Where do national chains fit in with the local beer scene?

If you put any thought at all into the food and drink you consume, chances are you think “chain restaurants” are about as good for your body as a Paula Deen cookbook. But times they are a chain-gin’. Even dollar-hungry national restaurant groups have begun to recognize that consumers appreciate well-made products. For craft beer […]

Charlottesville Women’s Choir celebrates three decades of activism

A recreational choir, started by amateur singers around a coffee shop piano, shouldn’t last 30 years. The demands of everyday life and the challenges of finding new members simply shouldn’t allow it. But don’t tell that to the ladies of the Charlottesville Women’s Choir. “It has evolved,” said Estelle Phillips, who’s been with the group […]

Hues at home: Palette helps homeowners decide on the best color combos

Fretting about what color to paint your living room? Good news, the hottest trend is to give up on color altogether, according to Stephanie Snyder of Charlottesville’s high-end paint and home store Palette. “People are cleansing those bright colors with more soothing colors,” she said. “Soft grays, pale blues, creamy whites—lots of whites—opens up spaces […]

Dr. Ho brings his passion for vegan eating to the Downtown Mall

Dr. Ho is battling constant pain. The man who started the North Garden* cult favorite Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie and used to own the Blue Moon Diner* has been fighting a crippling disease for 17 years. He calls the ailment “late stage Lyme disease,” and while there is some disagreement among medical doctors about the condition’s […]

Willie Watson looks to kick start his solo career

Willie Watson, formerly of Old Crow Medicine Show, is turning to the South to help build some momentum for his new solo act. “We wanted to hit certain markets right off the bat,” Watson told C-VILLE Weekly in a recent phoner. “The South is sort of the hotbed of my fan base.” Watson will likely […]

Downtown church brings back short-lived artists’ forum

How cool can a church get before it starts to ruffle some feathers? Christ Episcopal Church, which operates The Garage, an outdoor concert venue/art gallery (a super-cool combo if ever there was one), is pushing the boundaries of non-secular hip yet again by bringing back its Makers Series. The quarterly event features an evening of […]

Country songwriter Rodney Crowell isn’t about to sell out

Rodney Crowell probably wouldn’t like you. Don’t take it hard. He doesn’t seem to like much—except for country music. The old school songwriter has recorded a handful of tunes that have had commercial success over the years, but he’s even better known for songs other people end up singing. Crowell’s penned tracks that have been […]