A mischievous thrill electrifies the air, a tantalizing mix of excitement and the edgy knowledge of doing something forbidden. The following message guards the main entrance of the Historial Robinson Grand Performing Arts Theater:
CLOSED FOR VIOLATION OF NATIONAL PROHIBITION ACT BY ORDER OF UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT ALL PERSONS ARE FORBIDDEN TO ENTER PREMISES WITHOUT ORDER FROM THE UNITED STATES MARSHAL.
So what else is there to do on a rainy, quiet Friday in spring? Slip unnoticed through the side door…
The RG gates on the side of the grand theater have caught our attention innumerable times, and on Friday at 7pm, we finally got to walk through them. Lights are strung in the alley with a soft rainfall that, if anything, only enhanced the glow of this magical evening. It’s a sell out show and the side entrance is bustling. Attendants show guests the way and quickly you are met with dim red lights and a light fog that takes you to another time and place, bereft of the congestive cigarette smoke.
The music has already begun with the inaugural performance of The Robinson Grand’s House Band, The ‘39 Fire featuring Seth Maynard, Davin Seamon, Bob Workman, Terry Hotsinspiller and David Kirkpatrick. There are a few guests shimmering in flapper dresses and furs. A spread of soul food prepared by Gourmet Catering was enjoyed by all. Guests are welcomed onto the Grand Stage where there is a cabaret-like arrangement for guests to mingle and enjoy the food, drinks and music. The lighting, the sounds, and the mood are all perfect for the evening. For one night, you revel in not knowing exactly where you are.
Jason Young, Program Manager of The Robinson Grand, welcomes guests and introduces the ‘39 Fire who put on a fantastic first show as a band followed by West Virginia’s own First Lady of Soul, Lady D Andrew Caldwell.
An intoxicating cocktail of soul and delight pours into the room as the voice of Lady D fills the club air. The pairing of the artisanal deviled eggs and the angelic soul-filled melodies cannot be matched anywhere else in Clarksburg, WV. The entire evening is above and beyond any other night out experience the area could offer. Stay tuned to find out when the next opportunity to be taken back in time will occur.
