It’s more than hot dogs, hamburgers and comfy chairs.

From Sweet Briar’s newest exhibit to auditions at Randolph.

This season’s Friday Cheers finale is a little preview of the kind of acts coming next year.

Renaissance Theatre celebrates its 20th year this year, and starts the season with a produciton of Neil Simon’s ‘Rumors.‘

Check out what’s coming up leading into and through the Labor Day weekend.

The Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra has a season planned that ranges from orchestral offerings of Baroque-era music to Motown—plus an assist from an astronaut.

When Dan Druckenbrod looks at trees he sees trees, but he also sees history — lots of it.

The kids have been back in school only a few days and already you’re secretly loading squirt guns with ice water. There was a time you would’ve called such an idea cruel. Remember? Now, blasting your slumbering schnookums out of bed sounds, simply, brilliant.

‘I don’t think I fit into what’s popular in Lynchburg, but I think I fit into what’s becoming popular.‘
—Kimberly Gibson, artist

Ken West is a professor at Lynchburg College. His book, ‘The Shelbys,’ has been translated into Indonesian and Czech. Readers may write to West in care of The News & Advance, P.O. Box 10129, Lynchburg, VA 24506.

Paul Theroux finds the peace needed to work not far from where he was born.

A few of the things happening in the arts around the area

There’s an art party going down at Grace.

‘What an advantage it is to grow up surrounded by (art)... .’

- Helen McGehee, Modern dancer

It’s a fashion show, art show and music scene happening downtown on Saturday.

Stephanie Nakasian will headline the Wine & Jazz Festival this weekend at the Sedalia Center.

In this new, occasional feature, we will catch up with Central Virginians who have gained notice in the entertainment world.  Do you know any former Hill City residents who are doing something interesting and would make a good fit for this feature? Let us know. Contact Casey Gillis at .

It’s that time of year, the time for boxes, tape and bubble wrap. You decide to give yourself a break and hire professional movers.

Thelma Dalmas, a naturalist, writes a weekly column for The News & Advance. Readers may e-mail her at

Meet the Schoffstalls, who are coordinating the local Special Olympics.

Donald H. Mustard is the veterans service officer for DAV Chapter 8 and VFW Post 8184.

Ken West is a professor at Lynchburg College. His book, ‘The Shelbys,’ has been translated into Indonesian and Czech. Readers may write to West in care of The News & Advance, P.O. Box 10129, Lynchburg, VA 24506.

‘If you can build a home that is environmentally sound, it’s healthier for the inhabitants and it’s going to save them money for the life of the home, then how can you not do that?‘

—Sylvia Hallock, executive director, Habitat for Humanity Virginia

Two Central Virginia authors are recognized.

MOVIE REVIEW:
‘Tropic Thunder’

REVIEWER RATING: 2.5/4 stars
RATING/TIME: R/106 min.
PHOTO: (Left to right) Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Nick Nolte, Jack Black, Brandon Jackson, Jay Burachel star in ‘Tropic Thunder.’

From benefits to one-man bands, these art-related events are so noted.

Robbie Wells makes music with his family, and now the area’s musical family is making music for him.

When “Patrick Henry” comes to Amherst next month, it will be a homecoming of sorts.

Thelma Dalmas, a naturalist, writes a weekly column for The News & Advance. Readers may e-mail her at .

Some trips are more than a journey, and that was the case for Ken West, a professor at Lynchburg College. His book, ‘The Shelbys,’ has been translated into Indonesian and Czech. Readers may write to West in care of The News & Advance, P.O. Box 10129, Lynchburg, VA 24506.