ARTS Pick: Rebirth Brass Band at the Jefferson

Second lining is a tradition that stretches back through centuries, thought to have originated as the outer circle, or second line, of West African circle dances. The tradition evolved from jazz funerals to choreographed, brass band, dance party parades that are inextricably associated with the life and spirit of NOLA, the city that incubated them. Get […]

“Stay Prayed Up” at the Haven

Lift your spirits with a gospel music event at the Haven on Sunday, August 26th. Traditional gospel music — from Louisa County’s Ladies of Praise, Richmond groups the Golden Jubilees and the Sons of Praise (authors of the excellently-titled song “Stay Prayed Up”), and Gum Springs, VA’s Healing Prayer — will be accentuated by gospel comedian […]

ARTS Pick: Boombox

Sunday 8/26 Into the light Boombox invites you to tune in and drop out. This duo from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, calls on the rock ‘n’ roll past of its hometown, as well as an organic approach to modern electronica. Self-described as “jamtronica,” its all-improv longform groove syncs digital with live play of classic rock and […]

Live Music at the Virginia Craft Brewers Fest

The beloved annual music festival known as The Festy Experience doesn’t get underway until October, but those who can’t wait can get an early taste can do this Saturday, August 25th as the Devils Backbone Brewing Company hosts the Virginia Craft Brewers Fest, where four Virginia bands will play while music-lovers and beer aficionados sample […]

ARTS Pick: Ocean Versus Daughter

Friday 8/24 Sea change Formed in Prague by Virginia ex-pat Flanna “Flannaland” Sheridan, Ocean Versus Daughter is a somber, piano-driven indie act with a good dose of strings. (Think Tori Amos under sedation.) Despite the pretentious band name, the talented group goofs it up with member names like Matt “Starts Fights on Planes” Ford, “Gorgeous” […]

ARTS Pick: Mingo Fishtrap

Friday 8/24 Stir the beans With a recipe to rock your soul, Mingo Fishtrap cooks up down ‘n’ dirty, gutbucket, nawlins-style grooves topped with a flourish of Motown. The Austin, Texas, act is heavy with horns and a ready rhythm section, and ass-shakin’ is the name of the game at the next installment of the […]

Natalie Cole anchors The Paramount Theater’s new season

The Paramount Theater took advantage of its glamorous décor and big screen to announce the upcoming 2012-13 season during a festive preview party on Monday night.  The red carpet was rolled out and movie star look-a-likes greeted guests under the marquee. A retrospective of the theater was shown before Executive Director Chris Eure took the […]

A look back at some of Charlottsville’s musical highs

Live music is one of the best aspects of life in Charlottesville, as each day of the week offers concerts in all genres from both local and touring musicians. Any personalized “best of” list is sure to be biased and idiosyncratic, but here are some of the most memorable musical experiences I have enjoyed since […]

Jonny Corndawg returns to town with Dawes at the Jefferson

Jonny “Corndawg” Fritz began writing short country songs as a joke, but over the past 10 years — as the Esmont, VA native’s travels took him to Philadelphia, India, LA, Nashville, New York, and on an infamous 100-mile rollerblading trip — his songs grew longer, sadder and more touching, while losing none of their wit […]

Josh Ritter talks about songwriting, novels, and the open road

C-VILLE Weekly’s Graelyn Brashear sat down with singer/songwriter and novelist Josh Ritter for a radio interview live on WTJU before his show last night at the Jefferson Theater. Ritter, a remarkably candid interview and a compelling communicator, talks about his friendship with C’ville musicians, his attachment to Appalachia, and his love of writing. Graelyn Brashear: […]