Tickets are just $100 and each ticket gives you multiple chances to win.

Plus, the proceeds of this raffle supports the Snowshoe Foundation, who’s mission is to enhance the surrounding communities’ quality of life through charitable contributions. Past Snowshoe Foundation contributions have supported activities at the Pocahontas County Opera House, including our Capital Campaign and our 2010-11 Performance Series events.

Details and rate information can be obtained by calling 1-877-441-4386 or visiting the Snowshoe Foundation’s website.

Juanita Fireball and the Continental Drifters debuted at the Pocahontas Opera House in 2008, although they have been making music together in one form or another for 25 years.   They play the Appalachian string band tunes that they learned years ago from old-timers in West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina, and sing songs about animals, outlaws, fruit and love, with a few gospel numbers for balance.  The high energy of their hard-driving music will have you dancing in the aisles.  The band consists of Mike Burns and Jay Lockman on twin fiddles, Mary Sue Burns on clawhammer banjo, John Sparks and Terry Richardson on guitar, and Wayne Walton on bass. Come prepared to have a good time.

This performance is made possible in part by the generous support of the Law Office of Roger D. Forman.

Add to this the 31 albums in his catalog and the six Grammy nominations and multiple Parent’s Choice and American Library Association awards they’ve won, stir in the diverse and growing following that has flocked to his shows, and the point is made clear: John McCutcheon is as timeless as tradition, as immediate as tomorrow’s headlines, and as vital as any artist who seeks to enlighten as well as entertain.

Tune Travelers is a unique opportunity for children to learn about and participate in music from around the world right here in their hometown. Participants will listen to live performances, learn to play unfamiliar instruments, sing in foreign languages, and learn traditional dances from a different country each week through hands-on workshops. Participants will also learn about each country’s geographic location, history,and culture through their musical experience.

Tune Travelers is a seven-week series of workshops taking place Wednesdays from 5-6:30pm at the Pocahontas County Opera House from October 6-November 17, 2010. Registration is completely free of charge and open to all fourth through eighth-grade children in Pocahontas County.

To register, call the Pocahontas County Opera House at 304-799-6645.

Tune Travelers is presented with financial assistance from the WV Division of Culture and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts. Financial support is also provided by the WV Department of Education and the Arts and the Plum Creek Foundation.

About the Program

Tune Travelers features talented adult and youth world music groups from all over West Virginia.

Mountain Duclimer

Wednesday, October 6

We will start the journey right here in the Appalachian Mountains by learning about the mountain dulcimer. Before traveling overseas to learn about other cultures, we need to be familiar with our own. Heidi Muller and Bob Webb teach mountain dulcimer to children in Charleston, West Virginia through their Music Mentors program.

Scottish Music and Dance

Wednesday, October 13

Next, we will travel to a country where much of our Appalachian musical heritage originates- Scotland. The West Virginia Highland Dancers, based in Elkins, will teach about Scottish music and traditional dances.

African Drum and Dance

Wednesday, October 20

Then, we will journey to Africa where the Greenbrier Academy for Girls African Drum and Dance Ensemble, from Pence Springs, will show us some African rhythms and dance moves.

Music of Latin America

Wednesday, October 27

And on to Latin America where we will have the pleasure of learning about music from several different countries in this part of the world from the West Virginia University Latin Jazz Ensemble.

Japanese Taiko

Wednesday, November 3

Next, we will journey to Japan to experience the music of a small country by learning about the very big drums, called taiko. The West Virginia University Taiko Ensemble will teach us about this ancient musical tradition.

Caribbean Steel Drums

Wednesday, November 10

Then, we will go to the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago where we will learn about steel drums. The Frankfort Middle School “Teal Steel” Band from Ridgeley, will teach about this music.

Bringing It All Home

Wednesday, November 17

Finally, we will return home and have a “welcome home” performance to show family and community members what we have learned through musical experiences around the world.

Ornate pressed-metal panels adorn the ceiling, and the large performance hall is accented by a balustrade of American Chestnut, which wraps around three sides of the balcony. Light pours in through the building’s 32 windows.

At the turn of the 20th century, the railroad’s arrival in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, opened vast stands of virgin timber to commercial markets. The advent of rail travel and commerce opened isolated communities to all the activity and opportunity that followed the rails.

The first Opera House in Marlinton, known as “The Grand,” began showcasing vaudeville acts, dramatic productions and moving picture shows in 1907. The second and larger Opera House, on Third Avenue, towers above other buildings in town reminding us of the impact of the railroad. Built in 1910 by J. G. Tilton, the three-story concrete structure boasted a large stage and wrap-around balcony. The glory days of this grand facility were short lived. Mr. Tilton, also the publisher of the Marlinton Messenger ran into financial trouble and the building was sold in 1914. It was used for car sales and lumber storage for many years.

In 1991, Pocahontas County’s Historic Landmarks Commission purchased the Opera House and, with support from the community, worked to transform it from an abandoned and forgotten old building into a beautiful performance space and center for community activities, reopening its doors and bringing performances to its stage once again in 1999.

The century old building is now on the National Register of Historic Places and has become the performing arts center of Pocahontas County. On any given Friday or Saturday night the building is packed with people, who come from far and near to hear the sounds of artists like John McCutcheon, Chris Smither or the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys.

The Opera House also hosts a variety of community events, from open jam sessions to family movie nights. The building is also available for private rentals.

Thanks to the continued hard work of dedicated volunteers, and a supportive participatory community, the Opera House is once again the cultural heart of the community.

Performances at the Opera House are informal, family-friendly and open to all. Children 12 and under are admitted free. The entrance and main seating are handicapped accessible. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to attend; special accommodations can be arranged upon request. Advance tickets are available online or by calling 304-799-6645. Cash only for tickets purchased at the door. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.