ARTS Pick: Chris Alan

Chris Alan has opened for some of the biggest names in comedy, including Amy Schumer, Sasheer Zamata and Kyle Kinane, and his jokes about everything from bathroom farts to hummus and black men driving Priuses keep audiences in stitches. He takes the top billing in the LYAO Comedy Showcase hosted by Kenn Edwards and featuring […]

ARTS Pick: Mike Doughty

Mike Doughty’s recent move to Memphis may have inspired the self-described “lonesome country” aspect of The Heart Watches While the Brain Burns. The album’s trap beats, however, speak to the influence of his longtime collaboration with New York hip-hop producer Good Goose, who contributed remotely via the Internet. Always willing to explore (see 2015’s biblical […]

SUSTO balances its genre through personal narrative

Charleston, South Carolina-based SUSTO’s forthcoming album kicks off with all the Western swagger you’d expect from a group most commonly tasked with the alt-country moniker. But just over a minute into the opening track, “Far Out Feeling,” it becomes evident that this is no standard foray into dive bars and backwoods. As the chorus hits, […]

ARTS Picks: Vaden Cox and Friends

In a family-friendly show that aims to “complete your celebration of the New Year and the Christmas season,” Vaden Cox and Friends break out new tunes and a long list of familiar favorites from the Monticello Road days. John Stubblefield and Eric Heinsohn are just two of the performers joining in to reprise an annual […]

ARTS Pick: Butchertown Burlesque

Set to live jazz from the early 20th century, the third installment of Butchertown Burlesque is a nightlife experience from days gone by, “harkening back to yesteryear when flappers and bootleggers reigned,” featuring the Butchertown Cats Orchestra and a roster of dancing starlets from around the U.S. Hostess Deanna Danger encourages revelry and cocktail attire. […]

ARTS Pick: The Country Christmas Show

Gather around the Christmas tree (or plastic Santa Claus) with some of Charlottesville’s favorite singer-songwriters during The Country Christmas Show, hosted by songstress Sarah White. Decked out in party dresses as The (All New) Acorn Sisters, White and Siân Richards perform a set of down-home tunes, with appearances by Luke Wilson, Carleigh Nesbit, Jim Waive […]

ARTS Pick: Joe Lawlor and Friends

When Joe Lawlor is not on the road with Dave Matthews Band’s audio crew, the accomplished guitarist is often leading his own sets influenced by funk, blues and classic rock. While it’s a joy to see Lawlor on big stages sitting in on a jam with Dave, there’s a special glow to his hometown all-star […]

ARTS Pick: Dylan LeBlanc

Singer-songwriter Dylan LeBlanc has everyone from Rolling Stone to Ralph Lauren featuring his music and singing his praises, but the pressure of early success (at age 19) also left a few scars. After two albums for Rough Trade, LeBlanc chose to resettle in the comfort of his hometown of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and dig in […]

ARTS Pick: Fruit Bats

Since the release of Fruit Bats’ 2001 debut, Echolocation, music critics have stuck some pretty obscure labels on Eric D. Johnson’s four-track-recording-project-turned-full-band: “bootgazer,” “rustic pop,” “zoology rock.” But no matter what it’s called, the group’s brand of indie-folk rock has held steady through six records (and a recent five-year hiatus), including its latest, Absolute Loser, […]

ARTS Pick: Thanksgiving jams

Whether you are thankful, guided by a dark star or happy pickin’ over leftovers, a live gig awaits that’ll shake off the holiday gravy and leave you grateful for the blues. November 23: Thankful Dead featuring Bigfoot County and Mama Tried at The Jefferson Theater. November 24: DJ Sir RJ’s Thanksgiving After-party at The Ante […]