First Fridays gallery listings: February 3
First Fridays: February 3 When Kemi Layeni was a child, she asked her mother to do her hair “like the fishies,” to fit her thick, kinky hair into a sleek ponytail. […]
Junot Díaz visits Charlottesville as Kapnick Writer-in-Residence
At a reading on January 25, author Junot Díaz encouraged an open dialogue with the audience of mostly UVA faculty and students through two generous question-and-answer sessions. He advised students […]
Blind Pilot’s vocalist finds solace and courage on new record
The lion is a central figure in religious tradition and popular mythology that represents strength. Throughout history, lions have adorned royal coats of arms while political figures have taken up […]
Jordanian film promotes hope
Captain Abu Raed is a film of firsts. Released in 2007, it was the first independent film to emerge from Jordan in 50 years, becoming the country’s first official submission […]
ARTS Pick: Lauren Hoffman & The Secret Storm
The new full-length album from Lauren Hoffman & The Secret Storm, Family Ghost, is described as “a collection of heart-bending narratives that double as emotional exorcism.” Hoffman’s career glints with […]
Empathy, the environment and culture converge at reading series
Entering its fourth year, the Charlottesville Reading Series brings together three regional writers from disparate backgrounds to share poetry and memoir extracts: Matt MacFarland, Greg Wrenn and Erica Cavanagh. Like […]
ARTS Pick: Yarn/Wire
In its continuing effort to blow the dust off of tradition, UVA’s Composition and Computer Technologies program welcomes experimental chamber ensemble Yarn/Wire. The quartet features two percussionists and two pianists […]
Kurt Vile is happily going nowhere slow
Musical gatherings known as pickin’ parties are staples in the bluegrass tradition. These communal jam sessions can be found on the porches of Appalachia, or in the case of musician […]
ARTS Pick: Charlottesville Jazz Congregation
Put a little pep in your midweek step with this experienced group of local musicians that blends classic jazz, funk, fusion and Latin music into a singular sound. The Charlottesville […]
Local rapper Keese envisions unity through compassion
Keese is a quiet guy. While growing up in Charlottesville’s 10th and Page neighborhood, he didn’t say much. But he paid close attention to everyone around him—his friends and family, […]