‘I Hate Charlottesville’

By James Keith Ford “Before social media, finding other spooky folks wasn’t easy,” recalls Bill Hunt. Then he discovered the goth scene at Charlottesville sushi spot Tokyo Rose. “Descending into that dark basement, I was amazed to see dozens of strangers clad all in black. It was the first time in my life that I […]

In brief: UVA hires new football coach, county split

Lining it up New congressional map would split Albemarle County Virginia’s 2021 redistricting cycle is nearing a close. Last week, the state Supreme Court-appointed map drawers released drafts of the Virginia Congressional, State Senate, and House of Delegate districts that could go into effect next year. In the past, the party in control of the […]

Pick: Brew & Buddy Run

Calling all elves: Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins—treat yo’ elf to the Brew & Buddy Run followed by a screening of the holiday classic Elf. The three-mile run includes brewery breaks before heading to the theater for a journey through the candy cane forest, sea of swirly-twirly gumdrops, and the Lincoln Tunnel. Sunday 12/19. $5-25, […]

Pick: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Merry Rockmas: Rock the silent night away with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a progressive rock band that takes holiday tunes to the next level. The group is celebrating 25 years since the release of its debut rock opera, Christmas Eve and Other Stories, with a live show featuring wailing strings, lasers, lights, and effects synchronized to […]

Woolley, we hardly knew ye

Marc Woolley was introduced as Charlottesville’s interim city manager on November 5. During a virtual press conference that day, the former Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bureaucrat claimed he was used to “high-stress environments” and was not fazed by Charlottesville’s recent high-profile departures. “I’ve been doing this for many, many years, and I’ve been in almost […]

Pick: WinterSong

S’mores-gasbord: It’s time to celebrate, and WinterSong has everything you need to get the revelry started. The festive gathering features holiday caroling, gourmet food trucks, shopping, and more. Stay warm—and make s’mores—at one of the crackling fires and enjoy your choice of beverage at this family-friendly event. Artisan gifts from local and regional vendors will […]

Extended play

By Dave Cantor The opening track of Julian Lage’s first Blue Note album is titled “Etude”—a nod, perhaps, to the lifetime he’s spent studying his instrument. The guitarist, who came to national attention in a short 1996 documentary focused on his prodigious talents called Jules at Eight, has been recording as a bandleader for just […]

In brief: Fate of Lee statue determined

Lee will melt Charlottesville’s statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee is about to take even more heat. At the end of its Monday meeting, City Council unanimously voted to donate the Lee monument to the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, which plans to melt down the statue and use the bronze to create […]

In brief: City sued, tree named Oatmeal

Richardson sues city Former Charlottesville city manager Tarron Richardson is suing a handful of top Charlottesville officials, alleging misbehavior around his departure in September 2020. The entire City Council, as well as individuals Mayor Nikuyah Walker, Councilor Heather Hill, City Attorney Lisa Robertson and former city attorney and Interim City Manager John Blair are listed […]

On the agenda

By Kristin O’Donoghue The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors met Monday morning with area House of Delegates Representatives Rob Bell, Chris Runion, Matt Fariss, and Sally Hudson, and state Senator Bryce Reeves, to discuss legislative priorities for the upcoming year. The board asked the legislators to pursue legislation that would enable the county to levy […]