ARTS Pick: The Fifth Annual Rock and Roll Christmas

Welcome friends Three albums in and Sons of Bill remains true to its roots. Blending classic rock and traditional Virginian folksiness with emotional resonance, the brothers (and friends) have crafted their own sound. 2012’s Sirens opens with a quotation lifted from a William Faulkner speech, and sets the tone for a collection of powerhouse tunes […]

ARTS Pick: Mannheim Steamroller

Incorporating live music with stunning multimedia effects, Chip Davis’ Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has remained among the top holiday celebrations in America for over 25 years.

ARTS Pick: The Homecoming

The Homecoming, a play by Christopher Sergel based on the book by Earl Hamner (creator of T.V.’s “The Waltons”), takes place in a familiar location—a Virginia town lodged in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

ARTS Pick: Parachute

Double bubble Crush-pop Charlottesville natives Parachute received national attention through two major label albums, and non-stop touring that includes stage-sharing with the likes of Kelly Clarkson and megastar Taylor Swift. The group of five best friends has had anything but the slow descent implied by its name—it’s been a crash-landing into musical success. For its annual homecoming […]