In Sofia Samatar’s latest book, The White Mosque, the author and James Madison University professor weaves stories from her life together with histories of a group of Russian Mennonites who migrated to what is now Uzbekistan. Ak Metchet, which means “white mosque,” is the name of the Uzbek village that was settled by 19th-century Mennonites […]
In Sofia Samatar’s latest book, The White Mosque, the author and James Madison University professor weaves stories from her life together with histories of a group of Russian Mennonites who migrated to what is now Uzbekistan. Ak Metchet, which means “white mosque,” is the name of the Uzbek village that was settled by 19th-century Mennonites […]
A man catches a silver trout, which turns into a “glimmering girl with apple blossom in her hair” before fading away. Though he grows old searching for her, he will find where she has gone, pledges the narrator of William Butler Yeats’ ethereal 1897 poem “The Song of Wandering Aengus.” This yearning poem’s lyrics open […]
Writer and director Scott Cooper’s film of Louis Bayard’s novel The Pale Blue Eye is a reasonably engaging American Gothic mystery. It offers visually appealing historical fiction and, at just over two hours, doesn’t overstay its welcome. But with a mediocre script and lead performances that don’t equal its pictorial loveliness, the film only sporadically […]
Stand-up comedian Brian Regan is known for his mirthful routines that tackle mundane, everyday events like how to cook Pop-Tarts, visits to the doctor, and the refrigerator’s meat drawer. Regan embodies his jokes with a big physicality that includes plenty of funny facial expressions, and fills the entire theater. The “comedian’s comedian” hosted his second […]
The Lua Project blends multiple music styles from different continents and centuries into one cohesive sound. Deeming themselves “cultural pollinators,” the band sings about contemporary themes of family, work, and loss, while drawing on elements of Son Mexicano, Appalachian song forms, Jewish and Eastern European tonalities, baroque melodies, and Scotch-Irish narrative storytelling. The performance accompanies […]
Enjoy a sophisticated afternoon at the opera with The Met Livein HD screening of Fedora. The Metropolitan Opera’s production of Umberto Giordano’s breathtaking drama is full of arresting arias, magnificent melodies, and charged confrontations. Soprano Sonya Yoncheva stars as Fedora, a 19th-century Russian princess who falls in love with her fiancé’s murderer. Maestro Marco Armiliato […]
Baker Gallery Woodberry Forest School, 898 Woodberry Forest Rd., Woodberry Forest. “Studies in Nature” by Kelly Coffin. Through February. Botanical Fare 421 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. Watercolor paintings by Juliette Swenson. Opens January 17. Chroma Projects Inside Vault Virginia, Third St. SE. “A lifetime isn’t long enough for the beauty of this world” showcases […]
Acoustic guitar and mandolin player Flynn Cohen makes original music that’s both experimental and traditional. Drawing from a range of techniques and influences, including flatpicking, strumming, Irish, and old-time music, Cohen pushes against convention with a mastery of many styles. When he’s not playing solo, Cohen tours with award-winning folk band Low Lily, and Irish […]
Suit up for an off the hook night of individual jamming together at Pro Re Nata’s Silent Disco. Dancers can groove out on their own terms using wireless headphones that feature different music channels and adjustable volume. Switch between a live DJ, oldies and country, 2000s throwbacks, and electronic dance, to find the rhythm that’s […]
Settle in and order extra popcorn, because the extended edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring clocks in at just under four hours. Peter Jackson’s fantasy classic is back for a special screening to ring in the new year. Follow along as Frodo and the fellowship battle terrifying orcs and […]