Blues at the Crossroads II
From the crossroad of youth and age, memory and longing, rock and big-city ballad comes Jefferson Center's all-star celebration of the distinctly American genre of blues. Honoring the music of Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters, Blues at the Crossroads II spotlights such luminaries as the Blues Hall of Fame honoree James Cotton, legendary bluesman Jody Williams, old-school guitarist Bob Margolin and rhythm and blues rocker JJ Grey-all backed by the solid groove of The Fabulous Thunderbirds featuring Kim Wilson.JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL - THE BEGINNING
Originally constructed in 1922, Jefferson High School served as Roanoke's largest high school for half a century.
It was in 1919 that the School Board began plans to build Jefferson High and the site on Campbell Avenue was purchased for $147,000 in 1922. Architect H. Coursy Richards employed a Tudor Revival-style popular at the time and Jefferson High School opened its doors to 1,000 students in 1924. The first class to graduate was in 1925 and the last in 1974. From 1924 to 1974 the school graduated over 19,000 students.
The bottom floor was mostly for vocational classes. The second floor contained all academic classrooms, the principal's office, the main office, the auditorium, gymnasium and entrance vestibule. The library, balcony, and chemistry and physics laboratories were located on the third floor
The bottom floor was mostly for vocational classes. The second floor contained all academic classrooms, the principal's office, the main office, the auditorium, gymnasium and entrance vestibule. The library, balcony, and chemistry and physics laboratories were located on the third floor
The auditorium - now Shaftman Performance Hall - modeled after a popular 17th century "shoe box" English opera house design, showcased solid
wood paneling, impressive balcony, classic appointments and outstanding acoustics. Because the city had no civic center, the auditorium was built larger with the intent of using it for community events and concerts, and in fact hosted such greats as Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra conductor Leonard Bernstein and operatic tenor Enrico Caruso.
The school was closed in 1974 but operated as Jefferson Hall under Patrick Henry High School until 1975. From then until its final closing in 1979 it housed a variety of offices. From 1979 until 1985 the 112,000 square foot building - though still structurally sound - deteriorated badly and was severely vandalized.
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