AH Arts Council Announces Performing Arts Season   Covington, VA (Aug. 29, 2026) - The Alleghany Highlands Arts Council is proud to announce its 74th Performing Arts Series, anchored by the inspiring theme "Moments That Move Us." Spanning world-class vocalists, internationally acclaimed dance, rich American heritage, and thought-provoking theatre, the upcoming 2026–2027 season brings a dynamic lineup of talent directly to local audiences at Covington Middle School’s Curfman Hall and the Historic Masonic Theatre. The new season kicks off on Thursday, October 16, 2026, at Covington Middle School with the sensational Sharpe Family Singers in Best of Broadway. Broadway veterans Ron and Barbra Sharpe met onstage starring in Les Misérables, and today, alongside their children, this viral family sensation and America's Got Talent semifinalists deliver a high-energy production featuring iconic showstoppers, Disney classics, and contemporary pop hits. The excitement continues on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, as the Arts Council moves to the Historic Masonic Theatre to host the Lula Washington Dance Theatre. Celebrating over 45 years of artistic excellence, this world-renowned contemporary company from Los Angeles blends powerful modern dance, African movement, and theatrical storytelling to honor African-American culture with grace, power, and resilience. In December, a cherished Alleghany Highlands tradition returns with the Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops on Monday, December 7, 2026, at Covington Middle School. Maestro David Wiley and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will light up Curfman Hall with over 200 performers, festive favorites, and orchestral grandeur to kindle the holiday spirit for the whole family. As the new year begins, the Historic Masonic Theatre is the setting for Wisconsin Poet Laureate Dasha Kelly in a Sunday afternoon matinee on January 17, 2027, in her acclaimed multimedia theatrical production, Makin' Cake. Part history lesson and part social discovery, Kelly cleverly uses the history and ingredients of baking as a metaphor to explore race, class, and culture. Attendees are invited to stay after the show for a complimentary cake reception and community conversation. Spring brings a special opportunity for the region on Thursday, March 18, 2027, when the Arts Council presents a free community concert by the U.S. Army Soldiers' Chorus at the Historic Masonic Theatre. Established in 1956 as the elite vocal counterpart to "Pershing's Own," this 29-member ensemble has performed for U.S. presidents and world leaders, bringing a breathtaking repertoire of patriotic standards, Broadway, and opera to the Highlands. The 74th season comes to an electrifying close on Saturday, May 8, 2027, at Covington Middle School with The Doo Wop Project. Featuring Broadway stars from smash hits like Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical, this vocal supergroup recreates classic street-corner harmonies while giving modern hits by artists like Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars a retro "doo-wop" twist. Arts Council programming is supported by the Alleghany Foundation, Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Foundation Serving South Western Virginia, the City of Covington, Town of Clifton Forge, County of Alleghany and many corporate and individual donors. Season tickets are on sale now online and from any Arts Council board member. As an early bird bonus, every season subscription purchased before October 15, 2026, includes two complimentary guest passes for admission to any single event during the season. To purchase season passes or learn more about individual event tickets, call (540) 962-ARTS, or visit online at Arts4AllAlleghanyHighlands.com.

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