Arrive early and enjoy our Pre-Fest Concert

BILL DANOFF with The Carpenter Ants:In response to your many requests, two-time Grammy winner Bill Danoff returns to Avalon to perform a full concert for those of you who are on site a day before the festival begins. Bill has been singing and writing songs since the late 1960s, when he performed and co-wrote songs with John Denver. When Bill and his then partner, Taffy Nivert, invited Denver to help them finish writing a song, little did anyone know that the song would soar to the top of the charts. "Take Me Home Country Roads" catapulted John Denver into national prominence. Another Danoff-Nivert song, "I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado" was recorded by Denver and it became the theme song of Colorado. And with Emmylou Harris, he wrote her hit, "Boulder to Birmingham." In the 1970s, Bill was the driving force behind the Starland Vocal Band. "Afternoon Delight" (five Grammy nominations, two awards, and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) assured Bill's place in the national music scene. More recently, Bill has been performing solo and he is still writing hit songs like "Late Nite Radio" and "Friends with You," both of which became national top-ten hits. Mary Chapin Carpenter is among those "new" artists whose careers he has helped launch. www.BillDanoff.com

WV's premier rhythm & blues group,THE CARPENTER ANTS, will join Bill on stage. The group's trademark sound -- rich, soulful harmonies, stinging solos, and a rock-solid rythm section -- captures that rare, loose-but-tight feel, and has won the band international as well as regional fans. http://www.carpenterants.wvmusichalloffame.com www.carpenterants.wvmusichalloffame.com

Friday Night Dance - No Drama Group

CAJUN DANCE WORKSHOP: Friday, 4:15-5:15 in the Field House

Have two left feet? Rhythmically challenged? Plagued by paralyzing shyness? Not to worry, everyone is welcome! Join Freddie Ciampi of Social Graces dance studio for an hour of basic Cajun dance instruction. You'll be ready to dance under the stars to Creole Stomp, Avalonfest's Friday night headline band. www.berryvilleballroom.com

SONGWRITING WORKSHOP: Saturday, 9:30-11:00am at the Fire Circle

Anne Hills creates lyrics that paint vibrant mental pictures and floats them on melodies that captivate the ear and are a joy to sing. Join Anne for a Saturday morning exploration of songwriting technique. This workshop will move indoors to the Condo 3 meeting room in case of inclement weather. www.AnneHills.com

DRAWING WORKSHOP: Saturday, 12:30-2:00pm in the Condo Meeting Room

Jennie Avila, art instructor at Hagerstown Community College and member of Hot Soup presents her workshop "Face to Face - Portraits in the Round." No prior artistic training is necessary. A short introduction with warm-up exercises leads to a collaborative afternoon of modeling and drawing. Each participant gets a portrait of themself to take home. LIMIT 20 participants; $2.00 material fee in cash, payable to the instructor at the time of the workshop. www.JennieAvila.com

Saturday Night Dance - Chinese Bandits

The 2010 Songwriting Contest Finalists