News
On Saturday, October l, 2016, from 3 – 5 p.m., The Ashland Theater will rock and roll with some of the best gospel singers in Virginia who will perform in a GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL. Created to celebrate the rich heritage of Gospel music and honor the award-winning group, “The Soul Seekers” whose ministry has been widely praised for their work with the American Cancer Society and the African American Men’s Health Forum, THE GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL will include:
“The Soul Seekers,” an all-male group who began their career in Music Ministry over 40 years ago and have traveled across the country, been part of a “Gospel Greats” TV One special, and perform every fifth week at The First Union Baptist Church in Mechanicsville.
“The Ujima Gospel Choir” of Randolph-Macon College is a student-led organization established in 2007. It performs throughout the academic year in churches, at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. program at R-MC, as well as hosts a Fall and Spring concert on campus.
“The Community Gospel Choir” under the direction of Lenora Davis, has performed in the Ashland Variety Show, the Strawberry Faire, numerous Black History programs and other community functions. Soloist, Patrick Warren will perform.
“Tribute”, a Richmond-based Gospel group formed 15 years , under the direction of Ms. Michelle Lightfoot, has taken their singing ministry across Virginia and opened for “Gospel greats” like Richard Smallwood, Crystal Aikens, and Smokie Norful.
“Resound,” is a Richmond-based, internationally-acclaimed a cappella singing trio whose intricate and impressive harmonies have gained the attention of “Good Morning America,” Donnie McClurkin – and millions of viewers of their You Tube video, “Disney Medley.”
“The Diamond Sisters,” Wendy, Wanda and Kimberly Fox, whose Juneteenth skits this summer at Blackwell Auditorium brought down the house. This time they will show their skills as singers, accompanied by pianist, Brett Cyprus.
Admission: $5. Proceeds will be divided equally between The American Cancer Society and The Ashland Theater Foundation.
After thirteen years of service to the Town of Ashland and many friendships forged during this time, Mr. Hartgrove is stepping down as the Ashland Town Manager to become the next Deputy City Manager of the City of Lynchburg, Virginia. We are having a Community Celebration on Thursday, October 20 at the Ashland Theatre to send off our fine Town Manager in style. Come celebrate with us – fun, fellowship, and music will abound!
Doors will open at 6:30 pm, and the program will start about 7:15 pm.
This event has been postponed – please learn more about the good works of Ashland Open Door…
Ashland Open Door’s current goal is to help families with children who were previously living in motels find sustainable housing. According to Ashland Open Door’s family services coordinator Taylor Garrett, she currently actively works with 12 families who were displaced after the motel ordinance took effect July 1.
Many thanks to Duane Berger for allowing us to use his photograph to benefit the Ashland Theater! By purchasing this poster you are giving a gift to the historic Ashland Theater. Posters are available for purchase in the lobby at all of our events – Cost: $15. You can order a poster – simply email cotutheater@gmail.com.
The photo in this poster was created by professional photographer Duane Berger. He has graciously allowed the Ashland Theater committee to use it for fundraising. The poster is available for a donation of $15 or more! Click HERE to make a donation on-line and email cotutheater@gmail.com to arrange for pickup. Posters are also available for purchase in the lobby during our events. Check our schedule often – we have performances until September 2016. Thank you for supporting the historic Ashland Theater!
PRESS RELEASE April 4, 2016
Ashland, VA— As this year’s benefactor of the annual Jazz Age Preservation Ball, the Ashland Theater Foundation is proud to announce the donation of $6,270 from the Art Deco Society of Virginia. In the photo below, Olivia Lloyd , president of the Art Deco Society of Richmond received an Ashland Theatre poster as a thank you for this generous donation.
Ashland Theater Foundation Board Member Jen Chambers released this statement on behalf of the Foundation: “This is a tremendous gift and we are so grateful to the Art Deco Society of Virginia for its support. Members of the Art Deco Society play a tremendous role throughout the Commonwealth in supporting preservation projects, and being their beneficiary this year just reinforces how important the Ashland Theater is to the region and the Art Deco movement. These funds will go directly to help with our restoration efforts.”
Each January, the Art Deco Society of Virginia hosts its annual Jazz Age Preservation Ball. This Roaring ’20s gala is designed to raise awareness and funds for Art Deco preservation projects in the Commonwealth. This year, the Ashland Theater, one of the most iconic structures in the Richmond metropolitan area, was named the Ball’s benefactor.
The Ball featured live music by Halley’s Hot Gumbo Swingtet, Charleston dance lessons, 50/50 raffle, a silent and live auction, and dancing. All proceeds from the Ball were donated to the Theater, including those from a replica Christmas ornament of the Theater which was raffled off as part of the live auction. Crafted by local Ashland artists Alvaro and Caroline Coronado, the original ornament hung on the Governor’s Christmas tree for the holiday season at the Executive Mansion.
Photo Above: Ashland turnout at the Jazz Preservation Ball held on January 30, 2016. Photo provided by Lynn Redmile www.LynnRedmile.com
Donated to the Town of Ashland by A.D. and Jean Whittaker in 2013, the Ashland Theater largely sat vacant for the past couple of decades, and in 2012, Preservation Virginia named the Ashland Theater one of the most endangered historic sites in the state. Since being donated to the Town of Ashland, a group of local residents have formed a community foundation in support of the Theater, and have held over 100 events with over 17,000 attendees. To find out more about the Theater, and to donate to the Foundation and see the upcoming Theater schedule, please visit http://ashlandtheatreva.org.
Give the Gift of Movies! Purchase a Town Gift Certificate.
Ashland Town Gift Certificates can now be used at the Ashland Theater! They work just like cash. Simply present the town certificate at the Movie Box Office window. Tickets for movies are $5.00 each. Purchase any amount and this can be used at other local businesses as well. The town does a wonderful job in printing your certificate on a card that makes a perfect present! Town Hall is open from 8:30 am – 5:00 PM Monday – Friday. Click HERE for more details.
For any questions, please call 804-798-1073.
Hello Friends of the Ashland Theater!
Volunteer Jobs will be posted each week using a tool called VolunteerSpot. This tool will help us keep track of our volunteer hours so that we can be eligible for grants and more! See details by clicking the button below and thanks in advance for your help!
We currently have 93 Volunteers that have either signed up on line, called or have participated in meetings to say they will help with general operations, fundraising, graphic design, programming, food services, and/or construction. Please know that new faces are always welcome – if you or someone you know is interested in helping feel free to email me Jennifer Chambers at jennifer.chambers@comcast.net or call 804-304-5588. Thanks so much!
SIGN UP TO HELP
For all we’re using VolunteerSpot (the leading online Sign-up and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming Sign-ups. Jobs will be posted each week.
Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click this link to see our Sign-up on VolunteerSpot:http://vols.pt/UP3Adx
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on VolunteerSpot.
Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone.
If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me, Jen Chambers 804-304-5588 and I can sign you up manually.
On Saturday, October l, 2016, from 3 – 5 p.m., The Ashland Theater will rock and roll with some of the best gospel singers in Virginia who will perform in a GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL. Created to celebrate the rich heritage of Gospel music and honor the award-winning group, “The Soul Seekers” whose ministry has been widely praised for their work with the American Cancer Society and the African American Men’s Health Forum, THE GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL will include:
