Pipestem introduces season pass to outdoor performances

Fans of Pipestem Resort State Park and outdoor entertainment may wish to invest in a season-long amphitheater pass being provided for the first time. Sixteen varied engagements are scheduled on the stage in the Summers County highlands from May 24 until August 23, and officials expect the package to appeal to frequent guests, according to Kim Hawkins, activities coordinator for the park.

"We expect this will appeal to guests who visit from Princeton, Beckley, and even Charleston," Hawkins said, nodding to the many guests who return to the park frequently.

The pass is available at $54 per holder, and a holder may bring a friend, child, or spouse free, Hawkins said. Passes may be purchased at the park office or at 113-room McKeever Lodge or by email at pipestemsp@wv.gov, in which case correspondence should be titled "Summer Amp," she said. Passes for individual shows, available the day of the performance, remain at $6 for adults and $4 for youth -- with the exception of free shows and the season finale featuring Rick K and the Allnighters.

Free admission shows include the East River Mountain Town Band concert on May 26, The Woodsman and E. Gale Buck on June 20, storyteller Bil Lepp on August 2, and the Geology Rocks! program with Ken Ashton on August 7. Additional shows may be added as the summer season advances. All shows begin at 8 p.m.

Pipestem Summer Amphitheater Schedule
Asterisks indicate free shows

• May 24 -- East River Mountain Town Band*
• May 31 -- The Grass Stains
• June 7 -- Summers County K.I.D.S
• June 14 -- Maurice Ulmer
• June 20 -- The Woodsman—E. Gale Buck*
• June 21 -- Valley Blue Grass
• June 28 -- Hans Creek String Band
• July 5 -- Acoustic Crossroads
• July 12 -- Little Sparrow
• July 19 -- Flashback
• July 26 -- Zephyr Lightning Bolts
• Aug. 2 -- Bil Lepp*
• Aug. 7 -- Geology Rocks*
• Aug. 9 -- Sugar Run Band
• Aug. 16 -- Anthony Mossburg
• Aug. 23 -- Rick K & The Allnighters