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Charleston music series kicks off Friday

September 04, 2008 @ 12:00 AM

BETH HENDRICKS

The Herald-Dispatch

CHARLESTON -- In 2008, West Virginia is not only a "swing" state but also a "jazz" state.

In its 18th season, Charleston Jazz is bringing an assortment of the genre's stylings to new fans and aficionados alike.

"Our goal is to bring in world-class musicians who've literally played all over the world to expose people to new approaches and different voices they may not have encountered before," said Will Carter, founder of the all-volunteer organization. "We bring a slice of jazz right here to central West Virginia."

Carter, who grew up in Charleston and attended law school in New York City, said his love for the music drives his desire to bring critically acclaimed, larger venue stars to the region.

"It can be pretty difficult to get sufficient caliber artists who would come through this area that we could afford to bring in," Carter said. "I feel such gratitude toward musicians who are willing to travel to bring music to an audience that is out of their main jazz tour. Not all of the big names in jazz are willing to do that, and I'm so grateful."

The first of Charleston Jazz's offerings this fall is in the piano bar tradition with Lorraine Feather and Shelley Berg, fresh from a run at the famed piano bar at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City. Their music is described as "grounded in elegant jazz traditions and enlivened with the linguistic and rhythmic sensibilities of our more modern era."

The show, at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, is offered at Wellington's at Scarlet Oaks and is preceded by a buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. Concert admission is $25, and dinner is $18.95.

"The piano bar tradition is actually a very difficult style of jazz to pull off effectively, and they do it beautifully," Carter said.

On Oct. 23 at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, the group presents Omar Sosa. The Los Angeles Times said this of Sosa: "(His) vision of contemporary jazz reaches across every imaginable boundary."

Brazilian pianist and flutist Jovino Santos Neto brings sunny days in Rio to the area Nov. 14, combining his classically trained virtuosity with world pop sounds. This concert date also features a buffet dinner at Wellington's at Scarlet Oaks.

World jazz chart-topper Fahir Atakoglu Trio is also planned for the season, with the date to be announced. Four more shows are in the works for the winter and spring.

"Some of our shows are something that anybody who likes music will enjoy, and some of them are pretty challenging, but the only surprise people might have is how truly great these musicians are," Carter said.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, and season ticket packages are available and can be arranged in different combinations. For more information, call 304-340-1474 or visit charlestonjazz.org.

Events

1940s Radio Hour
Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 4-6, and 11-13; matinee at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. A "live" radio show with seven performances. Complimentary tickets offered to...

J. Chris Newberg
7:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4-7. A refreshing smart and edgy humor, delivered with a streetwise sense of philosophical...

First Friday and Second Look Saturday
5-9 p.m. every first Friday, 2-6 p.m. every first Saturday. Visit with Pendleton artists in their studios. Questions, call 606-920-9863.

Lions Arts and Crafts Show
4-9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-7. Hosted by the Lesage and Southeast Huntington Lions Clubs. The juried show is filled with...

"The Nutcracker"
school matinee begins at 9:30 a.m. and regular show at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Ashland Youth Ballet presents their annual presentation of The Nutcracker. Questions...

Christmas Tour of Homes
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6-7. Tour six outstanding homes in the Bellefonte area dressed for the holidays. Questions, call 606-329-8888 or visit...

2nd annual Holiday Candlelight Tour
2-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. A tour (inside and out) of eight prominent Huntington homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Questions, call 304-733-ARTS.

Marshall Artists Series: "Wizard of Oz"
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9. A spectacular celebration of the iconic 1939 MGM film, "The Wizard of Oz." Tickets, call 304-696-3326 or visit www.marshallartistsseries.org.

16th annual Joy to the World Holiday Concert
8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11; doors open at 7:30 p.m. Featuring Bob Thompson with guest vocalist Dwight Lenox. Tickets, visit www.mountainstage.musictoday.com or call...

"Cowboy" Bill Martin
7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11-14. The Texas native, who has toured with some of the biggest names in country music,...

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Rated G

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Rated PG-13 for some violence and a scene of sensuality

Dining

GOOD EATS: Rocco's Ristorante serves up Italian faves

November 27, 2008 @ 12:00 AM

CEREDO -- Rocco's Ristorante has been a favorite of the Tri-State since 1977. The restaurant continues to serve delicious Italian meals, which have attracted people from miles around.

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Courtesy of www.lorrainefeathers.com

Jazz singer Lorraine Feathers will perform at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Scarlet Oaks in Charleston as part of the Charleston Jazz series.

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Courtesy of Daniel Sheehan

Brazilian pianist and flutist Jovino Santos Neto will perform on Nov. 14 at Scarlet Oaks as part of the Charleston Jazz series.

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