Michael Franti & Spearhead brings sunny vibes to the Pavilion

By Thomas Crone arts@c-ville.com For Michael Franti and his band Spearhead, summers are about touring across America. Churning out smiley hits like “Say Hey (I Love You)” and “The Sound of Sunshine Going Down,” the singer, musician, and documentarian says he typically performs about 60 shows timed to coincide with outdoor amphitheater opportunities, mixed with […]

An ode to the hotel bar

By Matthew Stoss “What is it,” Luke Barr wonders, “about the hotel bar?” I’m wondering, too, and that’s why I’ve asked Barr, a pro, to vamp about the romance and allure of hotel bars. He’s a former editor at Travel + Leisure magazine and the author of 2018’s Ritz and Escoffier: The Hotelier, The Chef, […]

In brief

Countdown The Virginia Department of Elections has certified primary election results, calling the 5th District in favor of challenger John McGuire on July 2. Incumbent Rep. Bob Good is expected to call for a recount in the coming days, with the deadline to file fast approaching. While McGuire declared victory shortly after the June 18 […]

Mosh Bit

Charlottesville’s first music and gaming event in more than a decade, Mosh Bit features casual gaming tournaments and punk performances by NIJI SAGA, Steel Samurai, and 14£bs. Each band combines nostalgic video game melodies with energetic sets packed with a punch. Superbit, a new outpost of the popular gaming store from northern Virginia, and local […]

Jared Stout Band

Alternative country group Jared Stout Band creates tunes for the soul rooted in the heart of Appalachia. The band’s discography journeys through the countryside of sound and promises to provide an evening of comforting bluesy folk. Stout’s thoughtful and original songwriting has solidified the group as one to watch, earning a runner-up accolade for the […]

July 4th at Monticello

As our country celebrates its collective independence, Charlottesville has the additional honor of welcoming new citizens into the nation at July 4th at Monticello. The historic home’s West Portico transforms into an open-air Naturalization Ceremony where the Oath of Citizenship to become an American is issued to dozens of deserving individuals. This year’s keynote address […]

July 4th events in Charlottesville

Independence CelebrationJam to live music by Lord Nelson with opener Cake Fight. There will be an open grill serving up burgers, hotdogs, and snacks as well as food trucks. Fireworks at dusk. Boar’s Head Resort, 200 Ednam Dr. boarsheadresort.com Red, White, and Blue in GreeneA big Independence Day celebration in the small town of Stanardsville. […]

New ice cream shop has the scoop on exciting flavors

By Ella Powell arts@c-ville.com Emily Harpster launched SugarBear, an artisanal ice cream brand that prizes local ingredients and collaboration, in 2022, hoping to honor “food, small business, and community.” She takes a lot of pride in making each pint from scratch, but where does she find inspiration?  For Harpster, it’s simple: Most of her flavors […]

July exhibitions

The Barn Swallow Artisan Gallery 796 Gillums Ridge Rd. “Listening to Artifacts,” new works in sculpture and collage by Kim Boggs. Through July 7. First Fridays reception at 5:30pm.  Chroma Projects Inside Vault Virginia, Third St. SE. “Bellair: Making Visible the Invisible,” plein air landscape paintings of a local farm over the course of a […]

In brief

New additions Gov. Glenn Youngkin appointed five new members to the University of Virginia Board of Visitors on June 28. With this slate of selections, 13 members of the BOV are now Youngkin appointees and hold a majority of the board. The BOV comprises 17 voting members and is responsible for approval of policies, the […]