Film review: Imagination runs wild in Annabelle

When it comes to paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the further a movie moves away from the “true” story as documented by these proven frauds, the better it gets. Despite its success with audiences at the time of its release, going back to watch the aggressively mediocre The Amityville Horror after the many inconsistencies […]

ARTS Pick: Every Tongue Confess

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust—a series of church burnings sets UVA Drama’s new season in motion with Marcus Gardley’s acclaimed 2010 play Every Tongue Confess. Weaving Biblical lore with the true history of a small Alabama town, this Southern spectacle also mixes gospel and blues hits for a soaring metaphysical journey. Director Theresa Davis […]

ARTS Pick: Daphne Lee Martin

Born into a folksy family, Daphne Lee Martin has music in her blood. After years crafting harmony-rich, traditional gospel and Appalachian ballads with her mother and sister, the sultry songbird struck out both solo and with a variety of bands, and playing a range of tunes from edgy, innovative punk to fresh Southern roots. She’s […]

Can we talk? Making the most of your TEDx experience

This town is no stranger to open mic nights. We boast Big Blue Door storytelling and improv night; the musicians, poets, and comedians of Verbs & Vibes; and Olio, a pechakucha-style series that was popular until its untimely demise in 2011. So, how is the upcoming TEDxCharlottesville Open Mic Night different? In a word, glory. […]

ARTS Pick: Tig Notaro

Comedienne Tig Notaro has risen to the top thanks to an unabashed, honest commentary about life and love through laughter. Her 2012 set at Largo in Los Angeles, in which she spoke openly about her breast cancer diagnosis, mother’s death, and the end of a long-term relationship was nominated for a Grammy and touted by […]

ARTS Pick: Anais Mitchell

The “queen of modern folk” Anais Mitchell is an expert storyteller who makes a solid case for such lofty status through her songs. An avid traveler, the Vermont-born musician touches everything from folk music to opera and melds it with intelligent lyrics. Mitchell meticulously crafts her sometimes dramatic music in reflective testament to the complexity […]

Album reviews: GRMLN, The Hill and Wood, Sons of Bill

GRMLN Soon Away/Carpark Records Bay Area-based Yoodoo Park a.k.a. GRMLN, has undergone quite a metamorphosis in his several years as an artist. Originally something of an ambient singer-songwriter with a penchant for beautiful, mellow melodies, he’s gone full-on rock and roll on Soon Away replete with driving rhythms, engaging choruses and guitars, guitars, guitars. “Jaded” […]

ARTS Pick: Fiesta del Sol

Despite being a ballet company, there are no tutus or relevés in this celebration of movement by the Latin Ballet of Virginia. You will find dazzling costumes and acrobatics mixed with the electric flair of Latino dance in a high-energy performance that celebrates Central American traditions. “Fiesta del Sol” fuses technical perfection and rich narratives […]