LIVING Picks: Week of December 7-13

Family Monticello gingerbread house workshop Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 Feast on cookies and hot chocolate as you create a colorful new addition for your holiday décor. $55 for a four-member family pass, 2-4pm. Smith Woodland Pavilion at Monticello, 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy. monticello.org Nonprofit Santa Pancake Breakfast Sunday, December 11 Enjoy breakfast […]

ARTS Pick: Radio Jarocho

Steeped in music tradition, son jarocho blends elements of African rhythms, Spanish poetry, melodies and native Mexican culture into a single genre, and members of New York City’s Radio Jarocho—master sonero Zenen Zeferino from Jáltipan, Veracruz and zapateado dancer Julia del Palacio from Mexico City—are in town to share their knowledge. They’ll give workshops on […]

ARTS Pick: Joe Lawlor and Friends

When Joe Lawlor is not on the road with Dave Matthews Band’s audio crew, the accomplished guitarist is often leading his own sets influenced by funk, blues and classic rock. While it’s a joy to see Lawlor on big stages sitting in on a jam with Dave, there’s a special glow to his hometown all-star […]

In brief: Best of Bellamy tweets, surreptitious sheriff filming and more

Quote of the week “I really #hate how almost 80% of the black people here talk white…#petpeeve. #itstheniggainme. #dontjudgeme.”—Wes Bellamy tweet, March 30, 2010. Read related story, “Tweetstorm: Bellamy apologizes for ‘inappropriate’ posts.” Korte in court Former UVA film studies professor Walter Korte appeared in court November 28 and waived a preliminary hearing on the […]

ARTS Pick: ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’

A sparse Christmas tree, a roundheaded kid who questions holiday spirit, a jazz soundtrack and a stirring read of the nativity story combined to make history when “A Charlie Brown Christmas” premiered in 1965. To the dismay of its creators, Charles M. Schulz and Bill Melendez, the animated TV show (ironically commissioned by the Coca-Cola […]

ARTS Pick: Dylan LeBlanc

Singer-songwriter Dylan LeBlanc has everyone from Rolling Stone to Ralph Lauren featuring his music and singing his praises, but the pressure of early success (at age 19) also left a few scars. After two albums for Rough Trade, LeBlanc chose to resettle in the comfort of his hometown of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and dig in […]

ARTS Pick: Family Holiday Concerts

Among the finest local traditions is when the Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia and UVA’s University Singers join forces for the Family Holiday Concerts conducted by Michael Slon. This year’s program includes “Carol of the Bells,” “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” as well […]

LIVING Picks: Week of November 30-December 6

Family Lighting of the Lawn Thursday, December 1 This annual tradition aims to unify UVA students and faculty as well as the Charlottesville community with performances ranging from a capella to dance, and an elaborate light show. Free, 7-10pm. UVA Lawn. lightingofthelawn.com Nonprofit The Great Charlottesville Santa Fun Run & Walk Sunday, December 4 Adults […]

ARTS Pick: Fruit Bats

Since the release of Fruit Bats’ 2001 debut, Echolocation, music critics have stuck some pretty obscure labels on Eric D. Johnson’s four-track-recording-project-turned-full-band: “bootgazer,” “rustic pop,” “zoology rock.” But no matter what it’s called, the group’s brand of indie-folk rock has held steady through six records (and a recent five-year hiatus), including its latest, Absolute Loser, […]

In brief: More election fallout, traffic deaths and, of course, turkey

Judge rebukes city City Council’s prohibition against group defamation during public comment “offends both the First and 14th” amendments, according to Judge Norman Moon, who issued an injunction November 18 to halt the practice. He also rejected the city’s motion to dismiss the suit filed by Joe Draego, who was hauled out of council chambers […]