ARTS Pick: The Country Christmas Show

Gather around the Christmas tree (or plastic Santa Claus) with some of Charlottesville’s favorite singer-songwriters during The Country Christmas Show, hosted by songstress Sarah White. Decked out in party dresses as The (All New) Acorn Sisters, White and Siân Richards perform a set of down-home tunes, with appearances by Luke Wilson, Carleigh Nesbit, Jim Waive […]

ARTS Pick: Indecision

More than 30 years after making its debut at the Mineshaft Cellar, Charlottesville musical mainstay Indecision is still fostering a happening scene with its accomplished, jazzy jams. Covers and originals honed through extensive touring with heavyweights such as Phish, The Neville Brothers, Widespread Panic and Dave Matthews Band are the foundation for this rare musical […]

ARTS Pick: Saturday Night Lights Christmas Eve Bash

If roasting chestnuts on an open fire, listening to carols and waiting for ol’ St. Nick to arrive is not your thing, then the Saturday Night Lights Christmas Eve Bash may be the bright spot you’re looking for. Hip-hop, trap and club cuts by DJ Double-U keep things moving into the early Christmas hours and […]

In brief: Dog lives matter, steakhouse speculation and more

Totally cleared Robert Davis, 32, spent 13 years in prison for a Crozet double slaying after making what experts call a textbook false confession. He was released a year ago on a conditional pardon and on December 16, the governor granted an absolute pardon, a rarity in Virginia. Read more. Rumor of the week Is […]

ARTS Pick: Wes Iseli

Not only has Wes Iseli been perfecting his magic act since the age of 7, he’s built an entertainment business that employs magicians, jugglers and clowns. Fast-paced and filled with surprises, Iseli and his crew unveil Vegas-style modern illusions but keep tradition with a couple of rabbit and dove tricks, too. He also performs an […]

ARTS Pick: Christmas at the Paramount

Anyone who doubts the power of community or the magic of the holiday season need only listen as 75 voices swoop and soar during The Oratorio Society of Virginia’s performance of the Christmas portion (Part 1) and “Hallelujah Chorus” of Handel’s Messiah. Led by conductor Michael Slon and accompanied by a chamber orchestra and four […]

ARTS Pick: The Nutcracker

After a fancy Christmas Eve party, Clara falls asleep with a nutcracker in her arms. As she dreams, visions of the Sugar Plum Fairy, a Nutcracker Prince, a Mouse King, Arabian dancers and Mother Ginger with her Polichinelles dance en pointe in her head. Charlottesville Ballet presents a 90-minute version of The Nutcracker, choreographed to […]

In brief: Payne, Ross outta here, Woodriff buying arena and more

Payne, Ross closing When politicians need flack assistance stat, there’s one number they call: Payne, Ross and Associates. And around the beginning of the new year, Charlottesville’s public relations institution will close its doors after almost 35 years. “It’s a new vision,” says principal Susan Payne. Partner Lisa Ross Moorefield says the closing is a […]

LIVING Picks: Week of December 14-20

Family Holiday tours Friday, December 16-Friday, December 23 Take a tour of the Frontier Culture Museum by lantern light and enjoy holiday traditions of the past. $8 kids, $15 adults, 6-8pm. Frontier Culture Museum, 1290 Richmond Rd., Staunton. Reservations required: (540) 332-7850. Nonprofit Kiwanis Christmas tree sale Through December 21 For the 84th year, the […]

ARTS Pick: The Lightmare Before Christmas

Moody times call for moody tunes. Locally stacked triple bill The Lightmare Before Christmas featuring the darkwave of Jaquardini speaks volumes to our need for something darker than the blues with the cathartic space beats of This Hollow Machine and the Brickbats’ Corey Gorey in a goth solo set. Saturday, December 10. $7, 9pm. Twisted […]