Good morning, Meigs County. Mark your calendars for August 1-2, 2025, when the Big Bend Blues Bash celebrates its silver anniversary along the Ohio River. This milestone 25th year brings national talent like Texas soul powerhouse Jackie Venson to our own Riverside Amphitheater, proving that world-class entertainment has found a permanent home in our corner of Appalachia.
The rhythm of community flows through more than just our music scene. From Athens County's groundbreaking environmental initiatives to the packed calendar of spring activities buzzing throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley, there's no shortage of ways to connect. Meanwhile, Ohio University's Giving Day reminds us that investing in education ripples forward for generations. Whether you're catching blues by the river or supporting a scholarship fund, our region's cultural heartbeat keeps getting stronger.
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☕️ What's Brewing Locally 🎸 Pomeroy's silver jubilee of blues: 25 years of riverside rhythms. The Big Bend Blues Bash returns to the Ohio River's scenic banks for its milestone 25th anniversary on August 1-2, 2025, bringing national and regional acts to downtown Pomeroy's Riverside Amphitheater. Headliners include St. Louis-based classic rock revivalists The Band Feel closing night one and acclaimed Texas R&B/soul powerhouse Jackie Venson wrapping up night two after her breakthrough success on Pollstar's Top Livestreamers list and appearance on Austin City Limits. The volunteer-run Pomeroy Blues & Jazz Society uses proceeds to fund free summer concerts through their Rhythm on the River series, continuing their mission to bring otherwise unavailable live arts to the region. 🌱 Athens County leads environmental efforts despite toxic industrial legacy. While the region grapples with serious pollution issues like the Truetown Discharge that dumps millions of pounds of iron oxide yearly, Athens established Ohio's first curbside recycling program and passed a carbon tax. The Athens Conservancy protects over 3,200 acres of land, including 17 nature preserves, though water quality remains a concern with over 50% of the Hocking River unsafe for recreation. Local agencies are adapting to climate change through mosquito control programs and workshops teaching farmers sustainable practices like using cover crops to improve water retention. 🎭 Mid-Ohio Valley buzzes with spring activities for all ages. From Thursday through Sunday, the region offers a packed schedule of entertainment options, including art camps, museum exhibits, and special events. Discovery World hosts Izzy's Spring Break Adventure Camp, while The Watering Can Art Studio welcomes young artists. Food enthusiasts can enjoy cooking classes celebrating National Burrito Day or learn to make Chicken Cordon Bleu. Weekend highlights include the 16th Annual New Era Kite Fest, a Pink Floyd tribute concert, and multiple cruises aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler. 🎓 Ohio University rallies for campus-wide Giving Day 2025. The university's sixth annual fundraising event invites the entire OU community to support initiatives that matter most to them. At the Eastern campus in Belmont County, five key funds are highlighted, including scholarships, leadership programs, and experiential learning opportunities. One notable fund, the Patrick Wesley Murphy Memorial Scholarship, supports social work students while honoring a 2-year-old who passed away in 2017. Every contribution helps ensure "OHIO's next era is the best one yet," with donations accepted at giving.ohio.edu.
 Riverside opportunity needs elevated build: Priced at $48,000, this 0.83-acre corner lot near the Ohio River offers an opportunity to build your dream home with available utilities, though construction needs flood plain elevation considerations. Cheap disaster needs heroic renovation: For a trifling $19,900, this one-bedroom Pomeroy "adventure" offers 1,000 square feet of "distressed potential" for the brave DIYer willing to transform what's charitably described as a fixer-upper back into an actual home. Spacious countryside fixer upper: Priced at $114,995, this 2,088-square-foot home offers 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and nearly 2 acres of land in a quiet yet convenient location, built in 1997 and sold as-is.🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla🎸 Apr. 4 - Work Party Band Blast: Headbang into spring at Work Party 2025! Skatopia/CIA in Rutland hosts a rock-packed lineup featuring Seventh Crown, Beware The Poster Kids, and more high-energy bands on April 4. 🐰 Apr. 4 - Adult Easter Egg Hunt: Hunt for treasure after dark at The Blakeslee Center's 2nd Annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt! Bring your basket on April 4th for a chance at $1500 in prizes. Doors open at 7pm, appetizers available. 🌱 Apr. 5 - Agroforestry Funding Workshop: Dig into sustainable land management at the Agroforestry Workshop on April 5! Local experts reveal free technical assistance and funding opportunities for your property restoration projects at 37870 Chase Run Rd, Albany. 🧑🚒 Apr. 5 - Fire Fighter Bingo: Try your luck at Fire Fighter Bingo at Rutland Civic Center on April 5! Join the Rutland Fire Department for a fun-filled evening of games and community spirit at 337 Main Street. 🎸 Apr. 6 - The Chris O'Leary Band: Groove to the soulful rhythms of The Chris O'Leary Band at Court Grill on April 6! Head to 112 Court St in Pomeroy for an evening of live music that'll have you tapping your feet.
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Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:16
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