Hi Folks! Okay, we know, we've been slackin' on the Mondays! But don't worry because today is Tuesday and there's plenty to do the rest of the week. Check it out...

TONIGHT ::
It IS easy being green... Big Lick-Green Drinks is still going strong at All Sports in Salem, VA so if you love livin' green and want to surround yourself with likeminded peeps then here's a chance for you local "greenies" in the Roanoke Valley to get socialized!

WEDNESDAY ::
Blue 5 in downtown Roanoke hosts their monthly Blue Ridge Blues Society Jam just in time to get you past the mid-week doldrums. This unique monthly event is fun, laid back, and one you don't want to miss! So grab your friends and a brew and get the blues!

THURSDAY ::
Walking Work of Art, the new tattoo shop on Campbell Ave in Roanoke, is offering anyone who mentions myScoper.com 20% OFF a brand spankin' new tattoo all day today (and Fri/Sat). So if you've been contemplating the awesomeness of body art, it's now or never! Hey, we've got an idea... myScoper's eyeball would make one fantastic tattoo! YES!

FRIDAY ::
The legendary STYX is performing at the newest and coolest concert series on Smith Mountain Lake. Just outside of Mariners Landing Resort the show is set in an exciting new festival style arena so be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket! And if you want to make a weekend of it... you can stay at one of the super nice condos just down the street and right on the water at The Pointe at Mariners plus you can catch the Saturday night concert with Lonestar! You need a vacation right? Click here for more info and tix!

SATURDAY ::
This one's for anyone young and young at heart. Center in the Square in downtown Roanoke turned 25 this year and to celebrate they're hosting a family fun extravaganza all day Saturday and Sunday. Everything in the center (including all the museums) is FREE and open both days plus the market square is going to be loaded up with fantasy face painting, moonwalks, clowns, balloons and more! A kid's dream come true, who doesn't love a moonwalk?!

SUNDAY ::
The Blue Ridge Jazz Ensemble makes an appearance at Rockfish Food & Wine on Grandin Road in Roanoke. The show is only $5 and the food is superb. We especially love the black bean hummus! Yummus! Reservations are recommended so call early!

And just remember... YOUR WEEK IN EVENTS IS WAITING! So get out there and [heart] your community!

Your Friends at
myScoper.com

Hi Folks! Okay, yesterday was a Monday! But don't worry because today isn't and there's plenty to do the rest of the week. Check it out...

TONIGHT ::
Its a special month for the Emerging Artist Program at the Main Roanoke Library. They have not one BUT two fantastic events starting tonight with the BOE Showcase, a Roanoke collective of hip hop, RnB, and breakdancing artists called Blackout Entertainment. DJ DickiE, Receptors, and Aaron Parker (of Red Clay River) will be providing music and Maggie Moos will provide yummy treats and its all completely and totally and wonderfully FREE! Starts at 6pm! (See Thursday for their second stellar event this week)

WEDNESDAY ::
If you haven't already checked it out and you're in the mood for a little road trip, head on down to Galax for the Old Fiddler's Convention in its 73rd year and already in full swing for 2008 until Saturday. Tickets range from $6 to $12 each day for some of the best mountain music around!

THURSDAY ::
Another fantastic opening from the Emerging Artist Series as promised. Kate Abarbanel presents "How to Draw a Blog" utilizing her multi-genre creativity, this actual reality blog interacts with her own personal blog, resulting in song, dance, film, photography & performance. Live music from Receptors and slow food provided. Starts at 6pm at the Main Library Downtown and of course, its fantastically FREE!

FRIDAY ::
How about a Night Under The Stars? Amrhein Wine Cellars is offering just that every Friday in August. For $35 you and your squeeze can spend an evening at the winery with dinner for 2 and a bottle of wine. Who says romance can't be affordable!?

SATURDAY ::
Looks like its a food, wine, and fabulous libations kind of weekend. There are two options today depending on your vice of choice. For the wine lovers, there's the Black Dog Wine and Jazz Festival at Chateau Morrisette with everything from fine wine to american roots music and latin jazz. Then for the beer drinkers, there's the much loved annual Microfestivus at Elmwood Park in Roanoke. Now in its 11th year, you can sample from over 50 beers (well we don't recommend you actually sample that many, that would be bad) from over 20 microbreweries in the Mid-Atlantic.

SUNDAY ::
Did you know that the Science Museum at Center in the Square is open on Sundays? What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Now showing in the MegaDome: "Africa: The Serengeti" Narrator, James Earl Jones takes viewers on a journey with more than 1.5 million animals as they travel 500 miles across the plains of the Serengeti. Fantastic and Amazing, show is at 2:15pm on Sunday afternoon.

And just remember... YOUR WEEK IN EVENTS IS WAITING! So get out there and [heart] your community!

Your Friends at
myScoper.com

It's summertime, and you're bored!?! We don't think so! Check out what's happenin' in your 'hood this week!

MONDAY ::
What's America's favorite pastime? Baseball of course! And lucky for you the Salem Avalanche are taking on the Frederick Keys tonight on their home turf. Go show support for your local team and grab a hot dog and a pretzel for the full experience! Need more info? Click here!

TUESDAY ::
BB King takes the stage Tuesday night at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre and tickets are still available. Named the third-greatest guitarist of "the 100 greatest guitarists of all-time" by Rolling Stone magazine, King is one of the greatest and most respected blues musicians of all time. So click now for pricing and info so you don't miss your opportunity to see this legend in action.

WEDNESDAY ::
Who doesn't love the smell of freshly baked bread and homemade jam in the summertime? Now you can learn how to make your own at Foodies' Hot Bread & Jam Cooking Class. Learn how to make your own yeast rolls and delicious peach jam, a perfect present for friends or just to enjoy all to yourself! For more information, click here.

THURSDAY ::
It's LADIES night everywhere (we're talking 202, Metro, and more), so girls listen up, tonight's your night to get out with your girlfriends, and if you're hitched, no worries, its Guys Night at Blues BBQ, where we're sure your man will be more than content with the half priced apps and abundant beer specials. Plus Metro has half priced sushi from 6 to 7pm for everyone! Yummy!

FRIDAY ::
It's that time of year again, The Virginia Mountain Peach Festival is back in SunTrust plaza and with this year's Superb Peach crop in Virginia, it should be better than ever! If you work downtown, go grab a milkshake on your lunch break or head over on Saturday too for some fantastic peach cobbler!

Also on Friday, Blackburg's annual Steppin Out is the quintessential 2-day street fest to get your festival on from 10am - 10pm as well as all day Saturday. The village center will definitely be a-buzz with pedestrians imbibing in craft vendors, sidewalk sales, festival foods (yummy), and three stages of live entertainment with national and regional acts from bluegrass to bhangrass, acoustic work, and local talent. If traveling from Roanoke, save gas and take the Smartway Bus. For more info and schedule, Smartwaybus.com

SATURDAY ::
DRI has cooked up another fantastic and FREE concert! If you're a country music fan then there's no excuse not to check out Carolina Rain with special guests Lisa Dames and Matt Ramsey performing live in front of the Market building downtown. Its guaranteed to be a crowd pleasing, two-steppin good time! And heck, can we mention again... it's FREE! Click here for the full details.

SUNDAY ::
Wine and Cider and Mead Oh My! No really, that's the name of the event! Sounds fun, huh? We think so... Château Morrisette, Villa Appalachia, Blacksnake Meadery, AmRhein Wine Cellars, and Foggy Ridge Cider have teamed up to present a food and drink extravaganza or more generally known as a progressive pairing. You may travel with a handy map to each site for selected food and beverage pairings enhanced by expert advice on flavor combinations. Find our more and how to purchase tix right here!

And just remember... YOUR WEEK IN EVENTS IS WAITING! So get out there and [heart] your community!

Your Friends at
myScoper.com

As promised, FloydFest is on myScoper.com!
Here are some highlights that you don't want to miss this weekend!

THURSDAY ::
Donna the Buffalo, a FloydFest favorite, returns as the Thursday night headliner on the Dreaming Creek Main Stage. Funky and danceable with a message of tribal philosophy and celebration, Donna the Buffalo's music is a unique blend of reggae, rock, country, zydeco, Cajun, and folk traditions. Take a listen here!

Also, on Thursday, and recommended by our good friends at The Butter Room, The Kings of Belmont will be playing a late night set on the Pink Floyd Garden Stage. Whether its rock or country or hip-hop or jams, you will find it woven into the sound of The Kings of Belmont. Listen to them here!

FRIDAY ::
Railroad Earth lights up the Dreaming Creek Main Stage from 9 to 11pm. From their first shows back in May 2001, Railroad Earth began carving a path deep and wide throughout the American Roots Music scene. With the support of a legion of incredibly loyal fans, Railroad Earth has become an undeniable force whose superb songwriting, singing and live performances have made them one of the most talked about bands to hit the U.S. Music scene in years. Wanna hear them? Click here!

Friday night also brings Tea Leaf Green to the Streamline Hill Holler Stage for a two hour late night session. Here's what The Butter Room has to say about them "...very talented musicians with a unique sound; kind of a cross between Traffic and The Allman Brothers." Take a listen here!

SATURDAY ::
Three Heavy Hitters on One Stage!

The David Grisman Quintet hits the Main Stage for a late afternoon serving of "dawg" music, a blend of many stylistic influences (including swing, bluegrass, Latin, jazz and gypsy) so unique he gave it its own name. Listen here!

Immediately following the Quintet is none other than Amos Lee, a folk, soul, and jazz singer-songwriter out of Philly, who has toured with the likes of Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Norah Jones, Paul Simon, and Merle Haggard. Hear him right now!

And topping off the night on the Dreaming Creek stage is Rusted Root, a musical organism of quintessential essence, monumental substance and vast appeal! Wanna hear them now? Click.

SUNDAY ::
Catch an early show with Turbo Pro Project, an eclectic group from North Carolina making their FloydFest debut on the Main Stage at 11:15am. Take a listen!

Also, Stick around for the Avett Brothers, also from NC, at 4:30pm on the Streamline Hill Holler Stage. Their songs are honest: just chords with real voices singing real melodies. But, the heart and the energy with which they are sung, is really why people are talking, and why so many sing along. Listen to them here!

With over 60 musicals acts and performances plus workshops, yoga classes, and even belly dancing and hulahooping, it's really an everybody's festival! After all it's a family affair!

All main stage acts can be found on myScoper.com and all other performance schedules can be downloaded on the FloydFest website. So enjoy and we hope to see you out there!

And just remember... FLOYDFEST IS WAITING! So get out there and [heart] your community!

Your Friends at
myScoper.com

Hi friends! It looks like a great week. Enjoy!

MONDAY ::
Hey, having a Monday ladies? No worries, grab your gal pals and head to Martin's tonight for Martini Mondays! Nothing cures a Monday quicker than an ice-cold Appletini!

TUESDAY ::
Wanna move your body and feel good? Try out the newest Modern Dance class at The Water Heater! Two hours of dance and movement for all skill levels starting at 5pm for only $5!

WEDNESDAY ::
James Kellogg, Comedy Hypnosis Show lands at VWCC. And if you've ever wondered what its like to be hypnotized, who knows, maybe you'll get picked from the audience and wake up as Elvis! Bonus: your attendance is for a great cause, Roanoke's Junior Achievement.

THURSDAY ::
FloydFest opens today! Of course it deserves its own post... too much goodness to list here! So stay tuned for a message about the lineup that you won't want to miss!
Can't make it out to Floyd? Then we recommend this awesomeness closer to home... Circumstantial Evidence: an amazing video installation and sensorium by Misty Sweet premiering at The Water Heater from 5pm to 7pm with refreshing goodies.

FRIDAY ::
You betcha! Oh Yah! Fargo, one of the Coen Brothers' finest, is the Midnight Movie at Grandin Theatre! You've got all week to work on your best Minnesotan accent. Some pre-film trivia... Filming of outdoor scenes in Fargo had to be constantly moved all over Minnesota, North Dakota, and Canada because spring was approaching and the snow kept melting.

SATURDAY ::
Last weekend there was TransformUs, the festival..., this week there's Transformers the Movie! A great movie that takes us late 20s/early 30s somethings back to our youth... and its a drive-in to boot! The movie is free and will start at dusk at Green Hill Park in Roanoke County. Autobots, transform!

SUNDAY ::
Feeling the need for some zen on your day of rest... the newest addition to the Roanoke yoga lineup has just what you crave. Power Yoga at Uttara Yoga Studio starts your day at 8:30am with a warm up, moving onto vigorous sun salutes and other poses, and finishing with deep stretches and a period of relaxation. Sure to energize you for another dazzling week in SWVA!

And just remember... YOUR WEEK IN EVENTS IS WAITING! So get out there and [heart] your community!

Your Friends at
myScoper.com

Hiya folks! Sorry for the brief hiatus last week. The myScoper girls were on vacate at Aerial Dance Camp, yes that's right, we really are "intra"discplinary artists! Anywho, we're back and this week looks like fun!

THE WEEKDAYS...
Starting with tonight... it's karaoke time again at Blues BBQ so grab a beer and some fried ocra and give it a go! Tomorrow you should definitely make a lunch hour stop at the new and beautiful yoga studio, Uttara, on Kirk Avenue, downtown, for their Power Yoga Class, a great way to keep you focused and alert until 5 o'clock! Plus since they're new they've got great specials for the summer so visit them anytime of you can't go during lunch hour! On Wednesday, there's another free dance class at the library, only this time it's salsa! And with Latin night coming up at 202 Market on Saturday... go get some skills and use them! If you've got your daytime free on Thursday and you're interested in the art of jewelry making then you may want to register for Jacksonville Center's Wire Wrapped Cabachons Workshop, check out the link for more info on this super cool class.

THE WEEKEND...
There's a lot to do this weekend both in Roanoke and out of town. First we'll start with the out of town... this Friday kicks off the annual TransformUs Festival outside of Asheville, NC. This festival has been described as the "Burning Man" of the East although they are not affiliated with the original desert community this year. It runs for 3 days and is a place for radical self expression, and an experiment in temporary community building, you ARE the entertainment. You do need an invite to participate though so check their website for information! On a local note, Doug and Telisha Williams will be performing a house concert at our very own space, The Water Heater, on Friday at 7pm. They're from Martinsville and fantastic, don't believe us? Take a listen here! There's plenty to do on Saturday, starting with the festivals... you can have some BBQ at the Blues and BBQ Festival in Downtown Roanoke or have some VT wine at the Chateau Morrisette Hokie Bird Wine Festival in Floyd. Or if you have a competitive streak, head to the lake to take in the Virginia Commonwealth Games Wakeboarding Tournament at Crazy Horse Marina! Saturday night, if you want a fun and safe place to camp with the WHOLE family even the four legged variety then you can Camp with the Canines at Six Wags Dog Park, complete with S'mores and hot dogs (the eating kind)! Or maybe you just want to have a great view of the wild but want to sleep in your own bed Saturday, then the Valhalla Moonlight Gourmet Wine Dinner is most definitely a great choice for the grownups with a stellar view of the valley and incredible food and wine, a quite romantic affair! And on Sunday, as if we didn't keep you busy enough on Saturday, there's even more wakeboarding mayhem. This time it's for the pros, the BroStock Pro Invite Wakeboarding Competition is being held at Smith Mountain Lake where the world's best riders will compete for a large cash purse at the foot of Smith Mountain. A superb way to end the weekend, yes?

And just remember... YOUR WEEK IN EVENTS IS WAITING! So get out there and heart your community!

Your Friends at
myScoper.com

Whoohoo! It's a short week for most of you this week so enjoy it because there's plenty to do starting today! Fancy some outdoor theatre that you can take the kids to? Theatre Roanoke College is presenting "Remus Tales" tonight at the Olin Hall Amphitheatre. So take the family, a lounge chair, a picnic and your set because the show's FREE! Tomorrow marks the beginning of July and the first Small Dog Only Yappy Hour of the month at Six Wags Dog Park. So if you're worried about your wee little friend getting run over by those Scooby Doo types, this is a great option plus a good mix and mingle for you human types too! On Wednesday, you're more than halfway done with the week and deserve some relaxation, right? Check out the Blue 5 Jam and enjoy some fine music from local jazz musicians in the Roanoke Valley. Then, the Gang of Lost Souls Art Show opens on Thursday at Jeff Center, curated by LoLo Monae, in it's second year of presenting new, emerging, and underground artists in the area. And since you've probably got Friday off, make a night of it and head over to Salem afterward for the Half Moon Band, a local fave! Wanna see what they sound like? Take a listen here!

Ok, now moving into the weekend, obviously there are just too many July 4th events to list here so be sure to check out the full calendar for the rest. But here are some that we think are awesome!

The Roanoke Times Music for Americans ::
a no brainer, this one happens every year and is undoubtedly the largest in the area and FREE!

Independence Day at Thomas Jefferson's Retreat ::
This one is for the history buffs and since it's happening during the day, you can catch this and the fireworks later! Woot!

4th of July Music Festival at Bernard's Landing ::
For the folks at the lake that don't want to wait til' July 5th to get their party on... no fireworks but great music to shag dance to!

LibertyFest in Bedford ::
Quite possibly a rival to the RT event, with music and front row seats to the fireworks display at the D Day Memorial. This one does cost 5 bucks though.

Fireworks at Smith Mountain Lake ::
This one's on Saturday folks, in case you didn't get enough Friday! Complete with the Worx band and a Smörgåsbord of other festivities! And, if you're not the type to jump right into the festivities but prefer a leisurely distance, try the Fireworks Cruise on the Virginia Dare.

Also, if you're not on the lake Saturday, you want something to do too, right? Well Downtown Roanoke, Inc. is serving up something HOT! Downtown Rocks with Yo Mamma's Big Fat Booty Band! A FREE concert downtown! That's right they're closing the streets and getting crazy! Gonna be a fun night!

Okay, now honestly after all the mayhem this weekend, we'd understand if you're taking a REALLY long nap on Sunday. But wait... you can't forget about Floyd!!! Wine Down the Music Trail, one of our favorite events, is happening all day Saturday and Sunday so before you decide to call it a weekend, go have some wine and listen to some good tunes at the aptly named "Dreaming Creek" stage. Then you can go sleep like a baby and get ready for another great week in SWVA! Enjoy and have a happy and safe 4th everybody!

And just remember... YOUR WEEK IN EVENTS IS WAITING! So get out there and heart your community!

Your Friends at
myScoper.com

Good morning SWVA! It's a full week, so pay attention! Plus, if you've got pets or love animals, you're gonna want to pay extra attention to Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat events!

Tonight, the Caravan to Cuba is making a stop in Roanoke! The Caravans, established in 1992, deliver much needed US-Cuba Friendshipments. These humanitarian aid shipments mitigate the impact of the US embargo on Cuba and mobilize thousands of US citizens in favor of an alternative. To learn more about them or find out how to get involved, head down to the Unitarian Universalist Church at 6pm, but don't forget your green bean casserole, it is a pot-luck! Tomorrow, Acoustic Endeavors is playing their last live show of their long-lived Tuesday night gig at Blues BBQ so be sure to go out and woop it up one last time for this lively crew! On Wednesday, if you've got a dog that needs some space to run, check out Yappy Hour (yes that's spelled correctly) at Six Wags Dog Park. With 6 acres of wide open goodness, your dog will be in heaven for only $5! Plus, there are plenty of other owners there to mix and mingle with while your dog pretends he doesn't know you! Thursday and Friday are both great days to attend the Roanoke Valley Horse Show (that just happens to be going on all week at the Salem Civic Center) especially if you've got kids. On Thursday, all children in attendance are invited to bring their stick horses and parade around the ring in high style! And, Friday night, probably the favorite of many, the Jack Russells will be making their annual appearance at the show to do what they do best! Then on Saturday, the Roanoke Valley SPCA will be holding another quarterly Micro-chipping Clinic! Help keep your pet from getting lost or stolen and grab yourself some peace of mind for only $15/$25. And on Sunday, wind down the weekend with a feel-good cooking class at the Hotel Roanoke, the focus of this week's class: organic and all natural! Yummy!

And remember... YOUR WEEK IN EVENTS IS WAITING! So get out there and heart your community!

Your Friends at
myScoper.com

Well hello SWVAnites! Last week we gave you one fantastic week of FREE events. This week's not quite as free but definitely just as fun! Starting today, for all the karaoke addicts out there, you know who you are..., there's a new gig in town. That's right, you can now get your karaoke fix one more day a week at Blues BBQ downtown and it's a good one! Don't believe us? See for yourself at 9pm tonight! Tomorrow, there are two exhibits worth seeing at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins. First up is sculptor extraordinaire, Diana Reuter-Twining, known for her dymanic bronze sculptures portraying an intimacy with nature captured through her diverse experience. Next up is the photography of Taisie Berkeley, who has won national recognition for her magazine profiles of people, bringing emotion, perceptiveness, and grace to her art. On Wednesday, if you are just as perplexed as most people about how to promote your business through social media then you should attend (for FREE by the way) Recession Proof Social Marketing at the Salem Civic Center at 8am. You'll get a great intro on how Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, LinkedIn, and YouTube can boost your business during these "crazy" times. Plus, yours truly, the myScoper girls will be on the panel to introduce, discuss and field questions about our favorite, Twitter! (if you want to "follow us" on Twitter, click the link now!)

Ok enough shameless self promo... back to your week! Starting the weekend early... Thursday is Juneteenth and there are plenty of festivities to attend including these two: JuneTeenth Opening Reception at Dumas Center in Roanoke or Juneteenth at Smithfield Plantation for folks in Blacksburg. Friday kicks off Blue Mountain's Gemini Fest in Martinsville! The bands include Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, RAQ, local fave's, Sol Creech Band and the Seed, and many more. Plus with food, artisan wares and camping a plenty, you can easily make a weekend of it! Really though... there's so much going on Friday that you can easily take your pick by checking out the main calendar on myScoper.com! Saturday, poses the same problem of "what to choose," so here are a few that we don't think you should miss... The Juneteenth Freedom Festival will be in full swing by Saturday if you can't make Thursday's opening events. And for the wine and beer crowd, we've got two events for you! The 16th Annual Roanoke Valley Wine Festival in Elmwood Park or for those of you wanting a scenic detour, there's Music & Mead, Sounds & Cider at Blacksnake Meadery in Dugspur. Just make sure you've got a DD. And on Sunday, head downtown to the Roanoke City Market for some fresh fruit and veggies and a three hour helping of Billy Joe Chambers who started playing music at the age of 12 and was reared on the likes of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Hank Williams, sure to be a crowd pleaser and a great way to end your weekend!

Remember... YOUR WEEK IN EVENTS IS WAITING! So get out there and heart your community!

Your Friends at
myScoper.com

YOUR WEEK IN EVENTS IS WAITING! So get out there and heart your community!

Hey folks! So much excitement today that I'm just now getting to sit down and share what's happenin' this week for FREE... that's right every event featured in this paragraph is free so there's no reason you shouldn't go enjoy yourself! It's gonna be a good week... starting with a free all-ages show tonight at Plan 9 on Grandin. They're doing it right over there with The Mommies, Boys Lie, and Lord of The Yum Yum performing tonight at 7pm. And, tomorrow if you happen to be over on Brambleton Ave., stop by the Mojo Cafe to grab an iced coffee, ok you'll have to pay for the coffee, but while you're there, check out the stellar photography of Cricket Powell, on display until July 3rd. Then on Wednesday, the dancing duo of Dave and Donna Spangler are giving an entire hour of beginner swing dance lessons at the Williamson Road Public Library! Single, coupled? It doesn't matter because it's FREE and open to everyone! Bella Magazine turns 3 on Thursday and you're invited to celebrate in grand style at Trio with yummy apps and fun surprises (drinks are extra). Then Surf's Up on Friday... "Surf's Up" the movie that is... is at Elmwood Park for free as part of the "movies in the park" series. So take a blanket and some popcorn from home and enjoy a night under the stars. Saturday just happens to be the motherload of "free"ness this week with an entire day of "on the house" goodness at the Emerging Artist Series "One Year Since We Started" Extravaganza complete with too many bands to list, breakdancers, hip hop performers, visual artists and free goodies from Deb's Frozen Lemonade, Blues BBQ, Maggie Moo's and Blue Ridge Catering. On Sunday, dial it back again, grab a lawn chair and go listen to the Mountain Music Makers at Roanoke Mountain Campground. And remember you just went out for an entire week without spending a dime! Great things can be found for free in our little valley, enjoy them!

Your Friends at
myScoper.com :: heart your community