Album reviews: Parquet Courts, Sonny and the Sunsets, Summer Flake

Parquet Courts Human Performance (Rough Trade) In a “Kids in the Hall” skit, a sarcastic- sounding partygoer struggles to explain that his vocal tone is just a tragic defect, haplessly sneering, “Oh, no, I really want to be your friend!” Parquet Courts’ Andrew Savage might know the feeling. His deadpan declamations are easily labeled ironic—and […]

Life lessons: Road warrior Lulu Wood gets behind the wheel

Teens these days don’t have it easy—at least when it comes to getting a driver’s license. Kids under the age of 19 are required to complete a 30-hour driving course, 45 hours of supervised driving with a parent and a 14-session driver’s education course. Lulu Wood, 16, recently crossed the finish line—completing her last course […]

Living Picks: To-do this week

Family     Eastminster Dog Show In this family-friendly event, presented by the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA, canines compete in best costume, best rescue, agility and musical chairs categories. Wednesday, 5/18. Free, 6-8pm. Keswick Horse Show Grounds, 701 Club Dr., Keswick. 293-2666. Nonprofit PACEM thank-you bash People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry, which provides shelter for the homeless, […]

ARTS Pick: Allen Stone

Self-labeled as “a hippie with soul,” artist Allen Stone draws on personal experiences in the church choir and inspirations such as Stevie Wonder for his latest album, Radius, which emphasizes tight instrumentation of funk, pop and R&B influences with an air that is simultaneously introspective and inquisitive. Stone shares the stage with Phoenix-based folk-rockers Jared […]

ARTS Pick: David Tewksbury

Rock poet David Tewksbury has worked the Charlottesville singer-songwriter circuit for years and issued a series of EPs. Now, with the help of longtime DMB collaborator Butch Taylor, he’s pulled together a band for his first full-length album, Sun is Rising. While composing the tracks on acoustic guitar, Tewksbury envisioned more than a solo album. […]

ARTS Pick: The Slocan Ramblers

“For a bunch of boys from Toronto, The Slocan Ramblers are turning out a piping-hot brand of bluegrass that you just may think was cut fresh from a back porch in the Blue Ridge.” That’s what Elmore Magazine says about these four young Canadian musicians, who call themselves rowdy. Their tunes lean toward the grittier […]

ARTS Pick: A Benefit for Jason Burke

The multitalented Michael Clem steps away from his role as a member of Eddie From Ohio to host A Benefit for Jason Burke. Local acoustic musicians who will gather to help Burke with medical bills include Terri Allard, Thomas Gunn, Butch Taylor and Peyton Tochterman. Monday 5/16. $20 suggested donation, 7-11pm. The Local, 824 Hinton Ave. […]

ARTS Pick: Tin Can Alley

Eric Seidel spent the last 25 years bringing smiles and laughter to others as Recycle T. Clown, before cancer forced him to give up his act. A group of musicians, led by Megan Huddleston, unites to present Tin Can Alley, a carnival rock show featuring Mister Baby, American Girl, Shagwüf, members of Chamomile and Whiskey […]