign the petition to separate Franklin County from Bedford County.

                Their events have been traditionally well-attended. Several of the in-home concerts and events have been sold out or even had a waiting list. While the lake area is famous for offering more in the summer, Marty makes sure that some of the Arts Council’s big events take place during the rest of the year. She said, “It’s nice to have things for the people who stay here during the winter.” This February, they are brining in the Roanoke Symphony and Chorus, and in March, they will have a Coffee House featuring TRIFOLKAL, a trio of singers and songwriters from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

                SMAC receives partial funding for its events from VCA grants, but they usually have to charge something to cover the costs. Sometimes they are equally creative in how they cover the cost of the event – one year they auctioned off homemade desserts. Lois Spencer explains, “It’s not our aim to make money. We’re happy to break even, we just want to put on these events for the public.” For as little as $15, you can join the Smith Mountain Arts Council and ensure you never miss one of their Special Events.

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Roanoke Choral Society presenting Virtuosi II.

Sat., Feb. 21, 7:00p.m.

at Radford Baptist Church.

The Symphony and Chorus will perform Vaughan Williams’ “Serenade to Music,” Bach’s Cantada No. 4, “Christ lag in Todeshander;” and Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes. The night should be inspiring, passionate and energizing. Adults $25, Students $10.00.

Coffee House at Trinity Ecumenical Parish featuring TRIFOLKAL.

Friday, March 5, 7:30p.m.

These Blue Ridge Mountain singers and songwriters perform an eclectic blend of original music, new tunes and traditional favorites. Come enjoy their wit, warmth and beautiful harmonies. Desserts and coffees will be served. $10.

In-home concert featuring Madeline MacNeil.

Sunday, May 16, 3:00p.m.

Returning after a highly successful first show, Madeline will perform her 60s-inspired hammered and mountain dulcimer music. Also influenced by Celtic, Appalachian and jazz music, she has performed all over the world.

Lakeside Singers Concert at Trinity Ecumenical Parish

Friday, June 4 & Saturday, June 5

“Lights, Camera, Action: Let’s Go to the Movies,” will be an entertaining show full of well-known movie themes.

Next year look for:

Mardi Gras - Feb. 5, 2005

Send all checks to

SMAC, Box 745, Moneta, VA 24121.

For more info call Marty at 540-297-0965 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tickets may also be available at The Visitor’s Center, Scopes & Stuff and Smith Mountain Flowers