September 4, 2019
At 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15, Laurel Ridge is hosting its first Annual Benefit for the Performing Arts. The show is being hosted by Russell Rinker, a professional actor and musician who has been taking part in Laurel Ridge performances since he was just a preschooler.
“The benefit will have kind of a cabaret format,” says Rinker, who was a longtime member of the world-famous Blue Man Group, has performed with the Los Angeles Opera and was in the national tour of “Amazing Grace.” “In addition to serving as host, I will be playing some solo music and singing and performing with other artists. Some of them will also be performing solos.”
The show will also feature some musical skits and comedy. Among the featured artists are Side Pony, George Hoffman and Elizabeth Albert.
Proceeds from the show will benefit the Andrea Ludwick Performing Arts Fund. Professor Ludwick retired this past spring after 45 years at Lord Fairfax teaching English, speech and theater.
She started the tradition of performing arts shows at the college more than 40 years ago, starting with faculty and staff she pressed into the acts, and growing to incorporate many members of the community. Several performers have been participating for decades – including Rinker.
“Andrea has been the driving force for the arts since the beginning, starting with classes, and then getting the Fairfax Follies Spring Show off the ground, and expanding into dinner theater, the forensics club and more,” he says. “She has been a real champion of the arts for decades. She certainly influenced me, presenting me with opportunities to perform, learn and grow. Her legacy is palpable.”
Tickets for the show are $20, and must be purchased in advance. The evening will include door prizes, free snacks and a cash bar.
To get tickets, or to find out more about donating to the performing arts fund, call (540) 868-4077, or visit ww.laurelridge.edu/donate.
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.