Richmond-based mead the dear offers a cosmic-country sound steeped in old-time influences. The act functions as an outlet for songwriter Michael Hirsch to blend a bevy of interconnected inspirations—folk revival, traditional Appalachian arrangements, podunk country, summer-of-love psychedelia, and a little downtrodden rock ‘n’ roll. In a scene that’s seen its fair share of Americana mashup […]
Steep Canyon Rangers is back, and the group’s returning to a more focused sound. Touring to promote its 15th studio album—set to release May 22—the band of string pickers and strummers is returning to the bluegrass foundations that served as its genesis. After years of collaborations with acts like Paul McCartney, The Chicks, the Asheville […]
If you love the empanadas at Cumbre Bakery, try them all dressed up at the Downtown Mall’s newest fine dining restaurant, The Enemy. Opened in late April in York Place, this new creation from Cumbre founders Augusto Rodriguez Araoz and Juan Brandan sees their beloved bakery roots flexed into a full menu—while the original East […]
A B3 model Hammond organ from 1962, like the type Sam Fribush sets himself up behind, weighs upwards of 310 pounds—and that’s just the console unit alone. Throw the bench and a Leslie speaker in, and you’re easily crossing the 400-pound threshold. When your instrument of choice rivals the usual transportation concerns drummers contend with—their […]
Little Dancer: A New Musical, an original play written and produced by local daughter-father duo Olivia and Chris Colvin, is set for its stage debut. Inspired by the life of Marie van Goethem, the young ballerina who modeled for Edgar Degas’ famous sculpture Little Dancer Aged Fourteen (1878–81), the performance imagines how van Goethem’s years […]
It took two years and four multi-day hospitalizations before Kenny Belew, 47, finally knew what left him writhing in pain, his gut raw and inflamed, his midsection almost comically distended. “I looked like I was pregnant,” says Belew, of Palmyra, recalling the moment just before he was carted off by ambulance for a nine-day hospital […]
Bella White stretches her sonic blueprint beyond her bluegrass roots to arrive at a moodier brand of contemporary folk. The Calgary, Canada, native recently relocated from Vancouver Island to New Orleans, spurring explorations into indie rock, and expanding a homespun sound steeped in Appalachian traditions mixed with modern singer-songwriter stylings. Nashville-raised singer-songwriter Erin Rae performs […]
Enjoy a full weekend of art, music, food, and family fun at the Spring Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival. The bi-annual juried arts and crafts event brings together more than 125 artists and artisans in a spring showcase, offering high-quality goods across an array of disciplines—including pottery, jewelry, woodcraft, fiber art, and more. Explore kids’ […]
The Oratorio Society of Virginia’s staging of Mendelssohn’s Elijah is presented with a full orchestra led by music director Michael Slon. Experience the power of 100-plus voices singing in harmony, bolstered by soaring guest soloists including soprano Caroline Worra, mezzo-soprano Isabel Randall, tenor Brenden Christie, and bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba (pictured) as Elijah. Together, the singers […]
Recently re-released in a 10th anniversary edition, Little Star is the memoir of Carmelita Estrellita, a trans poet, artist, and educator who lived in Charlottesville until her death in 2016. Edited by Lauren Catlett, the book combines Estrellita’s writing, stories, and drawings to share reflections on her life and to offer comfort, affirmation, and inspiration […]