Syria to host July Fourth fun

By Jane DeGeorge
Eagle Reporter
Published: June 19, 2008

This year’s Fourth of July celebration at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria will have residents tapping their toes and snapping their fingers.

The Michael Wayne Project – featuring Madison County native Dennis Weaver – will provide jazz music starting at 6 p.m. Friday, July 4 at the Sycamore Pavilion.

Weaver – who plays the soprano and tenor saxophones – will perform alongside fellow band members Dan Peterson on guitar, Claude Arthur on bass and Mike Hooke on drums.

“Last year was the first year we had music during Fourth of July,” said Graves Mountain Lodge’s Rachel Graves, whose family owns and operates the Syria resort. “We were very pleased with it, that’s why we’re offering it again.”

The Michael Wayne Project – which started as a military jazz combo in 1997 – initially performed at both military and civilian dinners, receptions and parties, according to the band’s Web site.

“We play jazz that has the energy and verve of modern jazz but is also appealing to the casual listener,” Weaver told The Eagle.

The saxophonist, who is the son of Joan and Hunter Weaver of Madison County, says he is excited to perform at Graves Mountain Lodge for the first time.
“Graves is known for its bluegrass and I believe bluegrass and jazz share a lot of the same improvisational qualities,” Weaver said. “Plus we will be playing America’s music on America’s birthday, which is pretty cool.”

Before graduating from Madison County High School in 1989, Weaver, played saxophone in the MCHS band. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in music from West Virginia University.

Weaver has performed as a saxophonist in the Quantico Marine Band and is currently the orchestra and jazz studies director at Colonial Forge High School in Stafford.

The Syria resort’s annual July 4 event – which attracts several thousands of people each year – will offer pony rides between 4-6 p.m. and food for sale – including hot dogs, barbecue, chicken wings and apple pie – in the picnic area from 4-7 p.m.

Reservations are required for dinner inside the lodge, which includes rainbow trout, served from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The booming fireworks display – which will start around 9 p.m. – is expected to last between one hour and one hour and 15 minutes, according to Graves Mountain Lodge Manager Tricia Graves.

Although admission is free to the event, the Madison County Volunteer Fire Company will accept donations for assisting attendees with parking.

For information about Graves Mountain Lodge Fourth of July celebration, call (540) 923-4231 or visit http://www.gravesmountain.com/july4th.htm.
For information about The Michael Wayne Project, visit http://www.michaelwayneproject.com/index.html.