Thomas Jefferson & Bill Barker in the HotSeat

Thomas Jefferson—you love him, or you love to hate him. Either way, wouldn’t it be interesting to ask ol’ TJ some questions? We thought so, so we spoke to historical impersonator Bill Barker, Monticello’s resident Thomas Jefferson. A veteran historical actor and interpreter, Barker portrayed Jefferson in Colonial Williamsburg for 26 years before coming to […]

Charles Zimmerman in the HotSeat

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—holiday baking shows are hitting the air. This year, one of Charlottesville’s own chefs is making his TV debut. Charles Zimmerman works as assistant pastry chef at Farmington Country Club, where he whips up everything from delicately frosted wedding cakes to small-but-sweet seasonal bites. Zimmerman is currently showcasing […]

Joe Lawlor in the HotSeat

There’s always a special energy in the air when musicians play their hometown stage. Guitarist Joe Lawlor is usually on the road with Dave Matthews Band, where he works behind the scenes in the audio crew. An accomplished musician in his own right, Lawlor is a founding member of several progressive funk and rock bands, […]

Rebe Malaret in the HotSeat

By now, your Virginia Film Festival watch schedule is filled with moving documentaries, riveting dramas, and mighty shorts—but don’t overlook this year’s series of panel discussions, where industry experts discuss their careers, share stories, and more. One of those experts, Rebe Malaret, is a film and television producer, UVA cheerleading alum, and former VAFF intern. […]

Laura Rikard in the HotSeat

At some point, you’ve probably watched actors get hot and steamy in a movie or show and wondered, “How the heck do they do this? Isn’t that awkward?” Enter Laura Rikard, an intimacy coordinator for film and television and a choreographer for theater. Rikard works with actors to develop and choreograph any and all intimate […]

Rachel Brown in the HotSeat

Charlottesville is home to many dedicated and hardworking nurses who make a difference in their patient’s lives every day. One of those nurses is Rachel Brown, who supports patients with cancer or blood disorders in UVA’s acute hematology/oncology and stem cell transplant clinic. Brown was recently recognized with a 2023 DAISY award, a nomination-based national […]

Hanna Quigley in the HotSeat

Step into a world of sawdust and swinging axes at the Devils Backbone’s Lumberjack Classic, two days of extreme timbersports, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly fun. Lumberjill Hanna Quigley is one of the competitors who’ll be racing to start her chainsaw and notch some wood in disciplines like underhand chop (imagine chopping through a […]

Tim Summers in the HotSeat

For a week and half every September, the sounds of sweet strings, alluring woodwinds, and elegant piano fill the air when the Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival comes to town. Now in its 24th year, the festival is helmed by co-founders and artistic directors Raphael Bell and Tim Summers. The dynamic duo curate festivals with impressive […]

Lewis Reining in the HotSeat

Whatever the occasion—a morning commute, an all-night study sesh, or Sunday brunch—WTJU has the radio hour you need. The station was founded in 1955, and today Lewis Reining is one of the producers who helps keep the music playing and the conversation flowing. Reining, who’s been with the station for over a decade, was recently […]

Jaewar King in the HotSeat

Few people know how to curate good vibes like Jaewar King. The hip-hop artist is getting ready to drop his seventh annual Vibe Fest, a lively celebration with good music and good people. This year’s fest pays homage to 50 years of hip-hop, and celebrates music as a powerful force for change and connection. Lupe […]