Community Picks Series

Coming out is a process and no two stories are the same. We would like to give space for these stories to be shared. Whether you were embraced and applauded, rejected and turned away, celebrated or scorned, you are welcome here. Perhaps you’ve been waiting for the right moment. Perhaps you are an ally/friend/parent/stranger who is the safe haven for someone to turn towards. Whatever the case, this night is for you!

Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic,” which made its premiere at the 2022 Santa Barbara International Film Festival as part of the Social Justice Feature Documentaries, tackles a disturbing yet timely subject matter, and is an investigation into the world of online grooming and sextortion—a present-day reality for many children online.

Gala Highlights include:

• Fun Formal Attire

• Live music by ERIN AND THE WILDFIRE

• Heavy hors d'oeuvres and bar catered by Blue Ridge Catering

• Drink tickets included

• Red carpet paparazzi and photo booth opportunities

• Grandin Then and Now

• Tribute to our sponsors and partners

• Celebration announcements

The Thrillbillyz released their first album Romp! in the Spring of 1995 and now a mere 27 years later in the Spring of 2022 they unveil their second album Romp Rising!!! 12 new original songs and an updated version of their regional hit "Franklin County Moonshine"!!! This album directly reflects the band's influences and growth and maturity that only playing and time can bring!!! The fellas will play the album in it's entirety from start to finish and then they will throw down a few choice covers to finish the night out!!!

Hoot and Holler is Roanoke’s finest live storytelling event. Structured in the vein of The Moth, storytellers are given a theme and invited to share stories based on that theme. Hoot and Holler has quickly become a cherished event in The Star City. We build up our community by encouraging all people to step up and share their stories in a supportive, diverse, and  empowering format. We believe that all stories matter and that all people have thousands of stories within them to tell.

BALLOONACY is presented by the PB & J Theatre Co., a professional theatre company that provides high quality theatre entertainment and theatre education to the Roanoke Valley and beyond.

PB & J Theatre Co. website

William Seymour is a singer-songwriter from North Carolina, but has recently moved to the Grandin Village here in Roanoke, VA. His sound can be described as a mix of Blues, Soul, and Americana. His influences come from artists such as Jackson Browne, Eric Clapton, and Ray Lamontagne. "Ride Along", his newest album will be released on April 4th. His band, composed of members of Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast and The Fritz will be performing his new album in its entirety plus much more!

Hoot and Holler is Roanoke’s finest live storytelling event. Structured in the vein of The Moth, storytellers are given a theme and invited to share stories based on that theme. Hoot and Holler has quickly become a cherished event in The Star City. We build up our community by encouraging all people to step up and share their stories in a supportive, diverse, and  empowering format. We believe that all stories matter and that all people have thousands of stories within them to tell.