Words, music, images and more from Jim Barnes
A group of 11 theater students from Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn took their act to the famed Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland last month.
All the students performed at the festival — including in an original one-act play written by one of the students — and they saw at least 10 other shows, their teacher, Tony Cimino-Johnson, said.
Washington Post, September 13, 2015
The diversity and beauty of nature are on display in an exhibition that will run through Oct. 4 at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.
“Nature’s Best Photography at the Workhouse” features 28 images that were taken around the world by professional and amateur photographers. The photos, ranging from panoramic landscapes to extreme close-ups, were judged to be some of the best entries in the annual Windland Smith Rice International Awards competition, held by Nature’s Best Photography magazine.
Washington Post, August 20, 2015
A group of Prince William writers, joined by Manassas City Council member Ian T. Lovejoy (R), formally launched the city’s first Little Free Library in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 8.
Members of Write by the Rails, the Prince William County chapter of the Virginia Writers Club, constructed the tiny library. It will be mounted in front of the New School, which is slated to open this fall in the old post office building on Church Street in Old Town Manassas.
Washington Post, August 16, 2015
In February 1980, KET (Kentucky Educational Television) asked me to record three short videos to be used as fillers in between programs.
In those days, I made music — “composed” is too formal a word — by playing piano improvisations with a tape recorder running. I would listen to the recordings, and if I heard something I liked, I would refine it for a few weeks until I had something with which I was relatively satisfied.
Not a great system, I’ll admit. I realize now that I needed to work much harder at it to produce music that was really good. Still, there’s something to be said for music that just comes out naturally. This was one piece that didn’t change much after the first time I played it; it pretty much came out in this form, and just sort of meanders from one little melody to another.
By the way, the tux and ruffled cuffs were not my idea, or my style, but I was so happy to have the opportunity to do this that I went along with the producer’s suggestions. And he also asked me to take off my glasses, so any stumbles you hear happened because I couldn’t see the keys. At least, that’s my story.
I first heard this recording of “Faded Coat of Blue” on the radio in California, more than 25 years ago. More than any other song I can think of, it has changed my life.
I was captivated by the singer’s voice, and for years I sought to learn more about her. At first, I knew only her name, Betsy Rutherford. I eventually learned that she was from Galax, Va., that she had recorded an album entitled “Traditional Country Music” in 1970, and that she had died in 1991.
This was the first song on Betsy’s only LP, a wonderful album that beautifully showcased her strong voice and smooth singing style. With the support of Betsy’s family, I made this video and posted it on YouTube almost four years ago. I’m pleased to see that it has now been seen by 4,000 people who otherwise might not have heard her music.
Although she didn’t record any other albums, I have been able to track down some recordings of her performances, and I have posted more than 20 of those songs on YouTube. But this was the first, and it remains my favorite.
“March Madness” has arrived at the Artists’ Undertaking gallery in Occoquan.
The exhibit, which runs through April 6, features the paintings and drawings of Roger Frey of Woodbridge and the work of fused glass artists David and Dale Barnes of Sterling.
Washington Post, March 8, 2015
Students from Patriot High School in Nokesville and its four feeder schools prepare to unite their voices in their annual pyramid concert.
Washington Post, January 25, 2015
Some fans of decorative art — including folk art and painting on furniture and other objects — fear that the craft they love is dying. But David Vernon and Mark Greynolds of Gainesville are determined to keep the art form alive.
Washington Post, November 2, 2014
Woodbridge High School students recently swept the top awards of the Virginia Writers Club’s statewide Teen Golden Nib contest, continuing an impressive run of accolades for the school’s creative writing program.
Washington Post, October 26, 2014
Eleven local authors participated in the inaugural Manassas Reads book festival Oct. 11 at the Loy E. Harris Pavilion in Old Town Manassas.
Washington Post, October 19, 2014
