Tag Archive

‘Firsts’ mark initial graduation of American National University

SALEM – The 126 graduates who processed across the arena floor in the Salem Civic Center made history May 3, when they became the first classes to graduate from American National University. Until March, the Roanoke Valley Campus in Salem was known as National College, before it earned university status for its diverse degree... »

George Jones dies before he can perform in Salem

SALEM – Salem-area people won’t get to say goodbye to legendary country singer George Jones in concert here. The 81-year-old who was supposed to have performed on May 9 at the Salem Civic Center at a rescheduled concert died today, according to his publicist, at the Nashville hospital where he was hospitalized a week... »

George Jones’ Salem concert rescheduled until May 9 after singer hospitalized

SALEM – George Jones’ Salem concert has been rescheduled until May 9 after Jones was hospitalized in Nashville, for a slight fever and fluctuating blood pressure. Tickets already purchased for the concert that was supposed to be Saturday, April 20, will be honored, promoters said. Jones, 81, who is often referred to as the... »

Legendary George Jones’ farewell tour stops in Salem Saturday

SALEM – George Jones, who is often referred to as the “the greatest living country singer” will mark the end of an era with a stop in Salem Saturday night, April 20, as part of his farewell tour. Wilson Fairchild will be the special guest along with Jones at the Salem Civic Center. Jones,... »

Jazz singer Jane Powell will headline American National University’s graduation

SALEM – Jazz singer Jane Powell will featured at the May 6 graduation ceremony for American National University in Salem on May 3. Powell is an internationally recognized jazz vocalist who has entertained Queen Elizabeth II, sang for Oprah Winfrey’s Mediterranean charter cruise in 2009, and opened for the legendary Ray Charles. Graduation will... »

‘Little Big Town’ will come to Salem Stadium June 1

SALEM, VA. – The Country Music Association Award winning group Little Big Town and Hunter Hayes will come to the Salem Stadium on June 1 for a day-long Blue Ridge Music Festival. Fellow Nashville recording artists Gloriana, Colt  Ford, Greg  Bates, Will  Hoge, Sweetwater Rain and Virginia’s legendary party band,  The  Skip  Castro  Band,... »

Music transforms her into a dancing woman

SALEM – Although Parkinson’s is her constant companion, when some of her favorite bands start playing bluegrass at the Salem Senior Center, Robertine Thomas can dance. The 70-year-old Salem resident gets out of her wheelchair with the help of caregiver and friend Nellie King of Vinton, King’s friend Buddy Gibson of Blue Ridge and... »

Storm thrashes Salem area

SALEM – Instead of rock music, the air was filled with the ripping of chain saws and a comforting murmur of generators as Salem-area people worked their way back to normality. “It’s the freakiest storm I’ve ever seen in Salem,” said Michael Bentley, who lives on Broad Street where a tree split in his... »

Presidential candidate Romney coming to Salem Tuesday

SALEM – Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney will be in Salem on Tuesday, June 26, at Carter Machinery to speak at noon. Gates open at 10 a.m. The business is located at 1330 Lynchburg Turnpike near the Salem Civic Center. There were no details from Romney’s campaign about specifics of the visit when it... »

Riverdance includes Salem in final American tour

Caterina Coyne’s dancing feet landed her a lead role in Riverdance, and tours across Europe and North America. She will be featured in the group’s single performance on Sunday, May 6, at the Salem Civic Center. The stop in Salem is part of Riverdance’s final North American Tour. The United States tour will put... »