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To honor a pivotal moment in American history, the 10th anniversary of the world-changing events of 9-11, Blue Mountain Performing Arts will present "American Spirit," Monday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Bluefield High School.

Chris Shoemaker

September 13, 2011

To honor a pivotal moment in American history, the 10th anniversary of the world-changing events of 9-11, Blue Mountain Performing Arts will present "American Spirit," Monday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Bluefield High School.

A stirring production starring a multi-talented cast of 10 professional musicians, "American Spirit" will also feature local talent in Variations, a select student voice ensemble from Bluefield College.

Variations will join the "American Spirit" cast in a powerful presentation of the events and the people that define the essence of America. From the birth of the nation to a spectacular Independence Day celebration, the "American Spirit" program will allow audience participants to see, hear and feel the true spirit of this great land.

As seen through the eyes of the well-meaning, but slightly befuddled mayor of Your Hometown, U.S.A., the show is a powerful 90-minute song, dance and storytelling journey through parade routes and battlefields, town halls and concert halls. The program will include moments from the American Revolution mixed with the Industrial Revolution, music from Prohibition jazz and Civil War spirituals, and appearances by American entertainers, politicians, and heroes of the battlefield and the ball field.

"It's the music, moments and memories that make us proud to be Americans," said a spokesman for the show. "It's a show that starts in the town square gazebo and comes marching right down the aisles. It's filled with humor and heart and will renew your American spirit."

Bluefield College's Variations, which will perform with the "American Spirit" cast, is a 20-plus voice auditioned touring chorus that performs a wide variety of the most challenging choral literature. In addition to its on-campus performances, the group tours annually throughout the region under the direction of Bryant Moxley, assistant professor and chair of the Department of Music. In fact, Variations has performed twice at Carnegie Hall and once at the Lincoln Center in New York City and has performed internationally in Austria, Italy, and the Czech Republic.

Blue Mountain Performing Arts members and members of the Bluefield College family will be admitted for free to the "American Spirit" show with a membership or college ID. General public tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. For season ticket information for the entire Blue Mountain Performing Arts Series, please call 276-326-4248.

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