Olive oil, pasta, mezcal, coffee, champagne, and global cuisine—these local food instructors know their craft

By BJ Poss, Sarah Golibart Gorman, and Ella Powell The simple recipe of ingredients and technique  Behind an ever-changing food scene, local cooks, mixologists, and makers are working every day to bring out the best in their fields of expertise, and teach a deeper appreciation of what grows in the backyard. From olive oil and […]

In brief 11/20/2024

No shrinking Violet Despite a report of its impending closure, Violet Crown isn’t going anywhere, according to a statement published on the movie theater’s social media accounts. “While we are aware of the potential sale of the property, it is our understanding that this sale has not yet closed and no decision is final,” shared […]

In brief 11/13/2024

Looking ahead  In the days after President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory, Charlottesville progressive groups organized to process results, bolster community, and strategize. For those focused on combating climate change, Trump’s promises to support the fossil fuel industry and pull out of the Paris Agreement have garnered concern. Dozens of University of Virginia students gathered with […]

“Love is the Greater Labyrinth”

The UVA Drama season wanders open with Love is the Greater Labyrinth, a retelling of the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. The show features a new translation of the final work written by revolutionary 17th-century Mexican playwright Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Guest director Anna Rebek draws a mixture of comedy, tragedy, […]

In brief 11/06/2024

Culture of care The Women’s Initiative received a grant of $50,000 from Sentara Health, according to an October 31 press release. The grant will support the organization’s culturally responsive mental health care offerings, including Sister Circle, Bienestar, and LGBTQ+ programs. Founded in 2007, The Women’s Initiative is a Charlottes­ville-based nonprofit supporting women and others affected […]

In brief 10/30/2024

Roll it back On October 27, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling ordering the Youngkin administration to add more than 1,500 Virginians back onto voter rolls. Both Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares said they will appeal the case to the Supreme Court, calling the decision an attempt […]

Terroir Tapes Listening Sessions—Act II

Exploring geographies that produce distinctive flavors, the Terroir Tapes Listening Sessions—Act II blends hip-hop history with wine-tasting in a bold and vibrant manner. Hosted by Emmy Award-nominee Jermaine Stone of the Wine and Hip Hop podcast, the sessions inform guests of the environmental factors responsible for shaping the flavor profile of a particular wine region, […]

“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors”

Drac is back in a sexy and sarcastic off-Broadway production making a regional debut that’s bound to be A-positive. Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors takes Bram Stoker’s titular Count and turns up the camp with gender-bending, nonstop antics that’ll have you screaming with laughter. This riotous reimagining follows the basic beats of the Gothic novel […]

Ilya Tovbis in the HotSeat

Overseeing the programming of more than 120 films and nearly 100 guests as artistic director of the Virginia Film Festival, Ilya Tovbis knows how to curate a celebration of cinema. He’s worked with the San Francisco Independent Film Festival, the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, and the Mill Valley Film Festival (organized by the California […]

Getting reel

By Justin Humphreys and Tami Keaveny Images courtesy VFF  This year the Virginia Film Festival coincides with Halloween, and along with some great horror movies, the five-day program offers the escape of comedy, journeys to the unknown, classic stories retold,cautionary technology tales, and documented accounts of war, redemption, and environmental peril, plus invaluable on-stage discussions. […]