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

DATE: FRIDAY, August 25, 1995                   TAG: 9508250133
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STACY JONES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE TIPOFF

WHOLE LOTTA HERBS: Not just for the Birkenstock crowd, the 7th Annual New River Valley Herb Festival this Saturday and Sunday has something for everyone - entertainment, information and ambiance. Held on the grounds of the Plant Plant in Christiansburg, the festival will have a Renaissance Faire theme. Knights in armor will practice their jousting, and lords and ladies will demonstrate dances of the court with water gardens, a creek and a nature trail serving as a backdrop. The star of the show is, of course, herbs. Herbal foods, candles, jewelry, dream pillows, soaps, massage oils, teas, medicinals, books, seminars and much more will be available. Performers include Puppets by Pazzazz, The McKenzies and Bob Martin. Admission is $5, $4 for seniors and $1.50 for children under 3. Call 382-2653.

INVASION OF THE BOBS: Not many singers, stripped of a back- up band, can impress with just their voice. The Bobs can - and will at Theater at Lime Kiln this Sunday. The San Francisco a cappella group formed in 1981 will put on a show that is part theater, part comedy and part performance art. A critical and popular favorite, The Bobs have appeared on ``The Tonight Show,'' HBO and National Public Radio. Expect stylistic elements drawn from doo-wop, jazz scat, cabaret and soul. The Bobs will take the stage at 8 p.m. Admission is $17 for chair seating, $15 for lawn seating. By the way, Lime Kiln's traditional ``End-of-the-Summer'' dance party with the Metro Blues Allstars on Sunday, Sept. 3, is fast approaching, and the ticket supply is rapidly dwindling, according to a Lime Kiln representative. You may want to reserve your ticket now. Admission is $15. Call 463-3074 for information on either performance.

VIRGINIA VISIONARY: Just because it's commercial doesn't mean it's not art. Joseph Biggs Jr. is proof of that. Born in Elliston, Va., Biggs left the South, headed for the Big Apple and became known as the ``Dean of American Illustrators.'' The Olin Galleries at Roanoke College will exhibit Biggs' work beginning Thursday. The show of 50 paintings, drawings, illustrations and memorabilia will examine the artist's 50-year career and highlight specific factors responsible for Biggs' success. The Montgomery County native illustrated for such magazines as Cosmopolitan, Harper's and Vogue, to name a few. The exhibit will run through Oct. 27. Gallery hours are 1-4 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday with additional hours on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Call 375-2282.

BEACH BLANKET BINGO: Victory Stadium will become the land of Annette and Frankie this Saturday in honor of the 14th Annual Roanoke Beach Party - Blues in the Night. The Embers and Fat Daddy will play beach music; Bobby Messano and New Blues Orchestra, an opening act at Woodstock '94, will assist with the blues portion of the event. The stadium gates open at 5 p.m. with the warm-up band beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $2 in advance, $5 at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased at EZN Stores in Roanoke. Call 981-2889.

BALLADRY & BEBOP: Poetry and jazz unite at the Henry Street Music Center this Sunday. Poet Patricia A. Johnson will collaborate with the William Penn Trio to present a unique concert. Johnson will read a series of her poems broken up by intervals of jazz, which will range from traditional to modern. The event begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $5. Call 345-6781.

by CNB