Emergency expedition

There is no keener view into family and friendship than a road trip movie. The Blues Brothers were on a mission from god, Thelma and Louise were running from the law, and the Griswold family just wanted to meet Marty Moose—but whatever the quest, there’s a unique bond that comes from spending many days together […]

PICK: Barkodz

Check ’em out: Barkodz: An Urban Experience features local artists working to honor hip-hop’s past while forging its future, using rhythm and words to address oppression, progression, and political expression. The lineup includes Kush Gang, Keese Allen, Equally Opposite, and more. Lights, sound, stage effects, and a “transport cube” make the event a multi-sensory experience […]

PICK: Juneteenth

Art felt: This is the first year Virginia has officially recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday. The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center continues its tradition of commemorating the event with art, food, and music emceed by Ike Anderson. Tobiah Mundt and Lisa Woolfork of Black Women Stitch will lead a creative “non-sewing sewing” session; […]

PICK: Dropping Julia

Perfect landing: Dropping Julia’s Jules Kresky has a versatile vocal style. She can conjure a sunny, surfer vibe with dreamy organ and beachy guitar chords, or dip into grungy sass à la Amy Winehouse. Backed by Sam Passe and Alex Bragg on guitar, Sean Bracken on drums, and bass player Sebastian Nikischer, the funk-rock group […]

PICK: The Judy Chops

Get your love: Like so many of us during these past 14 months, The Judy Chops had questions, both candid and existential, about where the world was headed. The seven-piece band of family and friends channeled their uncertainty into music, and emerged to reintroduce Love Is the Answer, an upbeat record with deep Southern roots […]

PICK: Willie DE

Continuing education: Willie DE’s musical education spans from busking on the Downtown Mall to studying jazz guitar at VCU. When he takes on a genre, he owns it, showing off his stuff with funk, blues, folk, and even some new wave, à la Elvis Costello. Along with his substantial knowledge of covers and fan favorites, […]

PICK: The 77z

Play dead: Picture this truly interactive Deadhead experience: listening to “Black Muddy River” next to a (considerably less black and muddy) river and then singing along to “Ripple” as the late-evening sun dapples the water. Grateful Dead cover band The ’77z performs at the June edition of The Front Porch/Rivanna River Company’s Rivanna Roots. Friday […]

PICK: Broadway in the Park

We hear a symphony: Beyond the wealth of live music that brings us outdoors in the summer, we have top-notch theater and opera folks who like to get outside too. Charlottesville Opera launches an exciting run of shows with Broadway in the Park, which features some of musical theater’s leading voices. Jennifer DiNoia has played […]

Day trip east

The greater Charlottesville area is overflowing with beverage producers who make delicious products. But if you’re up for a scenic drive, there are additional treasures to be found not too far away. In part one of our day-trip series, we head east toward Richmond to taste Virginia-made beer, wine, spirits, and cider.  Cunningham Creek Winery, […]

Three debut albums

John-Robert Healthy Baby Boy Pt. 1 Nice Life Recording Company/Warner Records John-Robert’s musical ascent is the stuff of dreams. Hailing from Edinburg, Virginia—a small town north of Harrisonburg—he was tapped to play Something in the Water, Pharrell’s inaugural Virginia Beach festival, before super-producer Ricky Reed offered him the opportunity of a lifetime: Come to L.A. […]