ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, August 2, 1996 TAG: 9608020008
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Out & About
SOURCE: DONNA ALVIS-BANKS
Ty England was on the road selling automotive paint when he got the call from his old college roommate.
"Get ready to move to Music City," was the message.
England wasted no time packing his bags.
After all, the messenger was Garth Brooks.
England was a freshman at Oklahoma State University when he and his friend Garth Brooks (also an Oklahoma State Cowboy) first met. At the time, England was playing acoustic music at Aunt Molly's, a coffee shop in the basement of the student union. A mutual friend, Ted Larken, introduced the two music-minded guys, and they clicked instantly.
When Brooks landed a record deal in Nashville, he naturally wanted to deal his college buddy in on the big break. England joined Brooks and was soon touring with him, singing harmonies and playing acoustic guitar.
These days, he has his own solo recordings climbing the country music charts. His first single, "Should've Asked Her Faster," became a top five hit in both Billboard and Radio & Records. Other popular singles include "If I Had a Swing Like That" and "It's Lonesome Everywhere."
England recently recorded his second album to be released in mid-September. The first single on the new release, "Irresistible You," just hit the airwaves.
You can catch Ty England at 8 tonight at the New River Valley Fair in Dublin. The country crooner performs in concert on the grandstand. Admission is $3, plus the $5 gate entrance.
The 44th annual fair wraps up Saturday night with a Christian country music concert. Terry Goffee takes the stage at 7:30, followed by Lisa Daggs and Ken Holloway at 8.
Daggs has two albums under her belt: "Angel In Your Eyes" and "Love Is the Bottom Line." The Christian Country Music Association selected her to receive the New Artist of the Year Award last year.
Holloway's two albums include his 1994 self-titled debut and his 1995 "He Who Made the Rain." The CCMA honored the Louisiana singer in 1995 with the Entertainer of the Year Award. Holloway said he tries to deliver his inspirational message through songs instead of from the pulpit:
"I want to reach out with love - in songs - and try to bridge the gaps between people and between the world and the church."
Admission to Saturday's concert is included in the $5 gate fee.
FUN IN FLOYD: Zion Lutheran Church's Oak Grove Pavilion is the place to be this weekend if you're looking for delightful distractions.
Tonight, take in a performance of Neil Simon's hit show, "The Star Spangled Girl." Kevin Lightle, Angie Johnson and Noel Todd Necessary star in this comedy about a love triangle involving a hard-working journalist, an Olympic hopeful and a guy who's just trying to avoid his libidinous landlady.
The actors are members of Wytheville Community College's Summer Theatre. Johnson and Necessary entertained audiences last year at the Oak Grove Pavilion with their witty rendition of "Greater Tuna."
On Saturday, the Oak Grove Pavilion is the site for an outdoor concert by Grace Note, a local trio that performs musical styles from folk to jazz to rock to gospel. Bob Grubel, who sings, writes songs and plays keyboards for the group, says Grace Note's brand of music is best described "new age."
Tom Williams is the guitarist and Martin Scudder is the violinist. They both contribute some fine singing to the trio's distinctive sound.
Performances tonight and Saturday start at 8 and there's no admission charge for either event. Donations will be accepted, however, to support the church's outreach program in the community. Money collected benefits six local organizations.
There's some seating at the pavilion, but BYOB (bring your own blanket!) if you prefer sitting under the stars!
The site is at Virginia 615 and 693 just outside the town of Floyd. Call 745-2096 for more information.
ONCE YOU GET IT IN YOUR HEAD... you'll never get it out!
We're talking about the theme song from "Rocky," of course!
The classic rags-to-riches film about the boxer (Sylvester Stallone) who gets his once-in-a-blue-moon shot at fame and glory is showing this weekend at the Lyric Theatre on Blacksburg's College Avenue. The special showing is part of the Steppin' Out festival and was selected in honor of the 20th reunion of the Blacksburg High School Class of 1976.
Can you believe it's been 20 years since "Rocky" stole all the Oscars?
The film shows at 10:15 tonight and Saturday. There's a matinee at 3 and a second show at 7:30 on Sunday. Admission is $3.
SPEAKING OF OLD MOVIES: The really old movies are at the Nickelodeon!
Radford University's nickelodeon film series continues Saturday with three great classics: "Song of Arizona" starring Roy Rogers," "Thunder Mountain with Tim Holt" and "Renegades of the Rio Grande" with Rod Cameron.
If you like rip-roaring westerns and singing cowboys, you'll love these movies.
The projector starts rolling at 7 p.m. Saturday in Russell Hall 108 on the Radford University campus. Admission is free.
LOVE AFFAIR: We all have a love affair with sleek, sexy, sophisticated... cars!
Corvettes, Mustangs, Camaros - who can resist 'em?
Classic cars and antique autos will be on display at two shows around the New River Valley this weekend.
The David "Pud" Pannell Memorial Car Show is Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Radford's Bisset Park. It's being sponsored by the Radford Fire Department with help from New River Pontiac-GMC Truck-Nissan in Christiansburg.
In addition to the classic cars, Saturday's show features trucks and fire-fighting vehicles. Admission for spectators is free. Awards will be presented to winning entries at 4:30 p.m.
On Sunday, it's the annual Jesse Conner Memorial Car Show at Floyd County High School. Car lovers from all over come to this one each year. It's a biggie!
Gates open at 11 a.m. for spectators. Special attractions include a model car contest, race car displays, motorcycles, special interest cars (firetrucks, go-carts, tractors, even hearses!) and muscle cars.
General admission Sunday is $4. Kids 10 and under get in free with a paying adult. All proceeds go to the park in Floyd. Sponsors are the Floyd Public Recreational Facilities Authority.
Judging for the show in Floyd starts at 12:30 p.m., and awards presentations are at 4 p.m.
LENGTH: Long : 117 linesby CNB