Good morning, Roanoke.

Downtown Roanoke bars and breweries see a big boost from the St. Patrick’s Day parade and street party—sales and capacity are much higher than on a normal Saturday; local forecasts point to a strong summer for these venues.

Local business recognitions and promotions have been announced for the week of March 15, highlighting top performers plus fresh leadership in our growing business community.

Roanoke College will open the Kim Kyusik Center to honor its Korean ties that began when early students studied there in the late 19th century.

The center will offer a space for cultural exchange and educational events.

Virginia Tech researchers showed promising lab results for a novel opioid vaccine that blocks addictive effects by using biodegradable nanoparticles—mouse trials produced a strong immune response against oxycodone and fentanyl.

VHSL basketball state championships took place Saturday across several classes.

Manor High girls clinched a 43-40 win over Salem at the Siegel Center while Abingdon, John Handley, and Petersburg earned titles with strong performances - marking historic wins in VHSL basketball.

The Salem Spartans lost 43-40 to the Manor Mustangs in a state championship game marked by six ties and nine fourth-quarter lead changes, ending a season during which they built a 27-1 record with a 20-game win streak and collected two regional titles.

Filter Concert

6:30-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets $44-$74 — Experience a night of rock with Filter, Finger Eleven, and Local H on tour together.

Blippi: Be Like Blippi Tour

6-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Tickets from $27 — Experience an interactive live show with Blippi filled with music, laughter, and curiosity-igniting adventures.

Runaway Gin - A Tribute to Phish

8-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable night with the world’s most notable Phish tribute band.

A Taste of Ireland

8:00 PM – 11:59 PM — Harvester Performance Center — Ticketed event — Experience the vibrant spirit of Ireland through music, dance, and heartfelt storytelling.

Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage Live

7:30-10 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Ticket prices vary — Experience the mind-spinning indie rock and folk artistry of Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage.

MDA Cruise In Car Show

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — Free admission — Celebrate 45 years of automotive passion at this final community car show.

Disco Diner: A Tribute to Widespread Panic

8-11 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Check event page for costs — Experience a high-energy tribute to Widespread Panic featuring talented local musicians.

Chirp at The Spot on Kirk

7-10:30 p.m. — The Spot on Kirk — Check website for details — Experience a night of progressive rock and funk with Ann Arbor's own Chirp.

Squeaky Feet Jam Band Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Ticket prices vary — Experience the full-flavor sonic marinade of a modern jam band from Denver.

That's So 70's Live Concert

7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. — Mill Mountain Theatre — Group discounts available — A high-energy celebration of 1970s music featuring the best disco hits, classic rock anthems, and funk grooves.