THE DIGEST: Did someone say fireworks? Also, jazz and bluegrass are back in the park

Did someone say 'fireworks'?

While certain fireworks are legal in Virginia, the State Fire Marshal’s Office advised residents last week to "leave fireworks to the professionals," according to a press release.

So what's an illegal firework? "In general, any firework that explodes, moves on the ground or in the air, or shoots a projectile is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia," according to the press release.

Okay. And further, the Fire Marshall's office reminds you that "Many localities prohibit the sale, possession or use of all fireworks." Here's Staunton's fireworks code:

8.35.010 Fireworks. It shall be unlawful for any person to set off, release or discharge within the city any torpedo, firecracker, skyrocket, or other substance or object, of whatever form or construction, that contains any explosive or inflammable compound or substance, and is intended or commonly known as fireworks and which explodes, rises into the air or travels laterally, or fires projectiles into the air; and no person shall within the city sell any such articles without a permit. (Ord. 2015-17).

And part of Waynesboro's code, if you want to get out your handy Flame Radius Measurement Tool:

Sec. 34-74. - Exception for certain permissible fireworks. The prohibition in section 34-60 shall not apply to fountains that do not emit sparks or other burning effects to a distance greater than five meters (16.4 feet); wheels that do not emit a flame radius greater than one meter (39 inches); crackling devices and flashers or strobes that do not emit sparks or other burning effects to a distance greater than two meters (78.74 inches); and sparkling devices or other fireworks devices that: (i) do not explode or produce a report; (ii) do not travel horizontally or vertically under their own power; (iii) do not emit or function as a projectile; (iv) do not produce a continuous flame longer than 20 inches; (v) are not capable of being reloaded; and (vi) if designed to be ignited by a fuse, have a fuse that is protected to resist side ignition and a burning time of not less than four seconds and not more than eight seconds when used or exploded on private property with the consent of the owner of such property; nor shall the provisions of this article apply to the use of fireworks by any railroad company for signal purposes or illumination; nor shall the provisions of this article apply to the sale or use of blank cartridges for a show or theater or for signal or ceremonial purposes in athletics or sports or for use by military organizations.

Augusta County has ordinances regarding a fireworks permit, referencing Virginia Code 15.2-974, but none specific to legal fireworks in the county.

There is a state list of "permissible fireworks" you can check out here. But:

“The safest way to celebrate the holiday with fireworks," according to Bill Hux, the State Fire Marshall, "is to attend a professional show.

"Improperly handling fireworks can result in catastrophic outcomes including fires and severe injuries.”

Only “permissible fireworks,” as defined in the Code of Virginia, can be legally sold, possessed or used within the Commonwealth. A list of permissible fireworks can be viewed on the VDFP website.

If, after all that, you still plan on setting off fireworks, the Fire Marshall recommends you follow these safety guidelines:

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap. Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.

• Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away from the fireworks device.

• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water before discarding.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.

• Consider safe alternatives to fireworks such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string, or glow sticks.

So where will the professional fireworks shows be?

Staunton's fireworks display is the night of July 4 in Gypsy Hill Park. Waynesboro holds to its tradition of fashionably late fireworks Sunset Spectacular this year on July 8th. Fireworks will be set off from the top of Sunset Park and the city says, "This should provide for a spectacular view from just about anywhere in Waynesboro."

Jazz in the Park

STAUNTON — Jazz in the Park concert series kicks off their 35th season on Thursday, July 6 with a lineup of bands performing throughout the summer.

Presented by S.P.L.A.A.A.T. Productions and the Rotary Club of Staunton/Augusta County, professional jazz bands in varied genres perform every Thursday in July and August from 7-9 p.m. at Staunton’s Gypsy Hill Park bandstand.

The concerts are free and open to the public, held rain or shine. Family friendly, pet friendly. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended. Concessions available. For more information, call 540-280-4321.

Entertainment schedule

• July 6 — Sentimental Journey Big Band

• July 13 — Robert Jospe Quartet

• July 20 — Bob Russell Quartet

• July 27 — Kurt Crandall & True Story

• Aug. 3 — Zu Zu's Hot Five

• Aug. 10 — Jazz Infuzion

• Aug. 17 — Joseph Henson 4Tet

• Aug. 24 — Jstop

• Aug. 31 — Butterbean Jazz - Burt Bacharach Tribute

Bluegrass in the Park

STAUNTON — Wednesday Night Bluegrass is a free concert series hosted by Staunton Parks and Recreation and features local and regional bluegrass talent.

Performances begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park bandstand. Concerts are held rain or shine. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended. Concessions available.

Entertainment schedule

• July 5 — 7 p.m. Blue Ridge Thunder; 8 p.m. Rebecca Frazier Band

• July 12 — 7 p.m. Caleb Bailey and Paine's Run; 8 p.m. Kevin Prater Band

• July 19 — 7 p.m. Page County Ramblers; 8 p.m. Mark Templeton Band

• July 26 — 7 p.m. Blue Ridge Thunder; 8 p.m. Charlie Frazier and Virginia Ramblers

• Aug. 2 — 7 p.m. Last Minute Band; 8 p.m. Little Roy and Lizzy Show

• Aug. 9 — 7 p.m. Ricky Strickler Band; 8 p.m. Kevin Prater Band

• Aug. 16 — 7 p.m. Southern Rail Express; 8 p.m. Jr. Sisk

• Aug. 23 — 7 p.m. West Wind Bluegrass Band; 8 p.m. Kody Norris Show

One-man show presents story of bluegrass singer Carter Stanley

WAYNESBORO — The one-man show "A Life of Sorrow, the Life and Times of Carter Stanley" will be presented at the Waynesboro Public Library Saturday, July 8 at 11 am. This free show is a mix of storytelling and music to celebrate Appalachian Mountains.

Carter Stanley was an expressive singer and songwriter, the front man for the legendary Stanley Brothers duo. Raised in the coalfields of Appalachia during the Great Depression, he found his calling in what would eventually be called bluegrass music. "A Life of Sorrow" is the story of one man's musical journey from the Clinch Mountains of Virginia, around the world, and back home again.

The play was created by Roanoke-based actor Gary Reid. A bluegrass enthusiast and historian for over 45 years, he is regarded as the foremost authority on the music of the Stanley Brothers. In 2009, Reid conceived the idea of putting together a one-man show about Carter Stanley. To that end, he took two semesters of acting at Virginia Western Community College and has since appeared in more than 70 productions and events at regional community theatres as an actor, producer, and stage manager and has appeared in several short films and commercials.

Launched on Sept. 10, 2014, "A Life of Sorrow" has enjoyed over 100 performances at theaters, festivals, libraries, and museums in 17 different states as well as three Canadian provinces. In addition to his theatrical endeavors, Reid is also a published author. After many years of research, his book "The Music of the Stanley Brothers" is now available. It traces Carter and Ralph Stanley’s prolific 20-year recording history.

Call (540) 942-6746 or visit waynesboro.librarycalendar.com/event/performance-gary-reid-life-sorrow for more information.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: THE DIGEST: Did someone say fireworks? Jazz and bluegrass are back too