Change through music: Couple launches music series to address youth violence

A passion for music and serving underserved communities has led two local entrepreneurs to bring a groundbreaking event, the H.O.P.E. Concert Series, to the Danville region. The brainchild of David and Pleshette Boyer, this Community Engagement Summer Series is a partnership between Danville Public Schools (DPS), the Danville Church Based and Community Tutorial Program (DCCTP),... Read More

Arts + Music, Local, Uncategorized

May 18, 2023

My Ultimate Goal is to Inspire Millions of People All Over the World

The following is an excerpt from Rockingham Magazine. Jenna Rice was born in Maine and raised in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. “Basically, I’m from New England,” she said. Now, Rice calls Greensboro, North Carolina home. She is a full-time street artist and spray-paint muralist. “You can find my work all over North Carolina and in... Read More

Arts + Music, Local

May 2, 2023

My Passion, Your Forever Memories

Laura Chaleby isn’t a native southerner. She grew up in Michigan where, she said, the Great Lakes help to offset the cold. She got a taste of the south seven years ago after her husband’s career as a chemical engineer brought them, and their daughter, to Danville. Speaking about her husband, Chaleby said, “What they... Read More

Arts + Music, Cover Feature

March 14, 2023

There’s No Secret. Just Play.

Musically, Josh Francisco is a busy man. He plays guitar in 3 brands spanning multiple genres. “I play in a local cover band named Old 97, a thrash metal band from Greensboro, NC called Blood Ritual, and a death metal band from Richmond, VA called Blazing Tomb,” Francisco said. He has also logged many miles,... Read More

Arts + Music, Local Notes

February 16, 2023

Don’t Be Afraid to Try Different Things

Caswell County, North Carolina native Kyle Foster, discovered a love for the guitar at 15 years of age. In 2007, while a junior, Foster performed for the first time at a high school talent show. “I started performing at open mics soon after, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” he added. After following the... Read More

Arts + Music, Local Notes

February 3, 2023

Never a Dull Moment

Jessica South Perdue was born in New York and lived in Pennsylvania and West Virginia before settling in Danville after he mother took a job with Corning Glass. You’ve probably seen her artwork around Danville without even knowing it. She has been a tattoo artist for 25 years. Along with her husband, “Peanut,” a fellow... Read More

Arts + Music, Entrepreneurship, Local

January 4, 2023

Storytelling Keeps Life History Alive

The Danville Storytelling Festival (DSF) is celebrating 21 years of spreading the words from local and regional storytellers. The festival grew from a vision of Dr. Fred Motley. Originally, it started as a one-day event to celebrate Black History Month. “I wanted to preserve and incorporate the city’s African American presence and contributions into the... Read More

Arts + Music, Local, Uncategorized

December 9, 2022

Stay Humble. Practice Patience (and Lots of It)

Matt Doss grew up in Pelham, North Carolina, but has called Danville home for most of his life. After high school at Bartlett Yancey, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Averett University. Doss sings lead for local favorites, The League of Ordinary Gentlemen (LoOG). Music has been part of Doss’s life since middle... Read More

Arts + Music, Local Notes

October 18, 2022

Singing is What I’m Supposed to be Doing

Megan Doss was introduced to music early in life. “Like a lot of music folks, I got interested in church when I was younger. My great aunt and uncle were a singing duo. They traveled around and did a lot of church services, so I grew up to do the same,” Doss said. Performing to... Read More

Arts + Music, Local Notes

August 11, 2022

A not so well-hidden treat (And it’s free)

One place that residents and visitors consider to be Danville’s leading attraction is Ballou Park. Located only a short shuttle ride from the future casino site, Ballou Park was named after Captain Charles A. Ballou, the City Engineer who was also, the Superintendent of Public Works (1878) who envisioned the Park and, on its site,... Read More

Arts + Music, Culture, Local