The official Site of
Pipestem Resort State Park
Summer Amphitheater Schedule
2011 Pipestem Summer Amphitheater Performances
May 28
East River Mountain Town Band
Hear a community town band perform an eclectic mix of classical, popular and patriotic concert band music. This ensemble of 60-plus members is directed by Concord University graduate and retired Mercer County music teacher Mel Saunders. Show begins at 8 pm. FREE admission
June 4
Summers County K.I.D.S.
A dramatic stage performance by youth from the Summers County area. This years’ performance will be “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE B
June 10
“Treasure Island”
The Summers County High School drama club will perform the play titled “Treasure Island”.
Show begins at 7 pm. PRICE B
June 11
Maurice Ulmer Group
This group has been rocking the two Virginia’s for several years. If you like classic Rock N Roll, Blues and Rockabilly you will find your groove. Come and enjoy original music composed by Maurice Ulmer, an ASCAP Award Winner in 2010 for his CD ‘Rock of the Alleghenies,” and also stick around to hear some of your favorite classic rock songs. Members of the band live in Covington, VA and Clifton Forge, VA. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE B
June 17
Doug Harper and friends
Songs that warm, amuse and inspire. That’s what audiences take away from enjoying stage performance by Doug and Shelly Harper and musical friends.
Doug and Shelley have performed throughout central Appalachia in a variety of venues. Some include National Public Radio’s West Virginia based, Mountain Stage, TAMARACK, Theatre WV's Music in the Mountains, Grandview National Park, The Clay Center in Charleston, WV and THE Pocahontas County Opera House, Marlinton, WV. Long time friend and accompanist, Dave Fondale joins them on bass.
“Hybrid Folk” is a term coined to describe Doug's writing style and play list. A gratified listener once commented, "I feel like I was just read to!" Recording projects include Scrapbook 2000, Travelogue 2002, Seasons 2004 and Keepsakes 2007. Road Home CDs are compilations of songs by West Virginia songwriters and are produced by Ron Sowell, music director for West Virginia Public Radio’s Mountain Stage. There website is www.hybridfolk.com.
Doug Harper and friends Friday performance begins at 8 pm. PRICE B
June 18
Jim & Valerie Gabehart
Welcome to Jim & Valerie Gabehart’s excellent adventure! After marrying in 1981, they began a musical partnership which has lasted 27 years (and counting). After forming the group STEADFAST in 1982 and performing bluegrass music throughout WV and surrounding states for the next fifteen years, Jim & Valerie spent the next ten years focusing on raising their children, playing primarily gospel music closer to home. When their youngest left home for college, they began work on putting together a new group and getting back out on the road. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE B
June 24
John Lilly
John Lilly's original, traditional, and classic country music hits home and rings true. From hidden masterpieces by Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, and the Louvin Brothers to ancient folk ballads and creative original songs, John Lilly presents music of unusual depth and sincerity.
John Lilly is a multi-talented acoustic music performer from Charleston, West Virginia, specializing in Americana, country roots, and traditional folk music. He writes new songs that sound as old as the hills, and performs older songs like they were made yesterday. According to one reviewer, “If Hank Williams had a sunny disposition, he’d be John Lilly.”
John has released four self-produced CDs. His latest release, “Haunted Honky Tonk,” achieved the #1 position on both the Freeform American Roots (FAR) and the Euro Americana radio charts. “Broken Moon,” released in 2000, earned enthusiastic reviews and widespread radio airplay. Bluegrass Unlimited magazine called it one of the “most unusual and interesting acoustic disks of the year.” John’s second CD, “Last Chance to Dance,” released in 2003, debuted at #1 on the FAR radio chart and rose to #4 on the Euro Americana radio chart. His 2005 CD release, “Blue Highway,” is a collaboration with legendary Tennessee fiddler Ralph Blizard.
John is recognized internationally as a powerful performing songwriter. In 2005, he won the national Ghost Writers In the Sky songwriting contest, sponsored by HankFest, a Chicago-based festival honoring the music of Hank Williams. He was a finalist in the 2002 Chris Austin Songwriting Competition at MerleFest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, chosen from 853 entries and placing third in the Country category for his song "Broken Moon."
John was born in Illinois in 1954 and has traveled and performed widely. A former member of the Green Grass Cloggers dance team, John spent years playing traditional string band music with groups including Ralph Blizard and the New Southern Ramblers. He is a former a tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, and is currently editor of West Virginia’s Goldenseal Magazine. Visit his website at http://pages.suddenlink.net/johnlillymusic/main.html
Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE B ($6 adults)
June 25
Everett Lilly & Lilly Mountaineers
West Virginia natives and masters of bluegrass music, the original Lilly Brothers originated from Clear Creek, WV, and began their career by singing in churches and local shows. Everett toured with Flatt & Scruggs in the early 1950’s and participated in 14 influential recordings that included classic duets with Lester Flatt. The Lilly Brothers and Don Stover became the 20th inductees into the International Bluegrass Association’s Hall of Honor and in 2009 were inducted into the WV Music Hall of Fame. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE B
July 1: Elvis/Johnny Cash/1950s Show
"Elvis/Johnny Cash/1950s Show"
Wren Mangum was born in Richmond, Va. He grew up on Rockabilly, 50's and Elvis. His voice, stage presence, and charisma capture the essence of that era. From humility and humor all the way to romance and Rock & Roll rebellion, Wrenn pays tribute to the Rockabilly greats Elvis, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis and the like with an incredible energy that reminds us of why there were so cool to begin with. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE B
July 2
East River Mountain Town Band
Hear a community town band perform an eclectic mix of classical, popular and patriotic concert band music. This ensemble of 60-plus members is directed by Concord University graduate and retired Mercer County music teacher Mel Saunders. Show begins at 8 pm. FREE admission
July 7
BilLepp
A winner of the WV Liars contest, Bil Lepp tells tall tales written by himself and his brother. His outrageous stories bout Buck-dog, fishing, politics, trains, the rodeo and many others will have the audience roaring with laughter. Show begins at 8 pm. FREE admission
July 8
The West Virginia Outlaws – Eddie Richmond and the West Virginia Outlaws
Hinton native Eddie Richmond Jr., and The West Virginia Outlaws play a mix of country and Southern Rock and Roll music. This year's winner in the 1st Annual "Got Talent" competition in downtown Hinton's historic RITZ THEATRE - Cinema and Performing Arts. This young up-and-coming singer, songwriter and guitarist performs mostly original material, but will please audiences with classics everyone will embrace. Three members of the West Virginia Outlaws performed together 30 years ago in Raleigh, North Carolina as the Last Chance Rock n Roll Band: WV native Daniel Brunty, Summers County’s Gayle Rancer, and professional drummer Steve Arthurs from North Carolina.
They have been broadcast on The River Radio Station. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE B
July 9
Taylor Made
One Nashville icon described the group as ‘three distinct voices with family harmony.” He compared Brian to an early Merle Haggard, described Greg as a blend of Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett, and said Wendy sounded like a cross between a young Loretta Lynn and Janie Joplin. Accompanied by top-of-the-line musicians, the brothers and sister aren’t confined to one particular musical genre. Country ballad, country dance, bluegrass, southern gospel, southern rock, classic covers, and even doo-wop—they do it all with a unique style that comes from decades of performing together. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE A
July 14
Wings of Wonder: Birds of Prey
Wendy and Ron Perrone present live birds – hawks, owls and eagles – in an entertaining and educations format. Great show for all ages. This performance will be held in the Faulconer Room at the McKeever Lodge. Show begins at 7 pm. FREE admission
July 15
Doug and Shelly Harper
If you missed the June show, those songs that warmed, amused and inspired are back tonight. Join us for an evening of Doug and Shelly Harper. “Hybrid Folk” is a term coined to describe Doug's writing style and play list. A gratified listener once commented, "I feel like I was just read to!" Recording projects include Scrapbook 2000, Travelogue 2002, Seasons 2004 and Keepsakes 2007. Road Home CDs are compilations of songs by West Virginia songwriters and are produced by Ron Sowell, music director for West Virginia Public Radio’s Mountain Stage. There website is www.hybridfolk.com.
Doug is joined by Lew Prichard on mandolin and Dave Fondale on bass. The show begins at 8 pm. PRICE B ($6 adults)
July 16
Hans Creek Grass
From Greenville in Monroe County, WV, Hans Creek Grass is a traditional bluegrass group that will get your toes tapping and your hands clapping. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE B
July 21
Lou Maiuri and Appalachian Dancers
Lou Maiuri has taught squaredancing, an Appalachian tradition, for decades. A seasoned caller, Maiuri is a dance instructor of traditional Appalachian dance and modern line dancing. He has won many awards in competition, including three national championships and is the director and founder of Appalachian Country Cloggers. Bringing traditional dance and instruction to our state parks is a labor of love for Maiuri – his love of people and his love for dance is obvious when you attend one of Lou’s dance events. No previous dance experience (or rhythm) necessary. Come join us for a state park tradition – square-dancing! 4-H, dance groups, etc. welcome. The caller is: Lou Maiuri. Dancing begins at 8:00 p.m. in the cool of the evening.
No admission to attend or participate. FREE admission.
July 22
Clinton Collins and the Creekboys
Clinton Collins and the Creekboys present a unique blend of Americana music, using traditional musical instruments, along with original, creative songwriting. Their musical journey guides us through places and to people that seem familiar and stories that resonate with us all. From the Appalachian Mountains, to the places of the heart; melodies are filled with humor about relationships, faith and everyday living. Their concerts become a family gathering as they include the audience and open up their musical home for an evening of laughter and song. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE B
July 23
Dixie Melody Boys/Allison Durham Spear
For nearly five decades, The Dixie Melody Boys have produced an award-winning gospel music quartet sound that has taken them across North America. In 2004, long-time bass singer, Ed O’Neal was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Allison Durham Spear was raised in the bluegrass fields of Kentucky and even a land so vast couldn’t contain her talents. Her appearances with the Gaither Homecoming concerts and in America’s mega-churches have left the nation wanting more from this incredible singer.
Show begins at 7 pm. PRICE A
July 30
The Grass Stains
The Grass Stains play from the heart and offer an innovative and upbeat style of bluegrass music. The “Stains” have years of experience performing traditional bluegrass, “new grass” and gospel music. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE B
August 6
Time Peace
Turn back the hands to when rock and roll ruled the air waves and stage. Enjoy this band from Craigsville, WV. Regretfully, this show is canceled due to illness.
August 11
Geology! Rocks.
Meet Geologist Ken Ashton at the Amphitheater for a presentation on geology of WV. Presentation starts at 8 pm. FREE admission
August 12
Geology! Rocks. A hike!
Meet at Mt Creek Lodge for a walk with Geologist Ken Ashton along the Bluestone River and focus on the geology of the park. Discount coupons will be given for your tram ride after the hike is complete. Hike begins at 10 a.m.
August 13
The Collegians
An evening performance that includes energetic beach music and some old-time rock ‘n’ roll. The Collegians have been entertaining for 30 years. Diversified in musical styles, this group keeps the audience wanting to get up and dance. Anyone who enjoys Carolina Shag or West Coast swing music will be delighted. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE A
August 20
Rick K & the Allnighters
One of the most exciting performers on the music scene today, native WV Rick K shares his enthusiasm and love of music with an ever-growing audience across the country. A distinctive vocal style and charismatic stage presence have earned Rick K and his band rave reviews at major fairs, casinos, and clubs. Rick K’s grandmother, an accomplished gospel and jazz pianist, and his father, a drummer, paved the way for this rock ‘n’ roll band’s energized leader. Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE A
August 27
The Van-Dells
The Van-Dells is an oldies show group specializing in 50’s and 60’s rock ‘n’ roll. They sing a range of oldies combined with a unique blend of comedy, choreography, tight harmonies and costume changes. The show has two parts. The first show includes the personas of the final graduating class of Van-Dell High School. Dressed in letter sweaters, the group combines comedy with songs form the 50’s. The second half takes the audience on a nostalgic trip through the 60’s. Bring yours dancing shoes and join the fun! Show begins at 8 pm. PRICE A
Pricing Information
Price A - Day of Show
Adults: $10 each; Children: 6-12 years: $5 each; Children 5 and younger: FREE
Price A - Advance Ticket Purchase
Advance tickets are sold until 2 pm the day of the show.
Adults: $8 each; Children 6-12 years: $4 each; Children 5 and younger: FREE
Price B - Day of Show
Adults:$6 each; Children 6-12 years:$3 each; Children 5 and younger: FREE
There are no refunds on advance ticket purchases. Advance ticket sales available at Pipestem’s McKeever Lodge and at Park Headquarters building, via phone, 304-466-1800, or in person. Advance tickets are sold until 2 p.m. the day of the show.
Show general guidelines
- All shows, unless otherwise stated, begin at 8 p.m. and end at approximately 10 p.m.
- The amphitheater has 525 seats. Attendees may bring blankets for great hillside seating.
- No alcohol allowed.
- All shows are litter free.
- Refreshment concession stand onsite.
- Free shows do not require a ticket or reservation.
- You do not need to be an overnight guest at Pipestem Resort to attend shows.
- Shows are open to the public; some with minimal admission and many are free as indicated.
- Schedules are subject to change and more events may be added.
