If you haven’t discovered the Garth Newel Music Center, you’ll be blown away by one of the Allegheny Mountains’ most amazing cultural treasures – and what The Charleston Gazette declares “Virginia’s best-kept musical secret.” Located just up the road from The Homestead Resort & Spa, this Bath County entertainment venue hosts classical concerts, music festivals, author readings, and gourmet dinners that draw both locals and visitors all year long.
The summer season kicks into full swing on July 28, and you’ll have the opportunity to hear concerts showcasing works by multiple composers – like Saturday’s “Nature in Music,” with selections from Dvořák , Janáček, and Vasks – or programs devoted to just one artist, like Sunday’s all Debussy concert. Other summer highlights include “The Three Bs” (Bach, Bartok, and Brahms) on August 19, and “Beethoven Sonatas” on August 26.
After most concerts, guests are invited to attend a post-show dinner, served right in the concert hall. Musicians often mingle with the audience as the resident chef prepares a gourmet meal filled with delectable dishes that are in keeping with the performance’s musical theme.
The Garth Newel Music Center is also home to the Virginia Blues & Jazz Festival, which just concluded its seventh annual weekend. This renowned Bath County music event has featured an array of notable musicians like New Orleans blues pianist Marcia Ball, jazz vocalist Jennifer Kirkland, and most recently, five-time Grammy Award-winning artists The Robert Cray Band.
Next time you’re on vacation at The Homestead, be sure to discover what The Washington Post calls “a rarefied rural retreat that offers classical performances and gourmet dining.” Check out the upcoming calendar of events at the Garth Newel Music Center, and plan your next trip to The Homestead today!
