Local band, Fender Benders, performs on the stage of the Masonic Amphitheatre on May 14 at 7:00 pm. Members include Jeff Dudley, Steve Thrasher, Mikie Brown and Bink Jenkins.

Masonic Amphitheatre Announces 2016 Schedule of Events, Fifth Year of Operation   Clifton Forge, VA (April 29, 2016) - The Masonic Amphitheatre announces its Schedule of Events for its 2016 season to the Alleghany Highlands community. The 2016 season, the fifth birthday of the venue, promises to offer an eclectic program of music and entertainment featuring many local performers, in addition to offering a state-of-the art facility for area organizations to fundraise. On May 14, Fishing with Angels will use Smith Creek near the Amphitheatre Pedestrian Bridge to present the event for physically challenged or intellectually disabled youth ages five through 18, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. All fishing poles will be provided for the event in addition to face painting, cornhole and a free concert by the Announcers. Lunch will be provided for those attending the event. Fishing with Angels has no admittance fee and local firefighters and rescue workers will be in attendance to assist. The biggest catch of the day will be mounted by Nicely's Taxidermy. That evening, beginning at 7:00, Fender Benders and the Rebels of Rhythm cloggers will entertain the audience. Fender Benders, a Covington band, perform classic rock, southern rock, blues and original music. The band members are, Jeff Dudley, vocals, guitar, and harmonica. Jeff started music at age 8 playing the drums and began guitar at age 13. He started the Fender Benders in 1993. Steve Thrasher, a lifelong resident of Alleghany County, provides vocals, guitar, mandolin and banjo for the band. Steve has played guitar since the 1960’s and has played in numerous bands. Dale (Bink) Jenkins, began playing music in his teens, has started bands, has acted as a roadie and soundman for groups and supplies vocals and bass guitar for the Fender Benders. Mikie Brown, plays drums and hails from Covington. He has played with many bands and has been a member of Fender Benders since 1995. The Rebels of Rhythm are a clogging group based out of the Alleghany Highlands. They have been entertaining crowds for over 20 years with their variety of music selections from typical bluegrass and country to hip hop, today's chart topping hits, rock and oldies. They are a non- profit group that perform for all types of shows such as pageants, festivals, car shows, fundraisers, and parades. Members of the Rebels of Rhythm include Bonnie Bush, Kristy Martin, Kathy Elmore, Tammy Persinger, Lisa Curtis, Toni Jackson, Jennifer Lodge & Kim Mullins. Tickets for the show are: $10 Adults, $8 Seniors, $5 Students and may be purchased on line or at Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce, Jack Mason’s Tavern, and Club Car and at the Entrance Gate prior to the show. George Jenkins, member of the Masonic Theatre Inc. comments, “We have a wonderful schedule for the Masonic Amphitheatre this season with a great variety of events slated. Our popular Open Mic Night will return each month during the season showcasing local talent, and Shentel will sponsor Pixar’s award winning, ‘Inside Out’ movie under the stars for the entire family. Alleghany Highlands Heritage Day & C&O Railway Festival will take over the town of Clifton Forge on June 3 and 4 while honoring the heritage of the Highlands. On June 3, the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Tourism will premiere ‘Gift From A Yankee’ at the Historic Masonic Theatre at 8:00pm and reception beginning at 6:00pm. Heritage Day continues on June 4 from 10 to 6 with over 80 artisan displays and demonstrations, Celtic, German, English, Soul, Native American and American food vendors. World famous quilter, Kaye England will present “Voices of the Past” highlighting famous women in history through patchwork, and 100 years of quilting from 1840 to 1940 at three quilt bed-turnings. The Civil War 150 HistoryMobile interactive museum will be parked at Town Hall, and C&O will feature trains rides, layouts and a Hobo Extravaganza.” June brings An Evening with Brightwork, Seay Brothers & Friends on June 11 at 7:00 p.m., Flag Day & Picnic on June 4, STARS sponsored by Appalfolks of America on June 19 and Open Mic on June 24. July starts with a bang with the Grand ReOpening of the Historic Masonic Theatre on July 1, 2 and 3, and continues at the Amphitheatre with the annual Stars and Stripes Picnic on the Amphitheatre grounds on July 4. The Grand Fondo finish is at the Amphitheatre on July 9, Pixar’s “Inside Out” sponsored by Shentel is at dusk on July22, Legends of the Highlands starring Silverbacks, Rally Cry and Chad Nickell and Loose Change all in one evening is July 23, and Open Mic is July 29. August welcomes Clifton Forge High School Alumni back to town with a picnic on August 20 and a concert by lead singers of the original Rhondels, “2 For Fun on August 20. Open Mic is scheduled for August 26. September means pie and Bill Cook and Friends performing bluegrass on the Bill Cook & Friends Amphitheatre Stage on September 11. The sweetness continues with the third annual Pie Baking Contest scheduled that same evening. Allegheny Mountain String Project and Picnic will take place on September 17 and Con of the Mountain rolls into town on September 30, October 1 and 2. The Amphitheatre season will end with the second annual Soup-er Sunday fundraiser for the Food Pantry on Sunday, November 6. It promises to be an all-star summer. Don't miss all the pleasure and enjoyment that will take place on the stage and grounds of the award winning Amphitheatre. More information can be found on each event by visiting www.historicmasonictheatre.com The Masonic Amphitheatre is located at 513 Church Street in Clifton Forge. For those events requiring tickets, they are available online at the Historic Masonic website, at area ticket venues and at the entrance tent prior to the performance. For information and to confirm schedule in case of inclement weather, please email masonictheatre@yahoo.com, visit the Historic Masonic Theatre Facebook page or call 540 862 5655. Rebels of Rhythm Cloggers will take the stage of the award-winning Masonic Amphitheatre on May 14. Show begins at 7:00 pm and tickets may be purchased at the Entrance Gate which opens at 6:00 pm The Masonic Amphitheatre's 2016 Season begins with local entertainment and Fishing with Angels event. 2016 is the fifth anniversary season for the Amphitheatre, designed and built by 3rd year Virginia Tech architect students.

* * * * *