He may be new to the solo Americana scene, but don’t consider him a musical novice. When Matthew E. White was 11, he took up the drums and played with such gusto that his mother signed him up for guitar lessons. “She paid for my lessons so that I’d learn how to play guitar; she […]
Six tweens compete for the title of champion speller in the beloved musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This eclectic group of kids spells through the show while disclosing a variety of humorous, honest and heartfelt stories from their home lives. Audience members can also get in on the academic action in […]
Ownership scramble cooking at Bluegrass Grill & Bakery Chrissy Benninger’s been part owner of Bluegrass Grill & Bakery for more than five years. Just a couple months ago, she got a bee in her bonnet to make serious changes. Why now? She’s bought out her partners, Jim and Lalah Simcoe, and that’s renewed her enthusiasm. […]
Though difficult to read and even harder to pronounce, Sliabh Luachra, a region in southern Ireland on the border of Cork and Kerry, has birthed a rich style of music that is easy on the ears. Jackie Daly is renowned for his talented instrumentals, heralded by the New York Times as “probably the best accordionist […]
Since dropping out of college 15 years ago to become a writer and comedian, Tennessee native Stewart Huff’s star has been rising on the national and international horizons. Get to know his original and refreshing humor at the latest installment of the Laugh Your Ass Off Comedy Showcase, where he embraces his own life experiences […]
As anyone who has ever worked in a professional kitchen—or any aspect of the restaurant industry—will adamantly testify: The life of a chef is by no means for the faint of heart. The hours are long and strange. The work relentlessly demanding, ulcer-inducingly stressful. And yet, we’re assured, profoundly rewarding. Nowhere is this dynamic of […]
A celebration of the music and lyrics of Irving Berlin, The Heritage Theatre Festival’s production of I Love a Piano follows a piano as it moves in and out of American lives from the turn of the century to modern day. The story’s brought to life by Berlin classics such as “There’s No Business Like […]
With the unlikely style of Billy Joel meets Johnny Cash, Ike Reilly, a former grave digger from Illinois, tells timeless tales of love, lust, drugs and drinking through reckless tunes and poetic lyrics. Reilly may have an unconventional past but it’s birthed a unique perspective on life and lends a finesse to his daring music. […]
My Morning Jacket hails from Kentucky, but don’t call the band a country act. Frontman Jim James recently told Rolling Stone, “Modern country is deliberately dumbing down the human race.” The band’s psychedelic indie rock, in conjunction with Jim James’ otherworldly vocals, has made MMJ an international success, and nurtured the group’s reputation as legendary […]
Neighbors, musicians and foodies from across the Commonwealth will gather at Music for the Mountains to raise funds in an effort to push back against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and its anticipated damage to Virginia’s mountains, water, farmlands and landowner rights. Speakers and info tables will be set up to educate those who attend, and […]