Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 10, 1993 TAG: 9301080209
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE LENGTH: Medium
OWNERS WANT SECRET OUT: WYTHEVILLE HAS OWN NIGHTCLUB
For the past 3 1/2 years, Wytheville has enjoyed its own little nightclub, complete with a musical performance every few weeks.It probably is a better-kept secret than its owners, Frank and Frances Emerson, would like. But word of Words and Music is spreading to the New River Valley and other parts of Virginia.
Words and Music began as one of several small stores along Tazewell Street in the first block off Main in downtown Wytheville. It grew from a pastry shop to a cafe to hosting musicians, ranging from folk to jazz and bluegrass performers every so often.
A stage was built in the dining area, with room for audiences of about 60 people.
Those performances will resume in February.
Meanwhile, visitors will have to be satisfied with the meals, recordings (some of them featuring artists who regularly perform there), gift shop, a selection of magazines unavailable anywhere else in town and a variety of coffees unavailable anywhere else in the region.
Frank Emerson is a regular performer there himself when he is not on the road.
Raised in Ireland, he sings Irish, Scottish, Canadian and other folk music, interspersed with jokes and banter.
Words and Music has a beer license, but the bar is closed when musicians are performing.
Emerson's wife grew up in Wytheville but was working in Washington when they met - at an Irish folk festival.
When he accompanied her on visits to her hometown, they began to think about getting away from the urban rat race and starting something of their own here.
The result was Words and Music.
Further information is available by calling 228-5800 or by getting on the program mailing list by sending a name and address to Words and Music, 155 Tazewell St., Wytheville, Va. 24382.