First Fridays: February 2

Sigrid Eilertson likes to paint surrealistic images of creatures that straddle the line between the realistic and the fantastic, like larger-than-life goddesses and wild animals. She always works in a series, and she tends to work large—many of her paintings are 6 feet or taller. But for her most recent series, “Star Creatures: An Exploration […]

Movie review: Hostiles walks a new path in the Western genre

War has been a part of the human experience for all of recorded history. But what happens when the things that drive us to it are no longer a factor? Resources, borders, languages, religions; if we found ourselves in a situation where none of those things truly mattered, would we still find reasons to fight, […]

ARTS Pick: The Crüxshadows embrace their dark side

Formed in 1992, The Crüxshadows have been a longtime staple of dark wave culture. The Florida-based group’s gothic rock blend of synth- and dream-pop has been perfected while logging an impressive 1,000-plus performances, including one of the first gigs by a Western act in Romania and Serbia following the Cold War. The group’s addictive dance […]

Whistle Words helps women impacted by cancer share stories

Before she received a Stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis at 39 years old, UVA writing professor Charlotte Matthews lived on a cattle farm. Whenever the farmer found a dead cow in the pasture, he bulldozed a grave and buried the animal. Matthews remembers the farmer whistling to himself in these moments. “He was so authentic […]

ARTS Pick: The Black and Global Roots Music Project

The Front Porch teams with Appalachian State University professor and folklorist Cece Conway to explore West African influences and instruments through the folk akonting and the griot ngoni, which can be traced to the modern banjo. The Black and Global Roots Music Project will also feature Piedmont blues performed by Jeffrey Scott, whose mastery is […]

ARTS Pick: Dr. Southclaw’s wild ride

Implementing massive bass riffs, pulsing drums, screaming guitars and sing-alongs, five-piece freak funk phenomenon Dr. Slothclaw bends the genre to its liking and you’re in for a wild ride. The musical titans push the limits of creativity with their outrageously fun “freak shows” and self-declared “hobbies,” such as “erotic baking” and whistling competitions. Saturday, February […]

Album reviews: Camila Cabello, BØRNS, Reptaliens and Shopping

Camila Cabello Camila (Sony) I don’t exactly follow Fifth Harmony, and I missed the controversy surrounding Camila Cabello’s split with the group. Hope I’m not supposed to hate her because this is just great pop—glossy but not oversaturated—“All These Years” and “Real Friends” are even borderline minimal. And Cabello is a compelling, versatile performer worth […]

ARTS Pick: Ruth B. creates a safe haven for listeners

When Ruth B. posted her first Vine in 2013, it’s a safe bet she had no idea where it would take her. Her following grew quickly and as she became recognized as “the Vine chick” on the street, record labels began to rubberneck. Her debut EP, The Intro, made a splash on the pop scene, […]

ARTS Pick: Jason Burke blends classic country with rock ‘n’ roll

Blending the classic boot-tapping rhythm of country with the guitar tones of rock ‘n’ roll from the ’60s and ’70s, Jason Burke has become a musical staple in central Virginia and a huge supporter of the local scene. Following his 2015 release, Burning Daylight, Burke has enriched his live sound by adding his wife, Caroline, […]

ARTS Pick: Local musician Maria DeHart releases new EP

From the ambient, simplistic beats of her track “high,” to the steady, head-bobbing chord progression of her latest cut “nightmare weekend,” local talent Maria DeHart’s music is as varied and unique as the town she plays in. DeHart takes the stage to celebrate the release of her new EP, Fade, with the help of fellow […]