Firm forecasts: Local business experts look forward to what’s coming in 2019

Could Charlottesville rectify its dearth of commercial and residential space in 2019? Put ’17’s political and social unrest behind us? Create more opportunities for minority-owned businesses? Charlottesville Office of Economic Development Director Chris Engel thinks prospects are promising. “I think 2018 was kind of a rebound year,” Engel says. “We are putting some time between […]

Ridin’ out: Local car providers offer at least three ways to up your wedding-day getaway game

The getaway car is the last thing wedding guests see as the happy couple is whisked away into marital bliss. And there are several options to rev up that final impression—modern limos, slick sedans, and vintage classics. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and a museum-quality vintage limousine helps create a magical and unforgettable experience,” says […]

Like a chandelier: Couples are turning to high-end lighting to enhance their special day

Of all the details that go into planning a wedding, local experts say one shines as the difference-maker between perfection and paltry—lighting. “Lighting touches everything,” says Jake Anderson, owner of Lighting Professors. “And we’re seeing increased awareness of recognizing how important lighting is as an enhancement. We’re one of the first vendors couples are booking […]

YOU Issue: Michael Dubova carves a niche as an instrument maker

Here’s what readers asked for: I think you should cover my husband, Michael Dubova. …He never builds two instruments alike (except one time when he built a pair of guitars for twins—one was a left-handed guitar and the other was a right-handed guitar).—Loretta Vitt Dubova Michael Dubova was alone in the California desert when he […]

Block party: Charlottesville’s downtown, long a subject of controversy, is settling into its own

Charlottesville’s downtown has been a source of debate and controversy for nearly a century. Could the debate finally be coming to a close? For the first time in a long while, some agreement has emerged about how to balance downtown development—residential versus commercial, shared versus dedicated space and parking in particular. “The downtown area is […]

The Doctor is out: George Clinton stops by on the road to retirement

George Clinton is back. George Clinton is leaving. In April, just three months after releasing “I’m Gon Make U Sick O’ Me,” a single from Medicaid Fraud Dogg, the first Parliament record in 38 years, Dr. Funkenstein announced he’ll retire from touring in spring 2019. It marks the final phase of a career spanning five […]