Grammy-nominated former “American Idol” contestant Chris Daughtry headlines A Very Woolen Holiday, a benefit event for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a nonprofit that funds research for less toxic treatment options. Presented for the first time by Woolen Writers’ Revival and hosted by local musicians Will Thomas Reed and Brian Craddock, the lineup also includes Keith […]
Nestled among the tall trunks of a forested area in Ivy, a studio is situated a short walk away from the home of artist Dean Dass. When making prints, he’ll often use his UVA studio, but for long-term and large-scale paintings and collage works, this home studio is the locus of activity. “I always wanted […]
To say that Anais Mitchell shares commonalities with Orpheus, a character from ancient Greek mythology isn’t as far fetched as it sounds. Both possess the musical talents vital for swooning listeners and charming their way into remote realms. But while Orpheus’ journey to rescue his wife Eurydice ended in despair when he carelessly turned his […]
An unlikely holiday tradition took hold when David Sedaris told the sour, witty story of his experience as an unemployed writer who takes a job as an elf at Macy’s in The Santaland Diaries, which gained public recognition on NPR in 1992. Staged by the American Shakespeare Center, Sedaris’ sardonic tale offers an unvarnished glimpse […]
Ballet meets burlesque in KnucklesCracker, a reimagining of the classic Nutcracker story, set in the bygone era of speakeasies and vaudeville entertainment. This whirlwind of ragtime rambunctiousness features an array of performers and live music by The Judy Chops. Vintage or cocktail wear encouraged. 18-plus. Sunday 12/13. $12-60, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., […]
Rock steady Foo Fighters Saint Cecilia EP/RCA Records If the Saint Cecilia EP is indeed the Foos’ last recording—and Dave Grohl has hinted it could be—then it’s one final shotgun blast that will leave your ears ringing long after it ends. There is a rawness to these five tracks that’s been missing on the past […]
When Georgia Castleman takes her third and final curtain call for the lead in Amahl and the Night Visitors on Saturday, she will be giving up a role that was a gift to the opera world. In 2012, Ash Lawn Opera expanded into a winter season and introduced local audiences to Amahl, a one-act opera […]
Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq is not a film with a message. It’s not an allegorical tale of tragedy with unstated yet entrenched sociopolitical implications made so Hollywood could pat itself on the back for its good conscience. Chi-Raq is a wake-up call in a world that seems increasingly determined to repeat the mistakes of history while […]
James Yates is on a quest to bring magic back during the holidays. “When I was a kid, we used to drive around the town looking at Christmas lights. I remember how awesome that was: me being in the back of the station wagon, drinking hot chocolate, looking out the windows,” the artist says. “Several […]
Wild and crazy guy Steve Martin’s affiliation with the Steep Canyon Rangers may have led to wider recognition for the group when he invited them to tour as his backing band in 2009, but the North Carolina-based bluegrass act already held a stellar reputation among fans on the pick ‘n‘ grin circuit. With the release […]