Painful truths

By Tami Keaveny Since 1973, Four County Players has been producing plays with community volunteers, teaching theater technique to aspiring actors of all ages, and entertaining central Virginia audiences in the charming town of Barboursville. When the pandemic closed venues in March 2020, the theater group pressed pause, initially hoping that waiting it out could […]

PICK: Brighter Together

Light at the end: While a virtual Lighting of the Lawn was the safest option this academic year, we still missed being there when UVA turned the Rotunda’s holiday lights on in December. Brighter Together offers another chance to see the historic landmark dancing with color, as one of five pop-up art events tying together […]

PICK: Saw Black

Seeing Saw: Saw Black has that rare musical talent that makes listeners want more. With his lyrical delivery and production technique, Black seduces with soulful country-folk that is sometimes plaintive, sometimes weird and whispery. Many of the Richmond singer-songwriter’s tracks can be found on Warhen Records, including the sold-out 2020 cassette Horsin’ ‘Round. Black performs […]

PICK:Comedy Open Mic Night

It’s a laugh: As any comedian knows, there’s no rush like standing in front of a roomful of strangers and making them laugh. At the weekly Comedy Open Mic Night, hosted by local comedians Heather Kilburn and John Rad, you can work out all the material you perfected at home during the pandemic. Preregister, and […]

Farm fresh

By Paul Ting Spring is springing, in its Virginia way, with perfect breezy days becoming more frequent every week. For many locals, the annual return of chirping birds means rolling out of bed early on Saturday and heading downtown, to the City Market. The beloved market has been in action since 1973, providing an opportunity […]

Poets know it

By Alana Bittner When expressing the value of writing poetry, Valencia Robin references a quote by U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo: “You begin to learn to listen to the soul, the soul of yourself in here, which is also the soul of everyone else.” Robin says that, when she was young, no one told her […]

Take us out

In an ongoing effort to support local dining establishments during the pandemic, our writers have been enjoying a variety of takeout meals from some of their favorite restaurants. Contribute to this ongoing series by sending your own delicious experiences to living@c-ville.com. Tonic One of my favorite pre-COVID pastimes was seeking out the latest in local […]

PICK: Let Go of Me

Lighting the way: In Let Go of Me, playwright, director, and filmmaker Kelley Van Dilla combines pre-recorded and live performances to explore connections and disconnections between people. The virtual play features Van Dilla in an autobiographical reflection on the relationship between a trans non-binary teen and their mother, who is bipolar. Through 3/28, Suggested household […]

PICK: Ultramarine

Groove moves: If you’re bummed about missing the high-energy party vibe of Mardi Gras this year, you can beat your blues with the blues at Ultramarine, a showcase featuring the Chickenhead Blues Band and Eli Cook. The Chickenhead’s five-man ensemble features NOLA’s own Aric van Brocklin on guitar, alongside Skip Haga on the keyboards, Granville […]