Justin Black grew up on the James River and didn’t realize some people thought it was “disgusting,” including two friends he met at the University of Virginia. Years later, the three paddled 250 miles down the James—and made a documentary. Black, Will Gemma, and Dietrich Teschner had never made a film before. What they had […]
Justin Black grew up on the James River and didn’t realize some people thought it was “disgusting,” including two friends he met at the University of Virginia. Years later, the three paddled 250 miles down the James—and made a documentary. Black, Will Gemma, and Dietrich Teschner had never made a film before. What they had […]
You don’t forget Eugenio Caballero’s production designs. There’s the otherworldly Pan’s Labyrinth, for which he won an Academy Award. There’s the black-and-white Mexico City in Roma, for which he was nominated for another Oscar. And his most recent efforts in director Alejandro Iñárritu’s Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths will be screened at […]
Writer/director/producer Dustin Lance Black’s films and television work—including his Academy Award-winning Milk script—are frequently outspoken about LGBTQ+ issues. The Mormon Church also resurfaces throughout his work, as in the hit FX series “Under the Banner of Heaven.” The two topics merge in director Laurent Bouzereau’s new documentary Mama’s Boy, which focuses on Black and his […]
Sunflower Bean’s third album, Headful of Sugar, is a psychedelic head rush made to be played loud with the windows down. Laden with catchy basslines, punk energy, and vocals that alternate between gritty and divine, the record marks a new freedom for the indie rock trio. “We weren’t precious about anything, there was a gleeful […]
Local musicians Michael Clem and Andy Thacker team up for an afternoon of bluegrass and folk jams. Clem, known for his songwriting and multi-instrument talent, is also a member of Eddie From Ohio, has his own trio, and hits the stage with a number of other bands. Clem’s recent solo release, Rivannarama, features five new […]
Haunting, hopeful, and striking, No Home but Ropes and Stakes is an original one-act play written and directed by Charlottesville High School senior Stella Gunn. Set in the 1930s, the atmospheric play follows an intriguing group of performers as they navigate the dark underbelly of a magnificent yet derelict circus. Eddie the Clown narrates as […]
Mariana Bell had a divergent pandemic experience from most musicians. Ask any songwriter, or any creative person for that matter, and most will say they experienced heightened inspiration during the C-word era. Not Bell. And she’s okay with that. That’s her journey. A longtime singer-songwriter who’s now a mother of two small children, Bell found […]
Thanks to the tireless work of disability justice activists, as well as an increased attention to chronic conditions that the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates, discussions around disabilities and chronic illness are more present in mainstream culture than at any other time in recent history. Artists, poets, and other writers have also contributed heavily to this awareness, […]
Artisans Studio Tour Various locations around central Virginia. Tour the workshops of over 30 artisans. November 12-13. The Bebedero 201 W. Main St. “Art Inspired by the Spirit.” Local artists created original art based on their experiences with mezcal and tequila. $30, November 6, 6pm. The Center at Belvedere 540 Belvedere Blvd. A small works […]
After years of pandemic-forced confinement, indie-rock trio Stray Fossa is ready to reemerge. Its sophomore album, Closer Than We’ll Ever Know, examines the intricacy of distance—which is no surprise considering the band was split across two continents during the album’s creation. “These songs have an urgency to them, as if they are on the brink […]