The 2026 Folk Marathon at WTJU through 2/9

The 2026 WTJU Folk Marathon continues this week with ’round-the-clock Americana and international sounds celebrating the genre. Set your dial—or online stream—to 91.1 FM for shows airing out old-time, honky-tonk, global sounds, roots music, and more, including artist-centric sets that cover the oeuvres of Brandi Carlile, John Prine, and others. The marathon also features eight […]

Havivra at Ruth Caplin Theatre 2/5 &2/6

Tracing the evolution of musical expression through the life of a natural disaster survivor, Alexandra Déglise’s Havivra employs history and sound to explore culture. The jazz cabaret is based on the childhood and youth of Havivra Da Ifrile, one of two survivors of the 1902 Mount Pelée eruption on the Caribbean Island of Martinique. The […]

February exhibitions

City Clay 700 Harris St., Suite 104. “A Bad Case of Stripes,” wheel-thrown ceramics by Maddy Watkins. February 6–March 1. First Fridays opening reception February 6, 4–6p.  Crozet Artisan Depot 5791 Three Notch’d Rd., Crozet. “Craft Lights,” one-of-a-kind lamps made from salvaged industrial and domestic objects by Bill Craft. “The Beloved,” geometric minimalist sculpture, wall […]

Phil Hanley at The Jefferson on 1/31

A favorite on the late-night TV circuit, comedian, actor, and writer Phil Hanley began his stand-up career performing at open mics around Vancouver. The Oshawa, Ontario, native has become a staple of the New York City comedy scene, uniquely blending material and crowd interaction in unpredictable, reflective sets dispatched with sharp observation. He’s delivered his […]

Drum Tao at The Paramount on 1/29

In an awe-inspiring performance full of fire, athleticism, and pageantry, renowned Japanese group Drum Tao brings The Best to town. Blending traditional Wadaiko drums with modern energy and theatrical flair, the show features vibrant costumes, dramatic synchronization, and choreographed movement accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments, including flutes and harps, alongside the massive drums. $41.25–68.50, 7pm. […]

Susto Stringband at The Southern on 1/29

A compelling blend of rock, folk, and psychedelia with vivid storytelling floods the stage when Susto Stringband brings its 2026 winter tour to town. From an early age in the rural community of Puddin’ Swamp, South Carolina, frontman Justin Osborne was inspired by gospel, bluegrass, and folk. In addition to leading the stringband, Osborne has […]

Skatin’ like it’s 1986

Picture it: 1980s upstate New York, a roller rink awash in the purple-blue glow of blacklights, my ocean-wave of bangs—hairsprayed as though my life depended on their height—to protect my head if I fell as we skated to hair metal, synth pop, and Madonna—oh, the Madonna! After hours of skating alone in my basement, the […]

Willa Barnhardt in the HotSeat

The staff and volunteer physicians at the Charlottesville Free Clinic helped more than 3,000 patients in 2025—more than 1,600 of them new to the clinic—obtain medical and dental care. Roughly 40 percent of those patients earned less than the federal poverty line of $15,650 for individuals or $32,150 for a family of four. More than […]

Josh Ritter at The Jefferson Theater on 1/27

Renowned singer-songwriter, musician, artist, and bestselling author Josh Ritter brings The Book of Gold Thrown Open tour to town, showcasing more than 20 years and 12 albums of Americana sounds. One of the most thoughtful and prolific voices in American roots music today, Ritter’s empathy, indignation, and penchant for storytelling shine through in songs that […]