MUSIC TO FILL DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON WEDNESDAY EVENING

Two days before FestivALL Charleston turns our city into a work of art, this Wednesday evening will feature two free public concerts for people to enjoy downtown: the West Virginia Youth Symphony and the United States Air Force jazz ensemble, Rhythm in Blue.

Beginning at 6 p.m., the West Virginia Youth Symphony will perform on Capitol Street before the orchestra leaves for a three-city European concert tour. Under the leadership of Music Director Robert Turizziani and Ian Jessee, who conducts the WVYS Youth Strings, the group will be heading to Budapest, Charleston’s sister city of Banska Bysterica in Slovakia, and Prague. But first, Wednesday you can listen to their music and admire their talent outside of Ellen’s Ice Cream on Capitol Street. (http://www.wvyouthsymphony.org/)

As an added bonus downtown, the Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble, part of the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band, will perform at 7:30 Wednesday evening from the Schoenbaum Stage of Haddad Riverfront Park. The 13-member ensemble will be wrapping up a three-city West Virginia tour with this performance that also is free and open to the public. (http://www.heritageofamericaband.af.mil/)

For a three-for-free entertainment trifecta Wednesday evening, WQBE will host its Family Movie Night on Magic Island. The family fun starts at 6 p.m. with “The LEGO Batman Movie” starting at dusk on the big screen. (http://www.wqbe.com/2017-family-movie-night/)