Pioneering bluesman R.L. Burnside liked to joke that Mississippi has four eyes and still can’t see. But as long as your hearing is good, you’ve likely heard some of the best American music come out of the Magnolia State. The Delta region is considered the birthplace of blues, and Grammy winner Cedric Burnside brings the rhythmic sounds of his birthright to his latest release Hill Country Love. The album title is a nod to the Hill Country Blues style played by greats like Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside, Cedric’s grandfather. Get into the groove with a sound that the younger Burnside has occupied since he first went on tour playing drums for his grandfather at age 13.
Tuesday 9/17. $20, 8pm. The Southern Café and Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com
King Buzzo Osborne, lead vocalist of heavy and heavily influential sludge-rock band The Melvins, teams up with bassist Trevor Dunn of Mr. Bungle and Tomahawk fame. Over recent decades, the two have also worked together in Fantômas, and at one point Dunn was part of an incarnation of The Melvins. Currently billing themselves under the King Dunn moniker, the duo are eschewing the thick feedback that defines a great deal of Buzzo’s recorded oeuvre in favor of an acoustic guitar and double bass setup. Word on the street is that the performances veer instrumentally, letting Buzzo’s trademark growl-and-bark vocals serve in a smaller part-time role. Dunn plays stand-up bass with a variety of approaches and effects (bowed, synthesized), choices that deepen the sonic palate. The less purist inclination propels tracks that include selections from the I’m Afraid of Everything EP (2022) and Buzzo’s Gift of Sacrifice (2020) record. Envision a musically exploratory evening without the pitfalls of glum navel-gazing.—CM Gorey
Dance and repeat: Progressive rock band Dopapod does everything with intention. The palindrome-loving group’s members went on a planned hiatus in 2018 to center their friendships, reflect on their music, and revitalize their live performances. The result is the studio album Emit Time, a mix of new music and unreleased tracks that integrate the sounds of heavy rock, funk, jazz, bluegrass, electronic, and more. The band’s live show is a well-balanced journey through sound, with moments of wild dancing followed by periods of thoughtful contemplation.
Friday 1/28. $18-20, 8pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 First St. S. thesoutherncville.com
Get back to old time rock 'n' roll when Jukebox the Ghost stops at the Southern on Thursday. Publicity image.
We will rock you: Since 2006, cult favorite Jukebox the Ghost has rocked us with a medley of piano pop stacked with classic rock, retro vocals, and lots of influence from Queen. The band—Ben Thornewill on piano, Tommy Siegel on guitar and bass, and Jesse Kristin on drums—has charmed festival crowds and late-night TV show audiences with music that “sounds like you’ve tuned into some 1970s AM radio station that’s been humming along in a parallel universe for decades—an otherworldly early Beatles-style track for the new millennium,” says the band’s site.
Thursday 10/7, $17-20. 8:30pm. The Southern Café and Music Hall, 103 S. First St., 977-5590.
Stray Fossa holds an album release party at the Southern on Saturday. Publicity image.
Jam packed: As kids, brothers Nick and Will Evans teamed up with their friend Zach Blount to write music. The three reconnected in 2018, moving to Charlottesville to build a music studio in their attic, and performing under the name Stray Fossa. In April, the trio released their self-produced pandemic baby, With You For Ever, a sunny album packed with dreamy harmonies, woozy slide guitar, and pleasantly distorted leads. Celebrate the album’s release with the band and indie-pop openers Dreamgirl and Films on Song (with former C-VILLE writer Erin O’Hare on bass).
Saturday 10/9. $10-12, 8pm. The Southern Café and Music Hall, 103 S. First St., 977-5590.
An hour of laughter: These aren’t the funniest of times, but given the circumstances, a little laughter is more important than ever. Comedians Chris Alan and Winston Hodges have you covered with their Zoom Comedy Hour. Beaming live sets and gags online, the popular local comedians bring their regular standup gig to your living room, and deliver punchlines “almost every Monday.”
Blackalicious celebrates the 20th anniversary of Nia at the Southern on Thursday. Publicity image.
Back on the beats: When Blackalicious’ first album, Nia, was released in 1999, critics praised the duo for their rap skills, production style, and ability to push hip-hop in a new direction. Following up with the equally compelling Blazing Arrow (2002) and The Craft (2005), Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab took 10 years to release Imani, Vol. 1 in 2015, and stayed true to their formula of positive vision, verbal dexterity, and lyrical eloquence combined with smart, expansive sonic beats. On the road to celebrate their 20th anniversary, the Sacramento group is sure to deliver its popular “Alphabet Aerobics.”
Thursday 1/23. $25, 8:30pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. 977-5590.
The Iguanas take over the Southern with their eclectic cultural mix on Saturday. Publicity image.
Americana crossroads: New Orleans-based group The Iguanas broaden the geographical scope of what’s considered Americana. Drawing heavily from Latin music with lyrics in both English and Spanish, the band’s songs cross cultures, styles, and languages. After almost 30 years and eight studio albums, the four-piece has gone from house band to bringing down the house with powerful live shows that feature accordion, bajo sexto, and saxophone, in addition to traditional instruments.
Saturday8/17. $18-20, 8pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St., 977-5590.
Nate Bolling (far right) formed A University of Whales with cello and violin instead of guitar. The band plays one of its rare live shows at Carter’s Mountain on August 1. Image: Ashley travis
By Graham Schiltz
When Nate Bolling started A University of Whales, he wanted the band to be different. After playing music in Charlottesville for 11 years, doing everything from metal to hip-hop, he wanted a change of pace.
A pianist by trade, Bolling, who’s perhaps best known around town as a member of the rock band Astronomers, sought a departure from the guitar-based music he’d spent much of his career entrenched in. He began with the instrumentation: cello and violin fill the void of guitars in fleshing out piano-based songs propelled by Bolling’s vocals. More traditional rock band instruments—bass and drums—comprise the rest of the band.
The result is grandiose chamber pop that swells and rescinds like the habitat of the group’s namesake, building with the gravity of an orchestra before dropping into hushed melodies. “It’s a style I’ve always liked… a lot of orchestral stuff, a lot of piano,” Bolling says. “I played a lot of guitar, I had done the rock band thing, so it was kinda just fun right off the bat to say no guitar.”
Between masonry jobs, live sound gigs, and wedding performances, Bolling was writing A University of Whales songs before the band’s lineup was filled. Bass player Jess Martin, a friend of Bolling’s since moving to Charlottesville, and former Astronomers drummer David Brear were interested, but cello and violin players eluded them. After fortuitously meeting cellist Erin Braswell and violinist Loryn Post in the span of a couple weeks, the pieces fell into place for the nascent band.
Bolling writes the songs, but the other members are involved as well. Even though he handles some of the arrangement, especially in the songs’ early stages, he wants the band to bring their own flair and experience to the writing process.
“They’re the ones that play the instruments. Most of the time, they probably hear something better than what I would hear,” Bolling says. “I try to make it a group effort as much as possible.”
Because of the band members’ respective careers and families, not to mention out-of-town members, full-band practices are limited. Bolling sends demos via email, and the band plays a limited number of shows. Thursday’s gig at Carter Mountain (one of Bolling’s favorite places to play) is one of the band’s only shows of the year.
“We’re not out here trying to be famous or anything,” says Bolling, and he’s happy with how the music turns out. In the age of the internet, when it’s easy to feel like everything has been done before, his aim is “just an attempt to not make the same old music.”
He’s certainly succeeded. A University of Whales’ brand of baroque pop isn’t necessarily in vogue, but Bolling isn’t too bothered. “I’ve always been pretty happy with [our niche],” Bolling says. “The best thing to hear at gigs from people is ‘nobody sounds like that.’”
Bolling says the band recorded its first full length, Everything is Beautiful, last year simply because they could. Three years of making music created an album he considers “more minor key [and] moody,” filled with meditations on death and mortality. Despite the limited time band members spend in the same room, A University of Whales accomplishes exactly what Bolling set out to do: make the music he’s always wanted in a way that no one has before.
The rooftop deck at Camp Ten Four, at The Graduate Charlottesville, opens up a panoramic view of the city (which covers 10.4 square miles). Photo: Ron Blunt
Whether you’re kicking back with a cocktail or tucking into a hearty meal, a great view always enhances the moment. You may be on a patio in the country, gazing at a distant mountain ridge, or on a cozy porch in the city, surrounded by strings of sparkling party lights. Whatever your vantage point, there’s a reason the phrase “drinking in the view” was invented. Here are just a few places where the outlook is always bright.
Camp Ten Four is delightfully, um, campy. Photo: Roy Blunt
1. Camp Ten Four at The Graduate Charlottesville
The view: Camp Ten Four is named for the 10.4 square miles that make up Charlottesville proper. Nine floors up, the rooftop restaurant’s view stretches from West Main Street all the way the Blue Ridge Mountains. On a recent visit, one guest was overheard saying, “This is the spot.” Sounds about right.
The vibe: The restaurant offers casual fare in a laid-back setting, not surprising for a place with camp in its name. String lights, picnic tables, and rocking chairs all contribute to the atmosphere, as does the aural backdrop of a lively playlist at just the right volume. Indoor and outdoor seating are available.
The menu: Sharables and sandwiches dominate the menu. A highlight is the crispy chicken sandwich, served with a honey hot sauce and piled high with a spicy slaw. Sides are a la carte, and both food and drink are ordered at the bar. The rotating drink menu is playful, with three varieties of Boozed Capri—think an adult Capri Sun—and a spicy pineapple mule among the selections.
Vitals: 1309 W. Main St. 295-4333. graduatehotels.com
Early Mountain, in Madison, offers broad views of the vineyard and the peaks beyond, but what you’ll see inside is equally delicious. Photo: Tom McGovern
2. Early Mountain Vineyards
The view: The atmosphere at Early Mountain Vineyards is well worth the drive out to Madison. The property certainly doesn’t lack beautiful things to ogle, with green rolling hills, mountains, vineyards, and two historic barns all on site. “One of the most important things about the view is that it’s here no matter the weather, with the way the vineyard is situated,” says Aileen Sevier, director of marketing.
The vibe: Guests can choose from a number of different experiences in the expansive setting, including a traditional tasting, flights, or a picnic on the back lawn with a bottle of wine. The winery hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including its bi-annual Oyster Fest and Solstice Sundown event. (Ed. note:
The menu: A bestseller here is the ever-evolving cheese and charcuterie board, featuring cured meats, local cheeses, housemade pickles, and a creamed honey so good that one visitor purchases containers of it in bulk. The grilled cheese isn’t too shabby, either. “I’ve had so many people write in and say this is the best grilled cheese they’ve ever had in their life,” Sevier says.
The balcony at Michael’s Bistro and Tap House overlooks The Corner, where the city and UVA meet and mingle—but you may be forgiven for shortening your focus to take in the beautiful food. Photo: Tom McGovern
3. Michael’s Bistro and Tap House
The view: Owner Laura Spetz’s preferred table on the balcony at Michael’s Bistro is just outside in the right-hand corner. From there, she can look down along the Corner and watch the comings and goings of a quintessential Charlottesville place, or shift her gaze to UVA’s iconic Rotunda. The outdoor space is small, with only four two-top tables (that’s part of what makes it special),
The vibe: Word has it that several regulars visit Michael’s Bistro almost every single day the restaurant is open. It’s no surprise, given how comfortable and inviting it is. Outside, the open-air space shows off with string lights and flickering lamps, a calm oasis above the madding crowd on University Avenue.
The menu: A patron’s impression of Michael’s Bistro might shift depending on which menu she chooses to focus on. The list of nightly drink specials showcases deals on rails and pitchers that no doubt cater to UVA students, but the beer and craft-cocktail menus both have a more universal appeal. The food menu is just the right size, with enough entrée and small-plate options to please every palate without inducing decision fatigue. The fried green tomato small plate served with a housemade pimento cheese sauce is a delicious way to start your meal.
Vitals: 1427 University Ave. 977-3697. michaelsbistro.com
The Rooftop, in Crozet, is known for its food, by chef Justin van der Linde, but the view is also undeniably good. Photo: Jack Looney
4. The Rooftop
The view: The Rooftop delivers sprawling mountain views worthy of the restaurant’s name. Even diners facing inward can enjoy the scenery, captured in the reflection on the glass wall that separates the interior and exterior of the space.
The vibe: It’s hard to be in a bad mood when you’re on any rooftop, and almost impossible if that rooftop is this one. The breeze hits just right, the service is warm and welcoming, and the experience is chill at this classy yet casual space. Fair warning: The Rooftop can be tricky to find. Enter through Smoked Kitchen and Tap, head down the hallway, and get in the elevator to find your way upstairs.
The menu: Launched by chef Justin van der Linde, of Smoked barbcue-truck fame, and partner Kelley Tripp, formerly of The Fitzroy, the restaurant offers options suited for both celebratory occasions and a Friday night out. Truffle fries, served with aged Parmesan, white truffle, fresh herbs, and a garlic aioli for dipping are a crowd favorite. Other popular selections are the mussels simmered in Bold Rock cider and the hanger steak.
Dining outdoors at The Southern Crescent Galley and Bar offers the look, feel, and flavors of New Orleans, right in the middle of Belmont. Photo: Tom McGovern
5. The Southern Crescent Galley and Bar
The view: An evening at The Southern Crescent could easily be mistaken for a friend’s party at a house with a great outdoor space—in this case, a pleasantly worn Victorian with a porch and patio. Deliberately evoking the Big Easy, the Crescent—named for the Amtrak train that round-trips between New York and New Orleans—prompts a sigh of relief like the one you experience at the start of a vacation. Through twinkling lights and sweeping trees, visitors will see the character and homes that make up the Belmont neighborhood.
The vibe: This charming spot claims no pretenses, and its quirkiness is exactly what makes the restaurant so inviting. The concept was born from the experiences owner and executive chef Lucinda Ewell had growing up in New Orleans, and that inspiration comes through in touches, like fleur-de-lis floor tiles, potted tropical plants with big, broad leaves, and brightly painted furniture nestled in the lush gardens.
The menu: Among the drink selections is the Vieux Carré cocktail first made at New Orleans’ famous Carousel Bar. The menu features a raw bar, gumbo that’ll make your mind travel to the bayou, and entrées like smothered catfish. A variety of po’ boys are also available, made on fresh Leidenheimer Bread shipped from Louisiana. “Aside from the bread, everything we do is made from scratch—including our beignets, which some people say are better than the ones at Café Du Monde,” Ewell says.
