ARTS Pick: Clutch

Hard rock never lost its appeal for fans of the Maryland-based band Clutch. Even after scaling back the long jams on its tenth studio album, Earth Rocker, the fret-shredding foursome still reigns as an unapologetic homage to the founders of heavy metal. Trading on clever lyrics emitted with a growl and pushing the limit on […]

ARTS Pick: Big Blue Door Grand Slam

Local artists, speakers, and writers compete at the Big Blue Door Grand Slam by telling true stories on the theme of schemes and dreams. Previous jam winners and runners-up will call on memory to riff on ideas like escaping summer camp, planning cons, and eternal love. Audience members vote for their favorite story and the […]

ARTS Pick: Bad Suns

Calling this So-Cal quintet a novice band undercuts a confident sound that is  anything but unsure of itself. Formed in 2012, Bad Suns has quickly established itself among today’s indie-rock up-and-coming. The group’s statement on “Salt” recalls the careening music of the 80’s alternative scene—drooping vocals and chugging rhythmic patterns that paint shades of Depeche […]

Could tragedy and scandal bring consensus in Richmond?

Virginia’s General Assembly has descended on Richmond for the annual legislative session, and with 60 days to come up with the state’s biennial budget, local legislators seem optimistic that this year won’t be as contentious as 2004, when it took an extra 100 days to pass a budget—and it won’t reflect the gridlock in Congress […]

What’s happening in Charlottesville-Albemarle the week of January 13?

Each week, the news team takes a look at upcoming meetings and events in Charlottesville and Albemarle we think you should know about. Consider it a look into our datebook, and be sure to share newsworthy happenings in the comments section. The launch of the Piedmont Cultural Alliance’s new cultural plan—the first ever for the area—takes […]

ARTS Pick: Cate Le Bon

The title of singer Cate Le Bon’s latest release, Mug Museum, conveys a simple whimsy, along with the special offer of a handcrafted mug accessory, but fans know of the brooding complexity that lies beneath its quirky exterior. Often compared to the dark folk songstress Nico, Le Bon’s music is moody, captivating, and infused with […]

ARTS Pick: Boxwave

The Richmond-based rock duo Boxwave features John Mustachio on bass and Brad Ellsworth on percussion in a minimal act that strives to invigorate the often ignored rhythm section. Spartan and unassuming, Ellsworth provides enthusiastic backing to Mustachio’s gritty playing in a guerrilla rock attack that fuses funk and jazz into extravagant, melodic flights. The pair appears […]

ARTS Pick: VSA Charlottesville/Albemarle 14th Annual Art Show

Get inspired by the work of over 100 artists promoting creative power in people with disabilities at the VSA Charlottesville/Albemarle 14th Annual Art Show. Artists including Chris Wharam, Romney Brand, Rosemary Ballister, John T. Trippel, Margaret Lee, Anne Denit, Justin Connor, and William Greenough will display and discuss the development of their artistic vision. Pieces […]

ARTS Pick: The Whigs

Formed in Athens, Georgia in 2002, The Whigs have grown into a seasoned rock band. While teething, the group played with rock stalwarts Kings of Leon and The Black Keys before maturing a sound that is explosive and heavy, but not without infectious hooks. The Whigs’ newest album, Enjoy the Company, plays around with a […]