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

DATE: FRIDAY, May 26, 1995                   TAG: 9506020009
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STACY JONES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE TIPOFF

2 VIOLINS, A VIOLA AND A CELLO: This is the week of strings, as in string quartets. It is also a good chance to hear exceptional music on a shoe-string budget. The Audubon Quartet will hold performance seminars at Virginia Tech. The seminar musicians are chosen from some of the most prestigious conservatories in the United States. Master classes will be held Friday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. The quartet's final concert is Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. All events take place in the Squires Recital Salon. Admission is free, although donations will be accepted at the door. Call 231-5685 or 231-7742.

BIG DADDY'S BASH: While nothing can match the fireworks displayed by Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor and Burl Ives in the 1958 screen version of ``Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,'' the Barter Theatre in Abingdon is presenting its own steamy interpretation. An interracial cast has been assembled to portray Brick, Maggie the Cat and the rest of the Mississippi Delta clan. The play is set on the Pollitt plantation as everyone prepares for Big Daddy's 70th birthday. During the preparations, Brick struggles with his past while his brother, Gooper, scrambles for Big Daddy's inheritance. Maggie, of course, is looking for some affection and threatens to add some sparks to an already explosive situation. As Big Daddy would say, ``It's pure mendacity.'' The drama takes place every Wednesday through Sunday through June 17. Show times vary depending on the day. Admission prices range from $13-$17. Call (800) 368-3240.

CITY OF LEGENDS: There's no denying that Charlottesville is full of history and historians. Saturday the two combine to offer walking tours of the city. The Albemarle County Historical Society heads the event and will direct pavement pounders to the courthouse where Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe conducted business. Information about the early years of Charlottesville, its citizens and buildings will also be discussed. The one-hour tour covers the entire length of the town as it was in 1762. Tours will leave from the McIntire Building, 200 2nd Street N.E., across from Lee Park. The tour begins at 10 a.m. A $3 donation is suggested. Children under 12 are admitted free. Call 296-1492.

BON VOYAGE, AGAIN: Much like one of those clearance stores that is forever going out of business, outgoing Roanoke Symphony conductor Victoria Bond is saying her final, final, really final good-bye. On Friday, June 2, the Symphony will present ``Bravo Victoria,'' a farewell tribute to Bond at Olin Hall on the Roanoke College campus. The celebration includes a benefit jazz concert featuring the Marian McPartland Trio. Audience members will have the opportunity to say their farewells to Bond and meet McPartland at a post-concert dessert reception. Tickets for the concert and reception must be reserved in advance and are available by making a $25 donation to the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. The concert begins at 8 p.m. with the doors opening at 7:30 p.m. For seat selection. Call 343-9127.

THE FUN BEGINS: A popular Shenandoah Valley summer tradition returns. Sunday when Lexington's Lime Kiln Theater officially opens its season of concerts and plays. The Mighty Rainmakers will take the stage and christen the new season at 8 p.m. The Rockbridge County band is rumored to play some mean rock 'n' roll. The performance will be held in the tent. Admission is $6. Call 463-3074.

STAR GAZING: As if there weren't enough entertainment at Festival in the Park, THE event of the summer has added its first-ever ``Star Party.'' Co-sponsored by WJJS-FM, the Memorial Day concert will feature live urban music performances by Camille, Sphinx, Vybe, Fun Factory, Nuttin Nyce and UNV. The show will take place on the Elmwood Park Amphitheater Stage from 5 to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Call 342-2640.

by CNB