The Roanoke Rambler

A likely lone Republican and four Democrats entered the Roanoke City Council race in recent days, deepening the candidate pool and setting up a contested Democratic primary.

Amanda Marko, a small business owner and chairwoman of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, filed to run as a Republican.

Council incumbent Vivian Sanchez-Jones and Danny Clawson, director of the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition, filed as Democrats. Banker Harvey Brookins and Raekwon Moore, who works in the mental health field, said this week they plan to be part of the Democratic slate by filing paperwork by Thursday’s deadline for party candidates.

Learn more about the newest candidates: https://www.roanokerambler.com/roanoke-council-race-ramps-up-with-five-more-candidates/

Valley Metro bus drivers briefly interrupted service this month by refusing to work overtime, a tactic to apply pressure during ongoing contract talks.

In addition, Roanoke’s city manager this week proposed raising the fare — from $1.75 to $2 per ride — to help pay for higher labor costs. The last increase was eight years ago.

Read the full story to learn more: https://www.roanokerambler.com/brief-valley-metro-stoppage-signals-key-bargaining-stage-as-fare-increase-proposed/

Friday, March 20
8 p.m. — Live music: Runaway Gin — Phish Tribute at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW., Roanoke).
8 to 11 p.m. — Live music: Abbey & Andy at Pok-E-Joe’s (105 E. Washington Ave. Vinton).
10 p.m. — Live music: The Dundies at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (413 1st St., Roanoke).

Saturday, March 21
1 to 5 p.m. — EmpowerHER Resource Fair at Melrose Plaza (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). Featuring women-owned businesses, vendors focused on services for women, and live musical entertainment.
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Soul Serenity at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture (2502 Melrose Ave. NW, Roanoke). A restorative poetry and wellness gathering celebrating creativity, clarity, and communal renewal.
9 p.m. — Starr After Dark: THERAPY Alternative/Wave Night at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage (6 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke).

Sunday, March 22
4:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Live music: The Floorboards at Parkway Brewing Company (739 Kessler Mill Rd., Salem).
6 p.m. — Live music: A Taste of Ireland at the Harvester Performance Center (450 Franklin St., Rocky Mount).
7:30 p.m. — Live music: Marc Ribot at the Jefferson Center’s Fostek Performance Hall (541 Luck Ave., Roanoke).

Find even more events in our full calendar: https://www.roanokerambler.com/happenings-the-only-roanoke-events-calendar-youll-ever-need-week-of-3-18-26-to-3-25-26/