Pentatonix

It may not look a lot like Christmas, but it sure does feel like it when Pentatonix comes to town. The a cappella supergroup recently put out its seventh holiday album, The Greatest Christmas Hits, with 23 previously released tracks and eight new tunes for holiday carolers to belt out. Audiences have a chance to […]

Social Dance

Dancers and audience members move together by communicating through phones—no speaking, talking, or touching allowed—in Amanda Monroe Finn’s Social Dance. The four-minute short documents last year’s immersive performance experience at Mad Bowl Field, which featured choreography by Shandoah Goldman. Following the screening, audience members are invited to participate in their own social dance using their […]

Bright spots

It’s hard to be a humbug when you’re looking at a twinkling display of festive lights. Here’s where to gawk at the glow:  Let There Be Light PVCC’s annual outdoor exhibition returns on December 8. Bring your flashlights, grab a warm cup of hot chocolate, and enjoy glowing sculptures, floating artwork, and interactive installations. pvcc.edu  […]

The emperor strikes out

Ridley Scott’s historical epic Napoleon covers the well-worn territory of the titular French emperor’s monumental military conquests and eventual downfall. Scott’s battle sequences are undeniably extraordinary, and it’s gorgeous overall, but mediocre dialogue and Joaquin Phoenix’s dull title performance noticeably weaken the film. Scott opens Napoleon with a climax: a bold sequence depicting the beheading […]

Mary’s Christmas

Family gatherings during the holiday season are a universally acknowledged experience. You know, the simultaneous dread and excitement, dodging probing questions about your love life, gossiping about family members who’re in the other room, rehashing old dramas, and adding fire to new feuds.  In Live Arts’ holiday offering, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, characters new […]

December galleries

Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library 2450 Old Ivy Rd. “Their World As Big As They Made It: Looking Back at the Harlem Renaissance” showcases the visionary works of writers, artists, and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance, plus other permanent exhibitions.  Angelo Jewelry 220 E. Main St. “Sentiment in Place,” landscapes by V-Anne Evans. […]

Courteney Stuart in the HotSeat

If you’ve read or watched local news over the last 25 years, you’ve probably come across Courteney Stuart’s name. An investigative journalist who covers everything from murder and sexual assault to prison reform and immigration, Stuart has been a reporter at several news outlets, including Style Weekly, The Hook, CBS19, and C-VILLE Weekly. She currently […]

Messiah Sing-In

Spread some Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear at the 56th annual Messiah Sing-In. Conductor Michael Slon leads community singers, members of the Charlottesville Symphony, and other local professionals through Handel’s nativity oratorio. Minstrels from the University Singers, the UVA Chamber Singers, Virginia Glee Club, and Virginia Women’s Chorus help round out […]

Lewis Black

If you get under Lewis Black’s skin, prepare to be dragged. The stand-up comic, who’s known as the King of Rant, skewers his subjects with comedic yelling and animated finger-pointing. Black’s diatribes blaze through the absurdities in current events, media, and politics. Also a talented voice actor, Black famously voiced Anger in Pixar’s Inside Out, […]

Magic on the Mall

The Downtown Mall transforms into a winter wonderland for Magic on the Mall, five weeks of holiday happenings. Win prizes by completing an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, and follow the Peppermint Trail to discover delightful sips, from candy cane coffees to minty craft cocktails. Then, hop on the Holly Trolley and take a […]