The smooching happens at 2pm, but come early as the event will have free blood pressure checks couretsy of Shenandoah University Physician Assistant and Nursing students, music compliments of 98.3 KISS FM, and a donation raffle after the smooching. For every dollar donated to the American Heart Association, you will receive three raffle tickets for prizes donated by Old Town Merchants.

Schedule:

1-3 pm: Get your blood pressure checked for free compliments of Shenandoah University Physician Assistant and Nursing students.
2 pm: Couples meet in front of the Old Court House for the Big Kiss, followed by the raffle

Come see the 32 art images selected for the 2012 ArtScape in Old Town Winchester banner program. It is a first-come opportunity to select the art you want to sponsor, bring your corporate checkbook, still only $250 to have your corporate name on the streets of Old Town Winchester for 8 months!

 If you can’t attend the Preview Night – call Shenandoah Arts Council to make an appointment after the event to select a piece to sponsor.  We are accepting sponsorships through February 17, 2012.

 About “ArtScape in Old Town Winchester”

The Old Town Development Board (OTDB) and the Shenandoah Arts Council (SAC) are pleased to announce the “ArtScape in Old Town Winchester 2012” banner project! Winchesteris the only community in the entireCommonwealthofVirginiato host this acclaimed outdoor gallery.  We invite artisans five to ninety-five years of age to participate in this juried art competition.  Selected artwork is reproduced on banners that will then hang on the light poles throughout the downtown area from April through December.

Why “ArtScape” inWinchester?

The project’s objective is to create an outdoor gallery experience.  A community-building project created by the Old Town Development Board and the Shenandoah Arts Council, “ArtScape in Old Town Winchester” adds interest and color to the downtown streetscape with art. The colorful banners will encourage pedestrians to stroll and traffic to slow.  Showcasing locally created art provides a unique twist on an outdoor gallery experience.

First Fridays Arts Walk: On the First Friday of every month, Old Town Winchester plays host to artists with special gallery events, muscians playing in restaurants and cafes, and many of our shops stay open late.  It is a great time to stroll our historic streets and a great place to meet new and favorite friends.  Every month is something a little different.  For more arts info, go to shenarts.org or call (540) 667-5166.

Winchester History Program:  Come check out “Wide-Awake and Progressive, Winchester and Frederick County 1870 to 1925,” a presentation by Mary Sullivan Linhart in which she discusses how the area coped with the devastating effects of the Civil War and its subsequent growth.  The event will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 4th in the Handley Library Auditorium and is free and open to the public.

Live Music Schedule:

-Friday, February 3rd

• DJ Freedom Ortiz @ Brewbaker’s Restaurant – 10pm to 1:30am
• Souled Out @ Sweet Caroline’s – 9:30pm
• King St. With Chip Burkey @ Piccadilly Public House – 9pm to 1am
• Ambrose Dilemma @ The George Washington Hotel – 8pm

-Saturday, February 4th

• 4-Warned @ Brewbaker’s Restaurant – 10pm to 1:30am
• DJ Calibur@ Sweet Caroline’s – 8pm

Come check out “Wide-Awake and Progressive, Winchester and Frederick County 1870 to 1925,” a presentation by Mary Sullivan Linhart in which she discusses how the area coped with the devastating effects of the Civil War and its subsequent growth.

From the Handley Library website:  After the Civil War and Reconstruction, Winchester and Frederick County coped with rebuilding the community. Over time, Winchester and Frederick County grew in population and diversified the local economy. The community developed the apple industry and organized new enterprises such as the Virginia Woolen Mill. Citizens improved education, health care, public buildings, and the civic infrastructure. By 1914, the Winchester Evening Star described the citizens as “wide awake” and “progressive.” Patriotic citizens served in World War I and many volunteers contributed to the war effort. In the 1920’s, Winchester and Frederick County continued growth and initiated the Apple Blossom Festival to boost the region and its products.

The event will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 4th in the Handley Library Auditorium and is free and open to the public.

It is a great time to stroll our historic streets and a great place to meet new and favorite friends.  Every month is something a little different.

For more arts info, go to shenarts.org or call (540) 667-5166.

From the Selah Theatre Project’s website:

SING, DANCE, ACT.  Imagination on paper then brought to life is the experience these young actors will gain.  Students will use aspects of play writing, scene study and improvisation to create a masterpiece they can call their own.

Located in the beautiful downtown pedestrian mall of Winchester, young actors will experiment with drama, movement and sounds.  All basic techniques of the theatre world are introduced in this one of a kind drama program.

1. PlayDates (Ages 3-5) 4:30pm-5:30pm

2. Jr.Stage (Ages 6-8) 5:35pm-6:30pm

3. CenterStage (Ages 9-12) 5:30pm-7pm

4. SeniorStage (Ages 13-18) 6:35pm-8:30pm

For more info, please email the Selah Theatre Project.

Community Art Forum:  A free exchange of art and ideas, the Community Art Forum’s aim is to dismantle the barrier between audience and performer. Before and after each performance, there is an open discussion of the piece amongst whomever cares to voice an opinion.  Join like-minded individuals for a community-wide celebration of art sharing!

The Community Art Forum will be held at the Espresso Bar & Cafe on the Pedestrian Mall from 8pm to 10pm on January 28th.

Live Music Schedule:

-Friday, January 27th

• DJ Freedom Ortiz @ Brewbaker’s Restaurant – 10pm to 1:30am
• Pebble to Pearl @ Sweet Caroline’s – 9:30pm
• Unknown Origins @ Piccadilly Public House – 9pm to 1am

-Saturday, January 28th

• Prism Mystic @ Brewbaker’s Restaurant – 10pm to 1:30am
• Paul Pfau @ Piccadilly Public House – 9pm to 1am
• Behind Tomorrow & Lyvewire @ Below the Fringe – 8pm
• DJ Calibur@ Sweet Caroline’s – 8pm

The Community Art Forum will be held at the Espresso Bar & Cafe on the Pedestrian Mall from 8pm to 10pm on January 28th.

A Little Noon Music: Handley Regional Library’s “A Little Noon Music” concert series will continue this Friday with fiddler Red Henry, who recently announced the performance will include nationally recognized bluegrass musicians Marshall Wilborn and David McLaughlin.  The trio will treat listeners to an hour of bluegrass favorites starting at 12:15pm in the library’s auditorium.  This program, which is sponsored by the Friends of Handley Regional Library, is free and open to the public.

Winchester Little Theatre Presents: The Love List: The Winchester Little Theatre continues its 2011-2012 season with “The Love List” by Norm Foster and directed by Pat Markland. The production wraps up this weekend with performances from January 19th through the 22nd.  Tickets are available now from their box office and their website for $18.75 for adults, $16.75 for seniors, and $14.75 for students.

Magic Lantern Theater Presents: The Beginnners: The Magic Lantern Theater will be showing “Beginners” on  Saturday the 21st at 2pm. The 105-minute film is rated R and will be shown in the Handley Library.  Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Handley, the event is free and open to the public though donations are appreciated.

Live Music Schedule:

-Friday, January 20th

• Seth Fromal (Jazz Piano/Bass) @ V2 Lounge and Piano Bar – 5pm to 1130pm
• DJ Freedom Ortiz @ Brewbaker’s Restaurant – 10pm to 1:30am
• Junkfood @ Sweet Caroline’s – 9:30pm
• Moondog Medicine Show @ Piccadilly Public House – 9pm to 1am
• Robbie Limon Band @ George Washington Hotel – 8pm

-Saturday, January 21st

• Virginia Creeper Band @ Brewbaker’s Restaurant – 10pm to 1:30am
• Lenny Burridge @ 147 North – 9pm to 12am
• Justin Funkhouser with Caleb Leahy, Jimmy Smith, Nick Davis, Justin Price @ Below the Fringe – 8pm
• Seth Fromal (Jazz Piano) @ V2 Lounge and Piano Bar – 8pm to 1130pm
• DJ Calibur@ Sweet Caroline’s – 8pm

Plot Summary from WLT: Leon and Bill concoct a list of attributes of the ideal woman — the top ten best qualities in a mate. Be careful what you wish for in this side-splitting and thought provoking comedy.

Tickets are available now from their box office and their website for $18.75 for adults, $16.75 for seniors, and $14.75 for students.