Magazine December 2015 21www.artsmagazine.info

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., of Johnson City, Tennessee, announces the release of two new books from North Tazewell, Virginia author Linda Hudson Hoagland. This award winning author is simultaneously releasing her latest books, “Missing Sammy” and “On-ward and Upward.”

Hoagland says readers will quickly understand the logic behind the dual release, as there are some common themes between the two novels, and if you enjoy reading one, you will most definitely enjoying reading the other.

“Missing Sammy” chronicles the struggle

of widow, Ella Hutchins, as she works to get her life back after years of care taking for her husband. After his death, Ella realizes she has pushed everyone away and no longer has a network of friends, or family to sup-port her as she heals. Ella has to dig deep, relying upon the strong Appalachian stock from which she comes, to regain what she has lost.

In “Onward and Upward,” we meet another strong Appalachian woman, Molly Thompson, also a widow, who stays busy on the road selling her crocheted angels. Molly comes to believe she has been “put under a spell” by the handcrafted angels she creates and before readers finish the book, they may just feel the same. In each book, Hoagland’s respect for Appalachian heroines shines through.

Jan-Carol Publishing includes the

imprints Mountain Girl Press, Little Creek Books, Express Editions, RoseHeart Publish-ing, and DigiStyle. Each imprint specializes in a particular genre—from Appalachian stories to children’s books and more.

Local author releases new books

276-619-4300

www.swcenter.edu

A Partnership of Top-Ranked Universities with a Space for You.

Schedule Your Event HereAt the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, we can accommodate your needs for:

-Meetings-Conferences-Fundraisers-Receptions-Training Sessions-and More!

Please Contact Us at (276) 619-4300 or visit www.swcenter.edu

The holidays are made up of wonderful traditions and warm memories, and for many that includes attending the holiday ballet favorite, “The Nutcracker.” Carrying on this great tradition, Bristol Ballet prepares for its 2015 holiday evening and matinee perfor-mances of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 11, 12 and 13, at the Paramount Center for the Arts, in historic downtown Bristol.

“Whether this is your first experience at a Nutcracker performance or your 50th, you’re sure to see something new. This year we are excited to have more boys involved in the production. We held auditions for local community members and had a nice turnout,” said Michele Plescia, artistic director of Bristol Ballet. “We have also added a char-acter who is in a wheel chair, which gives the party scene a new depth and variation.”

Some things remain the same, such as returning local actor and high school football coach Mike Locke playing Drosselmeyer, and the four professional dancers return-ing to their same roles this year, by popular demand. “Everyone loved our guest artists from last year, and we are thrilled that they are all able to return to their roles as Dros-selmeyer, Sugar Plum Fairy, Nutcracker, Snow Queen and Cavalier, and Arabian. It’s fun to have some things remain the same and other aspects change from year to year. We hope it will pique the interests of audience members and keep them excited to return each year,” Plescia said.

Bristol Ballet Junior Company member, Collin White, dances the roll of Clara. In addition, 47 Bristol Ballet students and com-pany members, and close to 20 community members perform in roles such as Angels, Russian, Marzipan and Party Guest.

A new tradition in the making is the Gin-gerbread Ball. For the second year, Bristol Ballet invites families to meet some of the main characters in “The Nutcracker.” Families enjoy delicious Blackbird Bakery ginger-bread cookies, snowflake sugar cookies, hot chocolate, tea and coffee at the Bristol Ballet Studio immediately after the Saturday mati-nee performance. Photos of the event will be provided to each attendee. The cost (which is separate from the tickets to “The Nutcracker” performance) is $10 per person. This was a sell-out last year, so reservations are strongly recommended and may be made by calling Bristol Ballet, 276-669-6051.

Two school performances are open to public schools, private schools and home-school groups Dec. 10 and 11 at 10 a.m. Students are free of charge. Schools may reserve seats by calling Bristol Ballet at 276-669-6051.

Founded in 1948, Bristol Ballet’s mis-sion is to promote, encourage and sustain

Sugarplums, gingerbread, and cherished traditionsBristol Ballet presents the holiday favorite ‘The Nutcracker’

community interest and education in the art of ballet and to contribute to the cultural progress of the community by the following: The operation and management of a school of formal dance education, focusing on ballet. The creation and expansion of a performing company for advanced ballet students, with inclusion of younger students when appropri-ate.

School performances are free to school children and qualifying chaperones. Public performances are $6 children under 6, $12 students and seniors, $15 adults.

Snow from Bristol Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” (photo by David Frazier)