Steep Canyon Ranger at the Jefferson Theater 5/16

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 […]

Michael Hirsch at The Stage at WTJU 5/16

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 […]

Eurydice at Four County Players through 5/24

Director Devynn Thomas brings a fresh take on one of the most frequently retold Greek myths with playwright Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice. This reimagining breathes new life into the classic tale of Orpheus’ descent to the underworld, centering the plot around the perspective of its heroine. Employing contemporary characters and ingenious plot twists, the impactful story […]

Elijah at Old Cabell Hall 5/10

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 […]

Spring Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival 5/9 & 5/10

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’ […]

Bella White at The Southern 5/8

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 […]

How-To Festival at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library 5/2

Special talents and expertise converge at Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s How-To Festival, where attendees can “learn 30 things in three hours.” The drop-in workshops are open to curious minds of all ages and cover a range of topics from cooking techniques and how to use AI, to crafting a leather bag and mastering your Scrabble game. […]

Embedded/The Tell Tale Cell Phone at Live Arts 5/1 & 5/2

As the season heats up, Charlottesville Opera’s Wallace Worx offers a weekend of chilling operas based on Edgar Allan Poe stories. Embedded (“The Cask of Amontillado”) follows a news reporter trying to maintain her top slot and stave off younger competition. The Tell Tale Cell Phone (“Tell-tale Heart”) is a short, suspenseful work that builds […]

Swan Lake at The Paramount 5/5 & 5/6

“Our mission is simple: ballet everywhere, ballet for all,” say Los Angeles-based World Ballet Company founders Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick. With a nod to Broadway grandeur, the company’s lavish production of Swan Lake brings together 50 dancers, handcrafted costumes and sets, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to spin the tragic tale of cursed lovers. $45–105, […]