
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 21, 1995                   TAG: 9504210073
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STACY JONES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE TIPOFF

HIGH FLYIN': You won't get bored at this dance performance and you may even learn something when Philadanco takes the stage Wednesday. The energizing troupe from Philadelphia mixes ballet, jazz and modern dance to convey the contemporary African-American experience. The New York Times used ``silken grace,'' ``perfect form,'' and ``exciting'' to describe the 20-year-old company. Music by Prince, Natalie Cole and Earth, Wind and Fire complement the passionate choreography. Philadanco will take the stage at 8 p.m. in Squires Haymarket Theatre at Virginia Tech. Tickets are $7/$5 for students and senior citizens. Call 231-5615.

ECONOMICS 101: Although the tax deadline is behind us, the pain lingers. To cool your heels and take part in some old-fashioned government bashing, visit Randolph-Macon College tonight or Saturday. The school's Drama Guild will present ``The Granny (La Nona),'' a dark comedy set in Argentina. It focuses on an Italian immigrant family in which the gluttonous Granny represents inflationary government policies. All performances begin at 8:15 p.m. and will be held in the Old Chapel Theatre, located on College Avenue. Tickets are $5. Call (804) 752-7200, ext. 5549.

SPIKE IT!: With summer just around the corner and last week's Easter dinner reappearing on hips, thighs and guts across the valley, it may be time to give up the sedentary life. You'll have the opportunity during the 10th Annual Spring Thaw, hosted Saturday and Sunday by the Roanoke Valley Volleyball Association. The tournament is open to groups or individuals of all athletic levels. Approximately 200 teams will participate each day. Free barbecue and fixin's will be available to tournament participants on Sunday. Matches will be played at the American Legion, 710 Apperson Drive, Salem. Registration begins both days at 8 a.m. and costs $10 per player or $60 per team. Call 344-4893.

SAYONARA: Local legend Victoria Bond - conductor of the Roanoke Symphony, for the few who were wondering - bids adieu to the orchestra and to Roanoke with Monday's final subscription concert of the 1994-95 season. To be in on the celebration of Bond's years on the podium, call 343-9127 to reserve a ticket. They're $12, $16 and $18. The concert starts at 8 p.m.

HE'S BACK: Folk singer John McCutcheon was so well received when he played at Virginia Western Community College two years ago that the college is presenting a much-belated encore. McCutcheon, who is known for his story-telling ability and his talents as an instrumentalist, will perform Thursday at 8 p.m. in Whitman Auditorium on the VWCC campus. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the school's bookstore. Call 857-7334.

RADIO DAYS: There was a time when radios couldn't fit into a shirt pocket and Howard Stern hadn't come along. Some would call them the good old days. Experience the past at The Gallery House in Floyd, where the exhibit, ``Turn your Radio On: Radio Culture Comes to Floyd,'' opens Saturday. The exhibit of early radios and sample broadcasts from 1922 through the 1950s will continue through June. The gallery is at 110 Wilson Street. Admission is free and viewing hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 763-2338.

by CNB