Crossing the pond: Small Island, Andrea Levy’s prize-winning novel, brought to the stage at London’s National Theatre, traces the stories of three people in post-war Britain, all trying to reinvent themselves. Hortense and Gilbert are Jamaicans moving to the U.K. with hopes of a new life, and Queenie wishes to escape familiar Lincolnshire. Their stories intertwine as they face the harsh realities of colonialism and prejudice.
Short break: Gorilla Theater Productions continues its commitment to diversifying theater with Summer Shorts, an opportunity for five local playwrights to get their work produced and performed. The unique series of plays gets a boost from five of GTP’s experienced directors, who draw from a group of 13 actors to bring the stories to life.
Building Rome: Political intrigue and deception run deep in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, part of American Shakespeare Center’s Roman trio. The characters struggle with their own humanity and morality, as they try to justify power grabs and shady deals. Initially performed in 1599, more than 1,500 years after Caesar died, the historical epic may have been the first play staged at the Globe Theatre.
Fair play: Care to learn the ins and outs of weaving, snuggle up with a bunny, or test your skills in a cornhole tournament? In its 38th year of operation, the Albemarle County Fair will feature classes, demonstrations, livestock shows, and outdoor games for all ages, along with classic eats like fried dough and candy apples. The music stage will showcase area bluegrass veterans including Eddie Deane and the Deane Family, Glory Road Band, and The Virginia Ramblers.
Through 7/27. $5, times vary. James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe Pkwy. www.albemarlecountyfair.com.
Wicked ways: Chris Isaak performs from his 30-year career, including his mega-hit “Wicked Game” and songs from the critically acclaimed 2015 album First Comes the Night. Nicknamed the “Elvis of the ’90s,” Isaak can be an emotional storyteller or an edgy rocker, but he always woos the crowd with authority. Tift Merritt opens the show.
Thursday 7/25. $30-69, 7pm. Sprint Pavilion, 700 E. Main St. 877-CPAV-TIX.
Step to it: John Doyle’s guitar talents have earned the Dublin, Ireland native credits on the recordings of several Celtic performers and an invitation to perform for President Obama, but he is best known as a founding member of the popular Irish band Solas. Grammy-winning Jeremy Kittel plays his violin with a devilish drive, and has recorded with artists ranging from Yo Yo Ma to Fleet Foxes. Together, Doyle and Kittel deliver an explosive, foot-stomping set fit to bring on a Riverdance revival.
Saturday 7/27. $22-25. 7pm, Cville Coffee, 1301 Harris St. www.brimstunes.org.
Care salon: The six women in the classic tearjerker Steel Magnolias dish out tough love and compassion at Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana. Based on the true story of creator Robert Harling’s sister, the play is a lesson in resilience, and a testament to the power of female friendships. This production stars Katy Sullivan, an award-winning actress who was among the first bilateral amputees to compete in the Paralympics in ambulatory track when she ran in the London 2012 games and set a new American record.
Through 8/4. $15-20, times vary. Heritage Theatre Festival, Culbreth Theater, 109 Culbreth Rd. 924-3376.
Funkin’ up the coast: Providing music for the GoGo Indépendance crew, Mental Attraction Band 2.0 brings go-go from its native Washington, D.C., to cities along the East Coast. With 20 years of experience, the 13-piece band blends funk, R&B, and hip-hop to create an exciting live performance. The team of veteran musicians includes the bass player in D.C., rapper Wale’s backing band, and a conga player who’s been a semifinalist in prestigious DMV conga competitions.
Saturday 7/6. $15-20, 10pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 245-4980.
Hip-hop hit: Chris Newman, aka VA DOE, has been a pillar of central Virginia hip-hop for over two decades. An experienced radio DJ who spins every weeknight on 101.3 Jamz, Newman started making music as a teen at Charlottesville’s Music Resource Center, and he was inducted into the Nine Pillars Hip Hop Cultural Fest’s hall of fame this year. Rugged Arts hosts a release party for his newest mixtape, The Chris Newman Show, which features a dozen other performers and two DJs.
Friday 7/5. $5, 8:30 pm. Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar, 414 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 293-9947.
Country twang that hops and sways, soul that trembles and soars—these descriptors make up two halves of an imaginative whole. Americana duo Birds of Chicago got their start with a leap of faith, when JT Nero and
Allison Russell paused their individual music endeavors to celebrate their 2013 self-titled debut. Home is on the road for this pair and their daughter, Ida Maeve, and every ballad they churn out is a reminder of that.