Album reviews: Begin Again, Dog Society, Red Wanting Blue

Begin Again  Music from and Inspired by the Original Motion Picture/222 Records John Carney, who gave us the classic music-focused film Once, returns with another music-based film, Begin Again, and the soundtrack is predictably loaded with fun moments that will appeal to a variety of listeners. If you like soul music with a sense of […]

Film review: Luc Besson loses direction in the sci-fi wannabe Lucy

It may seem nitpicky in this era of movies about radioactive spider bites and ancient alien stud-gods to take issue with a premise that is basically an excuse for inventive set pieces, but there’s something so incredibly lazy and pointless about the way Luc Besson plays with the old (and false) “Did you know that […]

August First Fridays Guide

First Fridays is a monthly art event featuring exhibit openings at many Downtown art galleries and additional exhibition venues. Several spaces offer receptions. Listings are compiled in collaboration with Piedmont Council for the Arts. To list an exhibit, please send information two weeks before opening to arts@c-ville.com. First Fridays: August 1, 2014. C’Ville Arts Cooperative 118 […]

ARTS Pick: Fiddler on the Roof

Now in its 50th year of production, Fiddler on the Roof has seen eight consecutive seasons on Broadway, nine Tony Awards, and countless audiences. In the capable hands of Ash Lawn Opera, the classic musical continues to deliver an iconic score, a well-loved story and timeless depictions of tradition, love, and survival. Through 8/8 . $12-65, […]

ARTS Pick: L.Y.A.O. Comedy Showcase

If laughter is truly the best medicine, then the L.Y.A.O. Comedy Showcase is sure to heal all of your ailments with three doses of the area’s top comedic talents. Headliner Louis Katz doesn’t mind diving into the cruder side of the human experience, and joining him is the quick-witted and charming regional favorite Kenny Wingle. […]

Bob Log III cranks up the wacky concert antics

You get the feeling that 44-year-old Bob Log III is still figuring things out as he goes, a sci-fi time traveler reborn every few minutes to turn things upside-down all over again. The neo-bluesman has been making music professionally for more than 20 years, but every word out of his mouth still comes off as […]

ARTS Pick: Godspell

In a different kind of religious revival, Broadway musical Godspell delivers a jazzed up and dressed down interpretation of the final seven days of Jesus’ life. The spectacular Stephen Schwartz play imbibes the gospel of Matthew with jazz, country and of course, gospel tunes—all accented with fantastic costumes. As biblical as the plot is, don’t […]

ARTS Pick: Man on a Horse

Folk fingerpicker Peyton Tochterman is a veteran of the local scene. His acoustic prowess has taken him across the country and the globe, playing shows for delighted fans as well as soldiers in Afghanistan. He chronicles his travels on his website, with articles, reviews, and a blog that offers candid access into the performer’s thoughts […]

Puppets for grown ups and Shakespeare on the move

As the month of August arrives, everything slows down a bit. Outside, we drown in the humid air, dense as an ocean wave pushing against flesh. There’s little to do but laze away in air-conditioning or spend hours floating in the cool waters of a swimming pool. It’s the time of year when I used […]

ARTS Pick: Hospitality

The New York based trio Hospitality throws convention to the wind in order to create a sound that is truly authentic. Every song on the recent album Trouble has its own life, with lyrics and melodies crafting an experience that takes fans beyond listening. There’s no borrowing from other artists or rehashing of classic genres […]