Tag: Picks

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Arts Culture

The Elovaters

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When it’s cold outside, you need extra motivation to get the blood pumping. Boston’s reggae-rock outfit The Elovaters do just that with uplifting tropical sounds that warm your soul and get you moving. Fans of acts like Slightly Stoopid and Sublime find plenty to love from this East Coast group channeling the island culture. Expect
dub-inspired echo effects, an emphasis on the upbeat, and a lot of references to herbal refreshments.

Thursday 1/9. $32, 7pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

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Arts Culture

Blue Ridge Irish Music School Movie Night

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The Blue Ridge Irish Music School presents a double-feature screening of Absolutely Irish and The Tunnel from local filmmakers Paul and Ellen Wagner. The first film brings together standout stars of the traditional Irish music scene for a concert held in the intimate Irish Arts Center of New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. The latter explores the history of the Blue Ridge Railroad Tunnel at Rockfish Gap, built by Irish immigrants in the 1850s. The evening includes a discussion of the Blue Ridge Tunnel project by Kevin Donleavy.

Friday 1/10. Free, 7pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. blueridgeirishmusic.org

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Arts Culture

Charlottesville High School musical theater ensemble

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The Charlottesville High School musical theater ensemble brings a student-directed production of A Chorus Line to area audiences. Spotlighting an array of Broadway dancers auditioning for roles in the eponymous chorus line, the action builds across a bare stage. The personalities of potential performers are on full view as the cast of would-be stars describe life events that drew them to dance. Directed by CHS senior Murray Susen, these January performances precede a trip to Charlottesville sister city Besançon, France, where the troupe will mount additional shows this spring.

Friday 1/10–Sunday 1/12. $15, times vary. Charlottesville High School’s Black Box Theater, 1400 Melbourne Rd. theatrechs.weebly.com

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Arts Culture

Twelfth Night in Italy

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Three Notch’d Road Baroque Ensemble extends the holiday season with the sounds of an Italian Christmas during performances in Staunton, Greenwood, and Keswick. Twelfth Night in Italy brings together the music of Corelli, Flecha, Monteverdi, Pandolfi, Scarlatti, and Vivaldi under guest Artistic Director Peter Walker. Hear shepherds’ carols and folk music, as well as art music in the pastoral style, with featured soprano Addy Sterrett. Each performance includes a pre-concert talk by Walker.

Friday 1/3–Sunday 1/5. $30, times and locations vary. tnrbaroque.org

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Culture Living

UVA men’s basketball

Photo via UVA Athletic Communications.

It’s been a tough start to the season for UVA men’s basketball. Following the unexpected  departure of longtime head coach Tony Bennett, the Cavaliers have been defeated by every ranked opponent they’ve played under interim Head Coach Ron Sanchez. The good news? Tickets to watch the team are now more widely available, and there’s still a (slim) possibility the Hoos can go dancing in the NCAA tournament come March. UVA will have an opportunity to bolster its odds of making March Madness a reality when it takes on Louisville in upcoming ACC conference play.

Saturday 1/4. Ticket prices vary, 4pm. John Paul Jones Arena, 295 Massie Rd. virginiasports.com

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Arts Culture

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Brunch

Paramount Pictures.

Take in the tale of New York City socialite Holly Golightly and her romantic escapades with a Breakfast at Tiffany’s Brunch. Revel in the swinging early-’60s styles in Truman Capote’s classic adapted for the screen, starring the often-imitated-but-never-replicated Academy Award-winner Audrey Hepburn. Choose from an array of movie-themed brunch specials and cocktails to pair with the screening, and ruminate on the mores of a bygone era: Is marrying for money or love the right move? Do pets need names? Who thought casting Mickey Rooney was a good idea?

Sunday 1/5. $10, 11am. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 5th Street Station. drafthouse.com

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Arts Culture

17th Annual XMAS JAM

Photo by David Reid.

If you don’t get enough rockin’ around the Christmas tree on the 25th, head to the 17th Annual XMAS JAM. Spun out of the Charlottesville Music Showcase, a weekly series featuring prominent local performers—begun at Orbit Billiards on the Corner way back when—this seasonal gig continues to shine a light on some of C’ville’s brightest musical stars. Hosts Tucker Rogers and BJ Pendleton emcee the evening with appearances by Richelle Claiborne, John D’earth, Jay Pun, Jen Tal, and many more special guests.

Friday 12/27. $15–20, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

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Arts Culture

Disco Risqué

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Looking to dance away 2024 and usher in the new year with funky fun? Disco Risqué is shakin’ up the Lobby Bar on NYE at the newly rechristened Doyle Hotel. This five-piece dance-party band brings a distinct brand of rock ‘n’ roll defined by its high-energy performers. Searing guitar solos and a driving rhythm section are complemented by keys and horns that make you want to move. Admission includes hors d’oeuvres and a sparkling toast at midnight, alongside cash bars and Champagne bottle service.

Tuesday 12/31. $50–60, 9pm. The Doyle Hotel, 499 W. Main St. thedoylehotel.com

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Arts Culture

“The Nutcracker”

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It wouldn’t be Christmas without Clara dancing through her fantastical dream, accompanied by a dashing prince who conquers the dastardly Mouse King! Charlottesville Ballet presents The Nutcracker, with live music from the Charlottesville Symphony conducted by Benjamin Rous, and collaborations with Cantate Children’s and Youth Choir and Central Virginia Ballet. Audiences of all ages can revel in this seasonal classic, with memorable melodies and expertly choreographed scenes. You know the characters. You know the score.

Saturday 12/21–Sunday 12/22. Prices and times vary. Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center, 1400 Melbourne Rd. charlottesvilleballet.org

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Arts Culture

Christmas with Elvis

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Break out your bedazzled jumpsuit, it’s time for Christmas with Elvis! Reigning King of Rock and Roll tribute artist Matt Lewis performs holiday hits and other classics from Elvis’ repertoire, including selections from his rockabilly era, the “’68 Comeback Special,” and the Viva Las Vegas years. Backed by the 12-piece Long Live the King Orchestra—aka Charlottesville’s own Big Ray and the Kool Kats—Lewis curls his lips and sways his hips, driving away any thought of a “Blue Christmas.”

Thursday 12/12. $24.75–34.75, 7pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net