Emeralds Performing at Pipestem Amphitheater July 5

            Pipestem Resort State Park’s Outdoor Amphitheater hosts performances from theater to music throughout the summer weekends.  Independence Day Weekend features the Emeralds Show Band of Bluefield, W.Va. 

            “The Emeralds are the southern West Virginia and Bluefield region's most popular and professional variety band. They perform the Motown, soul, and great rock and roll golden oldie sounds,” according to Dave Summers, Assistant Superintendent at Pipestem Resort.  “The Emeralds play great music and are crowd pleasers if you enjoy old time rock and roll.”

            The Emeralds perform Saturday, July 5, beginning at 8 p.m. and ending at approximately 10 p.m. Advance tickets are $8; event day $10.  Children prices are available. The Outdoor Amphitheater seats 525 people with approximately 1,000 additional seats on the hillside for blankets or chairs. 

            The Emeralds provide a quality mixture of exciting dance music from the past and present that is suitable for the family and music fans of all ages. The band formed in 1998 with members from regionally-recognized bands, including the Blue Chords and the Redcoats.  Band members include: Arnold Smith - lead vocals and bass guitar, Norm Smith – drums, Ron Sagety - tenor sax, Dwight Bryant – keyboards, Marc Plummer - lead guitar, and Cindy Tilley - vocals and keyboards.

            Other activities at Pipestem on Independence Day weekend include the Bluestone Turnpike Hike, a 10-mile trek between Pipestem and Bluestone state parks that is scheduled on July 4.  The Bluestone Turnpike Hike is one of the featured hikes in the West Virginia Hiking Program. On July 5, the River Walk will be conducted by the National Park Service. Both hikes begin at 10 a.m. at Mountain Creek. Arrive early as access to Mt. Creek is via aerial tram. Call for details.

            For more information about Pipestem Resort State Park 's Amphitheater Series, go online to www.pipestemresort.com or call (304) 466-1800 and inquire about ticket purchase for amphitheater performances or park information. 

            Located in the southeastern section of the state, Pipestem Resort State Park is 14 miles north of Princeton and 12 miles south of Hinton on WV 20.  From I-77, take Exit #14 and the park entrance is 14 miles north on Rt. 20.  From the Sandstone Exit # 139 of I-64, the park entrance is 22 miles south on WV 20.  The park features lodges, cabins, campground, golf, hiking, restaurants and daily activities for families and guests.