ARTS Pick: Anna Vogelzang
Powerful yet coy vocals and astute songwriting are the definitive traits in folk balladeer Anna Vogelzang’s music. And as for evidence of her industry cred, she works with some of current music’s kick ass players.
Beyond bluegrass: Punch Brothers defy genres through collaboration
“We’re always trying to strike a balance,” said Punch Brothers banjo player Noam Pikelny by phone. “We have a reputation for working up covers that surprise people. We love playing our versions of other people’s material and certain songs have become part of the band’s identity. But original music is still the driving force behind this band.”
ARTS Pick: WTJU’s Annual Folk Marathon
The WTJU Folk Marathon stays true to its roots by offering a wide range of special programming such as Western swing, Scandinavian folk, Cumbia Cumbia, and entire shows dedicated to the subtle art forms of accordion, bagpipe, and yodeling music.
A double debut at the Tea Bazaar for art rock bands with familiar voices
Charlottesville music fans know Adam Smith as the front man for his namesake band The Invisible Hand, whose ability to knock out punchy, dense art-rock songs filled with hidden pop hooks has made it the best rock band in town. But for as long as he’s led that band, Smith has also indulged in a […]
ARTS Pick: Patricia Barber Quartet
The Patricia Barber Quartet’s titular namesake is instantly recognizable; as a pianist and composer, she is widely hailed as one of the most imaginative on the scene today.
Film review: Music documentaries to get lost in
Non-sequitur alert: Now that the wretched Super Bowl is over, let’s discuss music documentaries. There are two reasons I’m thinking about music documentaries. First, 2012 was a great year for them. Searching for Sugar Man—which is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature—gets my vote for the best nonfiction narrative film of last […]
ARTS Pick: Diane Cluck and Blue O’Connell
Diane Cluck and Blue O’Connell play an acoustic show together at C’ville Coffee.
One at a time: Ian MacKaye on rethinking rock ‘n’ roll
For over 30 years, Ian MacKaye has been rethinking how rock & roll should work. As a teenager in the groundbreaking hardcore band Minor Threat he wrote passionate, aggressive anthems that inspired generations of punk kids to question the world around them.
Film review: Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
Is this movie a comedy? Horror? A—gasp!—drama? Why does Jeremy Renner play Hansel for laughs? Why does Gemma Arterton play Gretel straight, but occasionally for laughs? Why is Famke Janssen so, so, so serious? For that matter, why is she covered in hideous make-up for the most of the movie when she has such an exquisite face?
ARTS Pick: Sixteen in Ten Minutes or Less
Sixteen in Ten Minutes or Less takes you back to those tumultuous times with a series of 10 minute plays intertwining the lives and complications of a group of teenagers dealing with everything from bullies to braces.