NEW! - Click here for the Feedback Forum NEW! - Click here for Prism News                                                         The PRISM is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization devoted to the promotion and better appreciation of the world's musical heritage through the thoughtful, informed presentation of listening-room concerts. We feel that the unique and often ancient musical traditions of all cultures are a common ground which can provide a means for greater intercultural understanding, compassion and peace; and the consummate masters of these traditions as ambassadors who transcend the divides between people and bring them together, while passing along, and keeping alive, the knowledge of past generations. Formerly of 214 Rugby Rd. in Charlottesville, the Prism was founded by a group of students at the University of Virginia in 1966. In 2006, after celebrating a stellar 40th anniversary season marked by appearances from Doc Watson, Pinetop Perkins, Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Lunasa, Kevin Burke, Corey Harris and many others, the Prism moved its operation to the beautiful mountains of Patrick County, Virginia. On Saturday, May 5, the Prism will partner with the Reynolds Homestead Continuing Education Center in Critz to present our good friend and Compass Records recording artist, PADDY KEENAN, Ireland's legendary King of the Pipers (see Upcoming Concerts). Patrick County, which lies at the easternmost point of the Crooked Road Traditional Music Heritage Trail, has long been noted for its fine musicians, and brings the Prism much closer to the roots of the music we represent. The Prism plans to continue its long-time educational mission of presenting concerts and workshops by the leading musicians in the world of traditional music, focusing on the trans-Atlantic migration of ancient folkloric traditions from Europe and Africa which came together in the New World, especially the southeastern United States, to create novel idioms that include minstrelsy, bluegrass, blues, and old time, which in turn have influenced such contemporary forms as country, jazz, rap and rock. We will also continue to celebrate master artists who have helped define, shape and influence the traditions they represent, or have worked to further the appreciation and well-being of their music above and beyond the pursuit of their individual performing careers. The Reynolds Homestead is located in Critz, VA (rhymes with "lights," not "grits!") and is the birthplace and childhood home of tobacco manufacturer Richard Joshua Reynolds. Built in 1843, the two-story brick home has been restored to its ca. 1855 state and includes many of the original family furnishings. The grounds include several outbuildings, a brick 3-floor kitchen and milk house, a log icehouse, a granary, and two graveyards in the midst of 717 acres of fields, ponds and woodlands, all surrounded by scenic mountain views. As a registered state and national landmark, it is open for tours April through October and other times by appointment. You can visit the Homestead online at: http://www.reynoldshomestead.vt.edu/ There is also a modern learning center with a spacious performance space/art gallery that can accommodate upwards of 200 people. There is plenty of parking, the facility is fully handicap-accessible, and best of all, it is peaceful and quiet (with no buses, motorcycles or frat parties roaring by during the music!). The acoustics are superb, and the space is equipped with a full-size grand piano. In addition to the Prism's concert presentation of Paddy Keenan, Saturday, May 5 will also be the date of the Reynolds Homestead's annual Spring Frolic, a day-long festival of regional arts, crafts, demonstrations, music and other activities from 10 am - 3 pm (there is no admission charge). More details about the Spring Frolic and our concert with Paddy Keenan on May 5 to follow, so stay tuned!    Ticket information, reservations and inquiries: tickets@theprism.org General e-mails to: info@theprism.org Booking inquiries to: booking@theprism.org