Loose Leaf Notes

~ The following first appeared in The Floyd Press on May 30, 2013.

By Monday, May 20^th, word had spread near and far that longtime Floyd resident Rio Semione had passed away suddenly in her Weddle Street home on Saturday evening. Friends began bringing flowers, creating a memorial tribute on her front porch.  Many had seen her the night before at the downtown Jamboree scene and reported that she was happy and had plans to go dancing at the Pine Tavern Saturday night.

An outpouring of postings on Semione’s Facebook page from New York to Key West, Texas, Ecuador and places in between began on Monday and included song links, shared memories, letters and dreams from friends from various walks of life.  Some reposted Semione’s outstanding photography, including photos of her pumpkin carvings, some of which were featured in a Roanoke Times soundslide in 2006  HERE.

“We Love You Rio,” the marquee at the Sun Music Hall/Dogtown Roadhouse announced.  At one time, Semione was an events planner for the Sun Music Hall, located in the Winter Sun building and owned by her longtime friend Anga Miller.  Semione also booked and promoted an Open Mic at The Pine Tavern during the 90’s. She currently worked part-time for her friends at Bell Gallery & Garden and provided part-time hourly support for an individual with a disability.

Tad Dickens, who covers music for the Roanoke Times, remembered Semione on his blog on Monday, saying that her abrupt passing felt surreal.  “She had a lot of spirit and a legitimate point of view on music and culture,” said Dickens, who knew Semione as the longtime artist relations representative at Floydfest. 

Born Carole Marie Semione in Gloversville, New York, Semione had just celebrated her 60th birthday on April 7th.  She loved Floyd and lived in the county for more than three decades.  In 2009 she was interviewed for The Floyd Press about her contributions to The Floyd Compass, a visitor’s guide that is no longer in publication.  Semione – who did the cover art for the premiere issue, wrote Compass stories, created the centerfold map of Floyd and Fun Facts about the town – said then, “I love the idea of sharing what’s special about Floyd with the world.”

Semione lived in Greenville, North Carolina, before coming to Floyd.  She also lived briefly in Chapel Hill.   A mother and grandmother, she is survived by her daughter Emily Harris of Willis, her granddaughter Ashley Carlson, her father Joseph Semione of Gloversville, New York, and her mother, listed by Semione in a Facebook photo as Dorothy Marie Dugas Semione, of Wisconsin. 

About 20 close friends and family members gathered at Semione’s home on Sunday to share memories, give support to each other and begin to sort through Semione’s personal belongings and her legacy of art.  There were old photo albums to reminisce through, a collection of Semione’s hats, and some of her handcrafted calendars that she produced through the 90’s. Filled with her art, local poetry, folk traditions, moon phases, astrology, garden tips and more, the calendars brought many of her interests together.  

“She had a strong sense of the sacred,” said Toni Lamberti, who recalled that Semione helped lead a memorial ceremony the day before her birthday for Lamberti’s partner and Semione’s longtime friend, Pat Fenn, who passed away in February, 2013.

Floydfest founder Kris Hodges spoke about how he and Semione were schooled in music and art together by A’Court Bason (who was in attendance) at Travianna Farm, where Semione lived for many years.  He spoke of her rock solid wisdom and how she carried an important Floydfest thread that has been with him since the start of the festival, twelve years ago.   

“Johnny Clegg was her favorite musician,” remembered Paula Bason, adding that, “she loved angels and eagles,” both of which were often represented in her art.   

Several friends spoke of Semione’s reverence for the moon, her fun-loving humor and gypsy nature, as well as her musical talents.   Some remembered her talent for singing.  Melody Cochran recalled that Semione recently performed percussion with A’Court Bason on Windfall’s newest CD, Floyd Time. 

“Rio really loved everybody. Everybody loved Rio,” summed up Triona Bason. Bason fondly recalled how much she and Semione laughed whenever they spent time together. 

Note:  A Life Celebration for Rio Semione will take place at the Dogtown Roadhouse on June 23rd (a full moon), beginning at 3:00 p.m.   There will be a potluck meal, live music and an altar for photos and flowers, which friends are encouraged to pick and bring. 

Photos:  1. Rio Semione with her dog Lila (who preceded her in death), posted by Semione on Facebook in 2011. 2. A memorial gathering of family and friends at Semione’s home.  3. Semione’s daughter Emily Harris (right) and granddaughter Ashley Carlson attended the Sunday gathering.  4. A 1994 calendar that Semione handmade and produced. Her artwork is featured on the cover.  5. An example of Semione’s carved pumpkin art. 6. This photo of Semione and her friend Anga Miller, taken in 1977 on there way to California by hitchhike, is representative of Semione’s gyspy spirit.  It was posted by her on Facebook in a retrospective album.