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

DATE: FRIDAY, July 7, 1995                   TAG: 9507070024
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STACY JONES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE TIPOFF

It seems the dog days of summer have hit Roanoke a month early, as evidenced by the scarcity of noteworthy entertainment events in the city. When push comes to shove I accept my fate and settle down with a good book or magazine. I will not be so presumptuous as to suggest the best literary efforts currently in print. What I do suggest as an inventive way to spend a few leisure hours is to head to the library - or bookstore, but why pay $25 for a new book when you can get as many as you want free of charge?

Testimonial: I moved from New York to Roanoke almost five months ago - without my television. I was shocked at how easily I adapted. So, a first alternative to a seemingly uneventful week in Roanoke: Read.

I realize not everyone is a reader. Some people just always have to be out and about. Those of you who fall into that category, and others who would like to rediscover Roanoke, listen up. Here are a few ways to spend time during the week. They aren't big-budget events, but activities that are out there on a more-or-less regular basis.

Virginia Tech has a variety of offerings this week. "Grace and Disgrace," a compendium of Southern fiction, will be presented in Squires Studio Theatre Tonight and Saturday. Admission is free.

Another play, "Blithe Spirit," opens Tuesday and runs through Saturday, also in Squires Studio Theatre and also free. Call 231-5200 for information about both productions.

Not connected with Virginia Tech, but still in Blacksburg, is the Poetry Slam this Sunday at South Main Cafe, 117 S. Main Street. The free show starts at 8 p.m. Free. Call 989-6251 or 857-2648.

Another jewel to take advantage of is Roanoke's Center in the Square. Tour the art museums; don't wait for a special exhibit. Art rarely disappoints.

Along that same vein, Art By Night is back this evening, this being the first Friday of the month. Certain downtown businesses and galleries keep their doors open late for art exhibits and receptions (often with wine and cheese). Hours are 6-9 p.m. Free. Call 342-2028.

First Fridays at Five sets up tonight between Billy's Ritz and First Union Tower. The usual arrangement of young people, food, music and drink. Admission is $2.

For a change of pace, try a new club to hang with friends or hear a band. The Iroquois Club, at 324 Salem Ave., is not just for teens. It offers a range of diversions, depending on the day of the week. Cover and times vary. Saturday, the Terri Allard Band performs. Call 982-8979.

Likewise, Night Lites often caters to the teen-to-twenty-something crowd but sometimes becomes a laid back haven to relax after work. Located at 128 W. Campbell Ave. Call 342-7672.

Probably the best place to let loose on the dance floor is The Park at 615 Salem Ave. Disco Divas should mark their calendars for Sundays. Call 342-0946.

How many of you have been to the Roanoke Comedy Club? Tonight and Saturday it has shows at 8:30 and 11. Fridays are nonsmoking. Admission is $7. Located at 213 Williamson Rd. Call 982-5693 for reservations.

Outdoor activities are not hard to find. The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club sponsors rides throughout the summer. This Saturday at 9 a.m., intermediate to advanced riders can join the club for a 25-mile ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, beginning at Milepost 115. Call 427-4623.

The Appalachian Trail Club has a moderate 10-mile hike Sunday at 8:30 a.m. It goes from Bearwallow Gap to Blackhorse Gap in Botetourt County. Cost, $2.50. Call 427-1410.

Still in the old stadium, but eager for support, the Salem Avalanche plays the Lynchburg Hillcats nightly Wednesday through Friday. Cost is $3-$6. The baseball games begin at 7.

Saturday at 7:30 p.m., the Roanoke RiverDawgs soccer team plays the Myrtle Beach Boys at Cave Spring Junior High Stadium. Admission is $6. Call 774-0062.

Next week this column should revert to its old form. But in the meantime, take advantage of the simple and often free pleasures of the area.

by CNB