Take it from the top

When Sally Rose and her band Shagwüf take the stage for Fridays After Five at the Ting Pavilion on June 18, they’ll be the first musicians to play the venue since Jeff Tweedy and Wilco came to town on November 8, 2019. Wait, the what pavilion? A lot has changed in 19 months—including C’ville’s largest […]

Straight talk

Want to know what to order from the new Café Frank, acclaimed chef Jose de Brito’s newest proving ground? Don’t ask acclaimed chef Jose de Brito. “I am never happy with my dishes, and I usually do not taste my finished plates,” de Brito says. “I am way too scared to find out how bad […]

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 […]