Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 28, 1995 TAG: 9504280019
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ADRIANNE BEE SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The Queen's Court is the theme of one of the six fund-raising Dinners of Note to be hosted in the homes of members and supporters of the Blacksburg Master Chorale this spring. ``It's just a lot of fun. You get to have wonderful dinners with live entertainment in beautiful homes,'' says Joan Murchison, a member of the chorale.
The dinners aim to be both entertaining and authentic. ``There's been some controversy over what exactly goes into a shandy,'' says Dianna Pickering, president of the Blacksburg Master Chorale. ``We're making a call to the UK [United Kingdom] to find out.''
Although the brochure describes an ``extremely civil competition on the croquet courts,'' Pickering admits with a laugh that she's heard some serious talk regarding just who indeed will win the tournaments. Perhaps a little competition will also ensue among the entrants in the garden hat decorating contest, part of the evening's festivities. ``Some people get quite elaborate,'' says Pickering.
If knickers and flowered hats aren't your cup of English tea, how about Dinner at the Hotel Roanoke? Well, not really at hotel, but you might not know the difference. This evening will celebrate the revitalized hotel with a similar menu and ambience. Such down-home favorites as Virginia peanut soup and Smithfield ham will be served up with live piano music accompaniment.
The Colors of Spring dinner will be an elegant black tie optional affair with spiced lamb and luscious desserts such as Raspberry Liqueur Meringue and chocolate or lemon mousse. The food and music this evening are for guests to celebrate the spring season.
Jagerfest will feature wild game, venison and pate, along with traditional German music. The Continental Cuisine Tour offers a sampling of European foods, Norwegian smoked salmon and Austrian roast pork loin to name just two. Charlie Grant will play classical guitar before dinner and afterwards there will be fourhand piano courtesy of Virginia Bethune and Ken Mulzet.
An Autumn Moon Viewing will honor the harvest moon with various Japanese delights from sushi to sake. Music from ``Madama Butterfly'' will be part of the celebration.
No matter which evenings you decide upon, Pickering says that ``everybody wins.'' The donations are tax deductible and allow the Blacksburg Master Chorale to put on concerts throughout the year. ``Blacksburg is a small town, but it's easy to get caught up in the same circles,'' Murchison adds, along with an invitation for both singles and those with guests to attend the festivities. ``It's also a chance to touch base with others who support the arts.''
Reservation deadline has been extended to May 8, but spaces are being filled rapidly. Each dinner reservation is $55. For more information, contact Emily Collins at 951-1771.
Here's the schedule: "Colors of Spring," May 13; "Dinner at the Hotel Roanoke," May 20; "Jagerfest," May 27; "Continental Cuisine Tour," June 10; "Queen's Court," June 24; "Autumn Moon Viewing," Sept. 9.
by CNB