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

DATE: FRIDAY, May 19, 1995                   TAG: 9505190057
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STACY JONES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE TIPOFF

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: Don't be late for this very important date. The Roanoke Ballet Theatre will present its version of ``Alice in Wonderland.'' The performance will feature members of the company and students of the School of Roanoke Ballet. The 70-minute dance takes place Saturday at 6 p.m. at Whitman Auditorium on the Virginia Western Community College campus. Admission is free. Call 345-6099.

DREAMLAND: You can never go wrong with a Tennessee Williams play. Southern gentility co-existing with raw emotions leads to great testimonies of the human condition. You can find as much in ``The Glass Menagerie,'' Williams' tale of self-delusion. Playmakers & Company will present the classic story tonight and Saturday at the Playmakers Playhouse on University Mall, Blacksburg. Admission is $6/$4 for students and seniors. Call 382-0154.

THE RIVER WILD: Hopefully, this excursion will be more fun than Meryl Streep's attempt at action-adventure. What am I referring to? What else but The Loch Haven Lake Canoe and Kayak Festival. Visitors will get to enjoy a free day of canoeing, kayaking and picnicking with nature as a backdrop. Over 40 canoes will be on hand and certified boating instructors will offer tips on boating techniques. Loch Haven has a private lake, a sandy beach, fishing, tennis and swimming and is only a few minutes from downtown Roanoke. The festival will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Loch Haven Lake. Call 366-1174.

FESTIVAL FETE: What better way to open an 11-day party than with another party. That's what Roanoke Festival in the Park is planning for Thursday. "Black Tie, Top Hat & Tails: A Magical Evening,'' is this year's fundraiser for the festival. The upscale soiree can be found at the Jefferson Center. Indulgences include perusals of the works of local artists, the magic of Bobby Lilly, the music of four bands, culinary delights from area eateries and a friendly gambling casino. Formal attire is requested. The evening begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $25 per person which includes the food and three beer or wine tickets. Additional cocktails can be purchased at the cash bar for $1 each. Call 342-2640.

FRUIT OF THE VINE: One good thing about Virginia, you'll never want for a wine tasting. This Sunday is no exception as Mountain Lake Resort presents its 4th Annual Wine Tasting. The six state wineries to be represented are: Chateau Morrisette, Barboursville, Rapidan River, Prince Michel, Rock Bridge and Oasis. Entertainment will be provided by the Blacksburg Community Band. Cheese and crackers and a gratis Mountain Lake wine glass come with the $10 admission charge. Proceeds will benefit the New River Arts Council and the Progress In Narrows Now community arts projects. The tasting runs from 2-5 p.m. In case of rain, the event will be held in the entertainment barn. Call 381-1430.

WRANGLERS AND A TEN-GALLON: Fans of country music may want to spend this weekend in Lynchburg and partake of The Community Market's 3rd Annual Country Music Festival. The two-day show will highlight seventeen of the area's best country, bluegrass and folk groups. Of course, food and line-dancing play a part. The festival hours are Saturday from 7-11 p.m. and Sunday from noon-8 p.m. Admission is free. Call (804) 847-1499.

by CNB