That bluegrass feeling: Robert Earl Keen on being a Happy Prisoner

It’s rare to catch musician Robert Earl Keen’s name in print unaccompanied by the word iconic. As with the archaic bestowal of knighthood’s Sir, the ubiquitous presence of the adjective testifies to supreme achievements. And while, in most cases, such an affixation is worth little more than its ability to inspire an ironic chuckle, in […]

ARTS Pick: Those Darlins

Nashville trio Those Darlins tops off a rock ‘n’ roll groove with alt-country flair on its final tour before a permanent hiatus. The group started out covering Carter Family tunes on traditional mountain music instruments such as the washboard, and became known for its saucy songwriting and versatility within the rock genre. Its 2011 album, […]

ARTS Pick: Randy Johnston Trio

Having toured with several acclaimed jazz musicians, including Houston Person, Etta Jones and Lonnie Smith, Randy Johnston has garnered global recognition as both a guitarist and a vocalist. He is joined by his trio and organist Jonah Kane-West to perform a varied set of jazz and blues classics as well as originals. Saturday 1/16. 21-plus. Free, […]

Album reviews: Cage the Elephant, Arielle LaGuette, GIVERS

Cage the Elephant Tell Me I’m Pretty/RCA Continuing the exodus from the brash alternative rock that typified Cage the Elephant’s first few releases, Tell Me I’m Pretty continues the artistic evolution that started on its last release, Melophobia. Classic rock fills every nook and cranny of this record from the thrumming bass and massive drums […]

ARTS Pick: Lesole’s Dance Project

Using education and a mix of traditional and modern dance, Washington, D.C.’s Lesole’s Dance Project has been presenting high-quality performances for more than 10 years. With “Dancing Through South Africa,” the touring troupe focuses on the historic preservation of South African dance and drumming by showcasing Indlamu, Gumboot and Pantsula styles, while giving equal consideration […]

Film review: Carol frames same-sex relationships with color and focus

When does admiration become infatuation? When does infatuation become love? Are there clear, definable lines between any of the three? What is a good, respectable person to do with feelings that come entirely naturally, yet are overlooked, misunderstood and maligned by the world around us? These are the questions that are never fully stated yet […]

ARTS Pick: Positive Collective

Positive Collective formed, in part, due to a chance encounter at Walnut Creek Park between Greg Ward and Chris Leva that resulted in a few jam sessions and the discovery of a mutual love of good-time, get movin’ tunes. The band is currently made up of seasoned musicians (whose combined musical experience totals more than […]

Thrown together: City Clay potters team up to help IRC refugees

“Creativity can make a positive and welcoming impact on families right here in Charlottesville,” says Katie Bercegeay, volunteer coordinator for Charlottesville’s International Rescue Committee. Though this applies to us all, she’s specifically referring to the refugees who are welcomed in Charlottesville through the ongoing efforts of IRC staff and volunteers. Since it was established in […]