ARTS Pick: Arabian Nights

As a tale that frames a thousand tales, clever Sheherazade escapes impending doom night after night by relating compelling and cliffhanging stories to her murderous husband Shahryar.  Arabian Nights, a stage adaptation by Mary Zimmerman, is the monumental compilation of folk tales from the Islamic Golden Age being performed by UVA’s Spectrum Theater. The production is set with original composititions, but […]

Glorious season ends, but love for the Cavs lives on

The long, sweet run is over and the ’Hoos are home—but talk about a season to remember. Tony Bennett’s men’s basketball team secured its place in UVA history by finishing first in the ACC regular season and then rolling a winning streak into a conference tournament championship, ultimately trouncing Duke on March 16 in Greensboro. […]

ARTS Pick: Philip Glass

Philip Glass, lauded by musical scholars and misunderstood by the sugary, pop-saturated mainstream, is certainly one of the most famous contemporary American composers.   Eschewing the minimalist label that is easy to ascribe to his music, Glass refers to himself as a “classicist,” citing his formal training at Juilliard in harmony, counterpoint, and in key […]

ARTS Pick: The Savages, Ginger & the Castaways, and Cashless Society

Revive your passion for American rock ‘n’ roll with three acts armed to the teeth with rhythm, twang, and pompadours. Tristan Thorndyke leads The Savages in self-described “psychobilly swing.” Ginger & the Castaways craft garage rock filled with bluesy soul, and Madison, Virginia’s Cashless Society rocks out family style with James Tamelcoff III sharing lead […]

ARTS Pick: Philip Seymour Hoffman film screenings

The glaring pomp and circumstance of Superbowl Sunday was saddened this year by the untimely death of Philip Seymour Hoffman. As an actor, Hoffman was unparalleled at imbuing his characters with humanity. He rendered misfits relatable, cretins compelling, and gifted artists attainable, and his passing left a void in the world of filmmaking. In tribute […]

ARTS Pick: Klezmer Ensemble with Alan Bern

The centuries old musical tradition of the klezmorim, professional Jewish instrumentalists of Eastern Europe, was brought to the states by immigrants at the turn of the last century, and Americanized under the influence of jazz and modern orchestration. The University of Virginia Klezmer Ensemble celebrates the music’s multi-cultural revival and honors its roots in medieval […]

ARTS Pick: Wild Horse, Wild Ride

Venture into the new West with a handful of horse trainers on a 100-day journey to select and tame wild mustangs for adoption in the poignant, award-winning documentary Wild Horse, Wild Ride. Directors Alex Dawson and Greg Gricus follow a host of colorful, true life characters ranging from Navajo grandfathers and grizzled cowboys, to blond […]

Overheard on the restaurant scene: This week’s foodie news

It’s almost that time of year again! The Charlottesville City Market, the city’s largest and oldest open-air farmers’ market, will open for its 40th season on Saturday, April 5. More than 100 local vendors are scheduled for the kickoff, including 13 newcomers like Stevie G’s Gluten-Free Bakery from Crozet, Madison Trout, and Sweet Jane’s Kitchen. […]