At a reading on January 25, author Junot Díaz encouraged an open dialogue with the audience of mostly UVA faculty and students through two generous question-and-answer sessions. He advised students to read to become better writers, because “reading becomes your frame of reference that informs your own work.” Díaz, who won the Pulitzer Prize in […]
At a reading on January 25, author Junot Díaz encouraged an open dialogue with the audience of mostly UVA faculty and students through two generous question-and-answer sessions. He advised students to read to become better writers, because “reading becomes your frame of reference that informs your own work.” Díaz, who won the Pulitzer Prize in […]
The lion is a central figure in religious tradition and popular mythology that represents strength. Throughout history, lions have adorned royal coats of arms while political figures have taken up variations of the moniker to demonstrate valor. Known as the king of beasts, its likeness is just as common in fine art, literature and popular […]
Captain Abu Raed is a film of firsts. Released in 2007, it was the first independent film to emerge from Jordan in 50 years, becoming the country’s first official submission to the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar category. It received accolades at Sundance, the Seattle International Film Festival and the Dubai International Film Festival, among […]
The new full-length album from Lauren Hoffman & The Secret Storm, Family Ghost, is described as “a collection of heart-bending narratives that double as emotional exorcism.” Hoffman’s career glints with impressive past successes, including a big deal Virgin Records contract at the age of 20 that positioned her as C’ville’s next musical export. A decision […]
Entering its fourth year, the Charlottesville Reading Series brings together three regional writers from disparate backgrounds to share poetry and memoir extracts: Matt MacFarland, Greg Wrenn and Erica Cavanagh. Like most writers, they all have an eye for detail, one that implores us to pay attention to our surroundings, whether to empathize with those unlike […]
In its continuing effort to blow the dust off of tradition, UVA’s Composition and Computer Technologies program welcomes experimental chamber ensemble Yarn/Wire. The quartet features two percussionists and two pianists in wildly energetic sonic constructions that push in directions described by The Guardian as “…questioning the boundaries of what music might be.” The collaboration features […]
Musical gatherings known as pickin’ parties are staples in the bluegrass tradition. These communal jam sessions can be found on the porches of Appalachia, or in the case of musician Kurt Vile, in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Before he became an established guitar virtuoso, the first stringed instrument the Philly native picked up was a […]
Put a little pep in your midweek step with this experienced group of local musicians that blends classic jazz, funk, fusion and Latin music into a singular sound. The Charlottesville Jazz Congregation typically performs as a quintet, but this week it’s Brandon Walsh on trumpet, Ryan Gilchrist on upright bass and Brett Jones on guitar. […]
Keese is a quiet guy. While growing up in Charlottesville’s 10th and Page neighborhood, he didn’t say much. But he paid close attention to everyone around him—his friends and family, his neighbors, what was going on in his city schools. English was his favorite subject—he liked to read and he loved to write stories. When […]
The phenomenon of live singing contests hits the road in the touring concert event Vocalosity. Ten performers take it from the top (of the music charts) and translate hit songs into slick a cappella renditions, no matter the genre. Producer Deke Sharon (Pitch Perfect, “The Sing-Off”) and choreographer Seán Curran (a Stomp cast member) craft […]