Holiday concerts broadcast every Friday evening through December on social media
Newsroom@DominionPost.com
CLARKSBURG — The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center will present The Ghostlight Series: Holiday Edition — a virtual mini-concert series set for December.
The series is a collaboration between area arts organizations and local artists meant to spread holiday cheer and hope for the new year in a safe and socially-distanced manner. Patrons will be able to view the series through the RGPAC Facebook page or on the RGPAC YouTube Channel.
The series will be broadcasted at 7 p.m. every Friday in December, plus a bonus concert at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve. Led by Master of Ceremonies, David Cotton-Zinn, who was the artistic director of Robinson Grand Community Theatre’s production of “Annie” last December, each mini-concert will feature a local artist performing on the historic Robinson Grand stage with the theatre’s ghostlight ever-present. It is a nod to the theater tradition of the ghostlight.
“The ghostlight is simply a light that is always present on the stage when it is not in use. There are many practical reasons why having a light on stage in a pitch-black, empty theatre is a good idea, but truly it’s become such a symbol of hope for theatres all over the world during this unprecedented time,” said Emily Moore, sales and marketing manager. “Having these local artists performing virtually on our stage with the ghostlight still burning is meant to show that we are still striving to bring the arts to life for our community in the safest way that we can.”
The Ghostlight Series: Holiday Edition Schedule
- Friday — featuring Joshua Stubbs on vocals/piano. Talk-back session with the artist.
- Dec. 11 — featuring Valerie Guido Bailey dancing with Joshua Stubbs on piano. Talk-back session with the artist.
- Dec. 18 — Featuring Sarah Nale on vocals with Joshua Stubbs on piano. Talk-back session with the artist.
- Dec. 24 — Featuring Sarah Nale and Joshua Stubbs on vocals. Interviews with the Robinson Grand team.
- Dec. 25 — featuring Nat Frederick on vocals/guitar. Talk-back session with the artist.
The idea for The Ghostlight Series came about after a discussion between Robinson Grand staff and founding producer and artistic director of the Vintage Theatre Co., Jason Young. It sparked a collaboration between the two arts organizations and the concept for the five-part series was born.
Sourcing local artists to perform in the series wasn’t an issue, as so many performers from north-central West Virginia had already been reaching out to help the theater in any way they could.
Two of the artists, Joshua Stubbs and Sarah Nale are voice instructors for The Vintage Theatre Co. and founding members of Montani Cantanti, VTC’s opera troupe. Each of the instructors offered to perform at no cost to help the theatre sustain during this time. Patrons will have the opportunity to watch the virtual mini-concerts for free, but the theater is asking for donations via a PayPal link or via the theatre’s website.
“Just as the ghostlight stays lit surrounded by the darkened theater, the arts are still burning bright in the hearts of so many just waiting for the time when live performances can resurge and fulfill that need that so many of us so desperately require,” said Stubbs, contributing artist. “The arts are not lost — merely waiting for the time when they can be celebrated again.”
Also joining the line-up on stage is local singer/songwriter and country artist, Nat Frederick, who said, “It’s always a wonderful experience with the fine folks of the Robinson Grand. I am so very thankful for being able to perform a virtual show during a pandemic. It’s true holiday cheer!”
Additionally, the show features Clarksburg native Valerie Guido Bailey, as she dances on stage to the piano as played by Stubbs. She is the founder and artistic director of Tinkered Dance, which she established in New York City and brought back home with her to continue her craft as a movement storyteller. The first stage she ever performed on as a child was the Robinson Grand’s stage, and now she is able to see herself come full circle as she comes back to perform on it once again.
“As an artist, there’s not much more I can ask for than to collaborate with another artist, together sharing our work on a beautiful stage that holds great personal meaning,” Bailey said. “But this series is one that is created to give all of us what we need right now: moments of hope, joy, and community. It truly allows our hearts to be light this holiday season.”
Community members are invited to share in the holiday merriment provided by The Ghostlight Series through sharing the virtual concerts via Facebook or YouTube with their friends, family, and loved ones.
Info: tickets.therobinsongrand.com or visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RobinsonGrand.
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