As a long-time Middleburg resident recently said, "You can't swing a cat around here without hitting some kind of writer, painter, poet, actor, singer, musician or other stripe of artist." One can only guess what the cat thinks about this, but it does seem our community has a healthy helping of artistic talent.

Over the years, Middleburg's Emmanuel Episcopal Church has become well known for presenting outstanding artists. They are now launching an exciting regular series to further celebrate our local talent and a wide variety of art forms for all ages. On the occasions when talent is "imported," the artists will usually be family or friends of Middleburg and Upperville residents.

The series is called "At The Parish House" with monthly offerings of drama, comedy, music, songs, storytelling, poetry, dance, etc. The series kicks off March 31st with "The Nicolo Whimsey Show," a Renaissance-themed afternoon of juggling, storytelling, and laughter for all ages. In May, piano virtuoso Sophia Sabbaya Vastek performs. Lori and Kevin Daly will present their powerful reading of "Love Letters" in June. Dixieland jazz comes a bit later, and the Washington Gay Men's Chorus returns to wow Middleburg in September. October pumps us for Halloween with "Scary Songs & Stories," a famous photographer follows, and in December "one-man-show" actor Stephen Mead will again enthrall Middleburg with famous Christmas stories.

Events will usually occur on Sunday afternoons, with postings under "Events" on Emmanuel's website (emmanuelmiddleburg.org) and Facebook page (Emmanuel Episcopal Church Middleburg). So beware, talent scouts are now on the prowl! Start tuning up your best shaggy dog story (you know, the one your family despises) or that show tune you're always belting in the shower. For more information, call John Denegre at 540-729-2283.