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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Anthony DeVito’s credits include appearances on Comedy Central, “The Jim Gaffigan Show” and “Gotham Comedy Live,” but it’s his storytelling on NPR’s “This American Life” (check out Episode 572, “Transformers”) that confirms his bio: “Comic. Writer. Italian.” DeVito takes a resonant path through family-centric tropes with an East Coast Italian-American attitude that gives his delivery […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Despite the short days and early nightfall, there’s light on the horizon at the 10th annual “Let There Be Light” installation. James Yates curates an eye-dazzling array of work from area artists that challenges the senses and offers magical perspectives, including Yates’ “Luminous Egg Hunt,” which he says is “drawn from the writings of Carlos […]
And the next election cycle begins Charlottesville Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Joe Platania says he’ll seek his boss’ job in 2017. Commonwealth’s Attorney Dave Chapman plans to retire after 24 years as the city’s top prosecutor. And state Senator Bryce Reeves officially threw his hat into the lieutenant governor’s ring, vying with two other Republicans who […]