
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, August 18, 1995                   TAG: 9508180080
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STACY JONES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE TIPOFF

FACING THE MUSIC: That's what it comes down to in the upcoming Showtimers production of ``The Shadow Box.'' The Tony award-winning play revolves around three individuals - all suffering from terminal cancer - living on the grounds of a California hospital. The audience is witness to the raw emotions such a situation can produce: anger, denial, regret and acceptance. The play, which opens Thursday, is a mature drama laced with humorous moments. Performances will be held at the Showtimers Studio at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is $8. ``The Shadow Box'' runs through September 3. Call 774-2660.

REAL OLDIES: The 7th Annual Vinton Old-Time Bluegrass Festival & Competition continues tonight, Saturday and Sunday, in the Farmers Market area of downtown Vinton. Tonight's concert lineup includes last year's band competition winners, Against the Grain, along with Flint Hill String Band and the host band, Inheritance. On Saturday, the competition continues, and tops off with an evening winners' concert. The festival ends on Sunday with a morning church service and gospel concerts throughout the day. The day's events will include a concert by the first family of bluegrass gospel music, The Lewis Family. Other attractions include kiddie rides and games and a crafts alley. The festival is free.

RAGIN' CAJUNS: Theater at Lime Kiln lets loose this Sunday, serving up a Louisiana band as authentic as jambalaya. Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys have become the vanguard of South Louisiana music. Fans include critics from the Washington Post, and U.S. News & World Report. Realizing how spirited the group's music is, Lime Kiln will turn the entire lower level of the stage into a dance floor. The concert begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $15. Call 463-3074.

NOT MEMBERS ONLY: Mill Mountain Zoo invites you to Membership Night tonight at 6. Members are invited to enjoy free ice-cream sundaes, magic shows and animal programs. If you are not a member, you can attend and learn the benefits therein. Cost is regular zoo admission ($3.50 adults, $2 children under 12, free for kids under age 2). Call 343-3241.

ETHNIC EATS: Food and culture of the Middle East is the theme for an international potluck dinner Saturday at the Sedalia Center near Big Island. You are encouraged to bring food representative of Middle Eastern cultures (along with copies of the recipes, please). In addition to food, you are asked to bring artifacts, stories, poems, music or general information about that area of the world. Shared information may be from personal experiences or library research. Those of Middle Eastern heritage are especially invited to tell about themselves and their countries of origin. The event is free. The center is on Virginia 638, just west of Virginia 122, between Bedford and Big Island. Call (804) 299-5080.

by CNB