Letting it flow: Kyle Dargan fights futility with poetry

As a child, Kyle Dargan began writing rhymes largely as a matter of convenience. “If you wanted to make music, especially back in the ’90s, you needed somebody with a studio and recording equipment,” he says. “But you could write [hip-hop lyrics] at home, on the bus, in a notebook, and share with people and […]

All are welcome: Theatre CHS repurposes immigrants’ poetry, prose for unprecedented play

By Caroline Hockenbury Freedom is ringing, but that’s because youth are belting about it on stage, deconstructing it on Twitter, and demanding it—at full-tilt—at student-led protests. The next generation’s cries for justice buzz in every ear. Charlottesville High School theater students are merging their voices with teens across the country who, simply put, expect more […]

Album reviews: White Denim, Ariana Grande, Amos Lee, and Sha La Das

White Denim Performance (City Slang) The new record by Austin’s scraggle rock standard bearers opens with the tumble of a spinning radio dial. It sounds ironic but it could also be a statement of purpose; on Performance, White Denim skillfully updates various ’70s rock styles from the jump, the horn-laden, glammy stomp of “Magazin” leading […]

Small gathering: A little means a lot at Second Street Gallery

Second Street Gallery begins its 45th year with “Teeny Tiny Trifecta,” a group exhibition in the Dové Gallery featuring 72 artists working in a wide range of styles, techniques, and media. Curated by Kristen Chiacchia, the gallery’s executive director and chief curator, the artwork was solicited through an open call, which garnered submissions from more […]

ARTS Pick: Zaltandi

If you really want to move people, get them dancing together. That’s the thinking behind the Charlottesville world dance festival Zaltandi, a collaboration between Soul of Cville, IX Art Park, The Charlottesville Salsa Club, The Dance Spot, Zabor Dance Project, and a list of artists performing various dance styles from many ethnicities. The festival’s goal […]

ARTS Pick: Cville Pride Festival

During an all-day party that includes live music, moon bounces, belly dancers, and several drag shows, the Seventh Annual Cville Pride Festival, hosted by Remy St. Clair and friends, pulls out all the stops for a marathon high-energy celebration. Count on plenty of food trucks, beer and wine offerings, and a rainbow of vendors. Saturday, […]

Weight lifted: Juliana Daugherty finds release with Light

Between sips of seltzer and small handfuls of Chex Mix, Juliana Daugherty lovingly runs her hand along her cat Monday’s back. “I’m still kind of shocked that I managed to get it out in the world,” she says, eyeing a thick cardboard box at the bottom of a bookshelf. It’s full of vinyl copies of […]

ARTS Pick: Colony House

Imagine the last stretches of day, as the sun sets and a feeling of wistfulness tugs at your chest—these are the sensations the rock band Colony House invokes. The band’s raw philosophy shines through achingly honest lyrics, warm guitar, and inviting vocals. Formed in high school, CH gained traction when its 2014 album, When I […]