Film review: The Purge sequel is dragged down by lackluster anarchy

Anyone who has been to an underground or independent film festival is no doubt familiar with a very specific genre of DIY “woods” movies where dudes with guns creep through a forest, talk an awful lot for people trying to remain undetected, and get into strangely choreographed shoot-outs at odd intervals. These movies are made […]

ARTS Pick: Sarah McLachlan

With a voice that pierces through to the soul, Canadian artist Sarah McLachlan delivers an array of songs that pulse with beauty and meaning. Defined by gorgeous ballads that mix intense lyrics with uplifting guitars to create an experience brimming with positivity, McLachlan’s performances offer an unforced, natural bliss that is largely missing from many of […]

ARTS Pick: Sonny Landreth

Hailed “The King of Slydeco,” Sonny Landreth’s Cajun-influenced slide guitar style has captured the attention of blues aficionados across the globe and led to collaborations with superstars such as Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson, and Mark Knopfler. With 11 albums under his belt and a passport stamped at gates across the globe, Landreth’s 30-year career has […]

ARTS Pick: Comedy with a Taste of Jazz

How many jazz musicians does it take to screw in a light bulb? Find out at the third installment of the Comedy with a Taste of Jazz series featuring two sets of comedy from a hilarious up and coming stand up, paired with two sets of jazz from the Robert Jospe Trio. Super funny cat-enthusiast […]

Merge’s reissue reinforces the strength of Suburban Light

For about six years, Alasdair MacLean has been writing a novel. “Occasionally I’ll send a draft of that to my agent and have it thoroughly rejected,” MacLean laughed when reached at his home in London. “And then I’ll start again. And that’s kind of been it for six years. MacLean’s novel is about growing up […]

What do punk rockers and craft brewers have in common?

It all started with a punk kid’s tweet. Alterna-rockers Against Me! had heard about friends in NOFX working with C’ville-based Champion Brewing Company on a collaboration beer. Guitarist James Bowman, doing some recording with Mike Burkett (aka Fat Mike) of NOFX, tried the beer and tweeted at Champion brew master Hunter Smith that he liked […]

ARTS Pick: Shrek: The Musical

Grab some torches and pitchforks and prepare for Shrek: The Musical, when an ogre-turned-hero braves dragon fire and a tiny king to save his beloved Fiona. As Shrek adventures with his faithfully frustrating sidekick, Donkey, storybook creatures, and a musical score, an expert cast recaptures the magic of Long Ago and Far Away. Through 8/10. $16, […]

ARTS Pick: Scars on 45

British crooners Scars on 45 inspire soul-searching with tunes driven by hope and longing and grounded by piano and mellow guitar. Led by the soothing voices of Danny Bembrose and Aimee Driver, the quintet weaves an audio experience that is nothing short of euphoric. Tuesday 7/22. $15, 8pm. The Southern Café and Music Hall, 103 S. First St. […]

ARTS Pick: Martina McBride

Country music’s electric star Martina McBride is known for refusing trends and conventions, and with the release of Everlasting, the first album on her own label, she expands beyond country sounds. The Kansas-born artist finds fresh nuances in familiar favorites and songs that range from Motown and Etta James to Van Morrison and Linda Ronstadt. Saturday 7/19. $39-75, 7pm. […]