Film review: Meryl Streep shines as a rock ‘n’ roll frontwoman

In a film industry where every studio release is engineered to appeal either to all audiences or hyper-specific target demographics, the fact that a film like Ricki and the Flash found release is refreshing. Baby boomers/Gen Y, liberals/conservatives, wealthy/working class, no one subset of American filmgoers will find their entertainment whims catered to in this […]

ARTS Pick: Tildon Krautz

Husband and wife team Gregg Weiss and Gabi Swiatkowska lead the French quartet Tildon Krautz. The former Brooklynites have formed what is essentially a string band, creating music that borders on roots and folk, dipping into some jazz and blues with an arsenal of vocal abilities from the childlike soprano of Swiatkowska to the deep […]

ARTS Pick: Aida

The Metropolitan Opera’s Egyptian love story Aida is elevated with chorale support, ballet numbers and complex ensembles in a tale centered around three characters with difficult decisions to make. The daughter of the pharaoh and her slave Aida, in her own right a princess but of an enemy kingdom, both love Radamés, an Egyptian warrior. […]

ARTS Pick: Math the Band

Math the Band launched in Providence, Rhode Island, but has amassed a large cult following beyond the small state. Known for live sets driven by energetic tunes from DIY electronic instruments and relatable lyrics with a classic punk aesthetic, the duo’s performances leave the crowd exhausted but high on passion. Tuesday 8/11. $8, 8:30pm. Twisted Branch […]

ARTS Pick: A Prairie Home Companion

For 41 years A Prairie Home Companion has delivered folksy humor, top musical talent and irreverent commentary led by Garrison Keillor. The radio show comes to life on stage with the America the Beautiful tour, and while Keillor has announced he will retire by 2017 you can still see him, along with Fred Newman, Sue […]

ARTS Pick: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies with its memorable tale of befuddled romance, thrilling adventure and mischievous magic. The playful tribute to the imagination holds the audience spellbound with a powerful story that proves true love is not as simple as a fairy tale for children. Through 11/29. $18-46, times […]

Film review: Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Personal life and religious beliefs aside, it’s OK to love Tom Cruise for his increasingly cartoonish career, performing stunts that have gotten so extreme you have to wonder how he came about this motivation to defy death for a movie. Does his alarm clock tell him “You will die today” just so he has a […]

August First Fridays Guide

Much of Charlottesville resident Stephen Kern’s new exhibition at SCS gallery, titled “Where Light Comes From,” is derived from the young artist’s submission portfolio that gained him entry to VCU Arts for the upcoming fall semester. The works are imaginative scenarios illustrative of curious fantasies, often illuminated with dangling lamps that pierce Kern’s nocturnes with […]