C-VILLE Weekly | February 19-25,2025

FEBRUARY 19 – 25, 2025

The Blue Ridge School Barons eye semifinals with a laser focus

Crozet shooting, President's Day protest, FEI shut-down— and more P.11

A $160 million project at UVA under BOV committee's microscope P.15

A Take It Away takeover and this week's must-dos for your datebook P.29

Hello, Charlottesville.

2.19.25

Thank you for reading C-VILLE Weekly.

Everyone loves an underdog story, the classic tale where the little guy comes from behind to win it all. Underdogs represent resilience, hope, and the belief that effort and heart can overcome the odds.

...But this week’s cover story (p.19) isn’t that. In fact, the Barons of the Blue Ridge School are ranked among the top 50 high school basketball teams in the country. They are, by many accounts, a powerhouse. And the players are about to enter the semifinals after a surprising season that Coach Cade Lemcke assumed would be a rebuilding year. Up until a few weeks ago, the Barons were 21-0 for the season, with nine state championships under their belt. Then, they hit a rough patch. A couple of losses knocked them from the top spot, shifting them to the No. 2 seed heading into the semis. But great teams aren’t just defined by their winning streaks—they’re defined by how they respond when things don’t go their way. Can the Barons reclaim their dominance and push for another title? However their season ends, one thing is certain: Even giants have to fight to stay on top.

This week’s

Gibbs is president of public relations and marketing firm Gibbs Communications and has been a working journalist for more than two decades. Gibbs’ work has appeared in trade and consumer publications across the country and internationally. As a stringer for C-VILLE Weekly since 2013, Gibbs has written hundreds of articles on local businesses, food, music, and real estate.

Page-turners

The C-VILLE staff is always thinking ahead. Here’s a quick look at a few stories we’re working on. Know someone that might be a fit? Email editor@c-ville.com.

Lost and found

Do you run a business where people tend to leave stuff behind? We want to hear about your box of discards. E-mail editor@c-ville.com with the scoop on the goods. Get out(doors)!

When it’s time to emerge from hibernation, what gets you outside? We want to know what you look forward to as the weather warms up. Recreation? Outdoor dining? Wearing shorts? Please share every hot detail.

Every person has a story

C-VILLE wants to explore the beating heart of the city—you! Our new profile series will tell the stories of everyday locals living their lives. Know someone with a great story? Reach out.

Golibart

is a writer and educator. Her food journey began in a peach orchard, sparking a respect for growers and a love of flavor. Gorman contributes to Garden & Gun, The Harrisonburg Citizen, JMU’s Madison Magazine, and Edible Blue Ridge, where she was named a 2024 Best of Edible Award finalist. She also develops recipes and stars in cooking videos for Shenandoah Valley Orchards. She currently lives in Harrisonburg. Catch her adventures on Instagram @friendlycityfoodie.

Shea

Sarah

Gorman

SERENITY RIDGE RETREAT CENTER

Ancient Teachings for Modern Times

MARCH 1

Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebration & open house.

MARCH 11–16

DU TRI SU Training Program with Geshe Denma Gyaltsen & Khandro Tsering Wangmo Khymsar. Learn the Du Tri Su Drip Jong , the Yungdrung Bön Ritual for escorting the consciousness of the deceased through the Bardo.

Personal Practice Retreat, from 1 to 5 days.

APRIL 8

6:00 - 7:30 PM Public Talk by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche in Charlottesville at Unity Church, 2825 Hydraulic Rd, Charlottesville, VA 2290.

Rinpoche will speak on the topic of our upcoming Spring Retreat, Awakening to Wellness: A Journey of Movement, Breath, Meditation & Nature , with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and special guests.

APRIL 9–13

Awakening to Wellness: A Journey of Movement, Breath, Meditation & Nature , with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and special guests.

APRIL 14–17

Tibetan Yoga , with Alejandro Chaoul.

MARCH 11–16 SERENITYRIDGEVA.ORG

2/26 • 5:30–7 P.M. • NAU 101

Husseini

ENABLING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS SERIES PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND

Treat yourself to a perfectly plump pout - spaces are limited.

Schedule today!

On their game

CULTURE

25

Feedback: Nicole Mitchell’s entive music.

Small Bites: Take It Away’s w owner, C-ville Bites’ grant, and more

Sudoku Crossword

Free Will Astrology

The Big Picture

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ED I TORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Caite Hamilton editor@c-ville.com

ART DIRECTOR

Max March max@c-ville.com

CULTURE EDITOR

Tami Keaveny tami@c-ville.com

NEWS REPORTER

Catie Ratliff reporter@c-ville.com

ASSOCIATE CULTURE EDITOR

CM Turner arts@c-ville.com

COPY EDITOR

Susan Sorensen

NEWS INTERN

Merrill Hart

CONTRIBUTORS

Rob Brezsny, Dave Cantor, Matt Dhillon, Carol Diggs, Shea Gibbs, Claudia Gohn, Mary Jane Gore, Maeve Hayden, Andrew Hollins, Erika Howsare, Justin Humphreys, Matt Jones, Sarah Lawson, Erin Martin, Kristin O’Donoghue, Lisa Provence, Sarah Sargent, Kristie Smeltzer, Jen Sorensen, Julia Stumbaugh, Courteney Stuart, Paul Ting, Sean Tubbs

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER

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PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Faith Gibson ads@c-ville.com

BUSINESS

PUBLISHER

Anna Harrison anna@c-ville.com

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Debbie Miller debbie@c-ville.com

A/R SPECIALIST

Nanci Winter (434) 373-0429

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Billy Dempsey circulation@c-ville.com

C-VILLE HOLDINGS, LLC

Bill Chapman, Blair Kelly

ONE VOICE CHORUS

Thursday, February 27 | 6:00-7:30pm

An intentionally integrated community chorus from Richmond, dedicated to the idea that when people of different backgrounds raise their voices together musically, it promotes kindness, respect, equality and trust.

Free and open to all. Please register online.

UVA MUSIC EVENTS

Date/Time/Place Event

Saturday, 2/22, 3:30pm Old Cabell Hall

Saturday, 2/22, 8pm Old Cabell Hall

Sunday, 2/23, 3:30pm Brooks Hall

Saturday, 3/1, 3:30pm Brooks Hall

Saturday, 3/1, 8pm Old Cabell Hall

Sunday, 3/2, 8pm Old Cabell Hall

Saturday, 3/22, 7:30pm Old Cabell Hall

Sunday, 3/23, 3:30pm MLK Performing Arts Center

Saturday, 3/29, 8pm Old Cabell Hall

Friday, 4/4, 8pm Old Cabell Hall

uvamusic

* denotes free events

Amanda Yo * Distinguished Major Flute Recital

Ivo Kaltchev Piano Recital * Debussy & Beyond

Ivo Kaltchev Piano Masterclass * with pre-selected piano students

Francesca Hurst, solo piano recital * Reflections

Julia Totten, flute * Distinguished Major Recital

Faculty Chamber Ensembles part of the UVA Chamber Music Series

Charlottesville Symphony Mozart Requiem

Charlottesville Symphony Mozart Requiem

Jack Siegel * Distinguished Major Voice Recital

UVA Chamber Singers 20th Anniversary Concert

To find out about these and all our events, subscribe to our weekly “Music at UVA”

‘Dump Trump’

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Albemarle County Office Building in downtown Charlottesville on February 17 to oppose recent actions by President Donald Trump and Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk. The protest, organized locally by Indivisible Charlottesville, was one of several President’s Day demonstrations across the United States. Protesters carried signs with a variety of slogans, including “FIGHT FASCISM!!,” “WHAT’S GOING ON???,” and “SAVE OUR DEMOCRACY.” Others brought props and wore outfits to express their discontent, with one woman holding several egg cartons.—CR

NEWS POLITICS

Rapid change

Area activists navigate new immigration landscape

BY CATIE RATLIFF

From the border wall to expedited deportations, hard-line immigration policy has been a priority for President Donald Trump for years. Amid the barrage of executive orders and immigration policy changes from Washington, D.C., local organizations and individuals find themselves in both familiar and uncharted waters.

Charlottesville is hundreds of miles from the nearest land border crossings—more than 1,400 miles from the Del Rio, Texas, crossing and 340 miles from the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York—but the city has several thriving immigrant communities.

Recent estimates from datausa.io and the U.S. Census put Charlottesville’s foreignborn population between 8.2 and 10.3 percent, respectively. Within that population, and even within households, there are immigrants with a range of different legal statuses: naturalized citizens, green card holders, refugees, and Special Immigrant Visa, Temporary Protected Status, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients.

For local immigrant activists, it’s too early to tell how the Trump administration’s policies will affect Charlottesville residents. Still, there’s work (and support) to be done.

“There’s a lot of chaos—a lot of change— happening on a day-to-day basis, and that seems to be consistent from both [Trump administrations],” says Tanishka Cruz, a longtime local immigration attorney. Her firm, Cruz Law, PLLC, focuses on immigration law, including deportation defense, family-based immigrant visas, and humanitarian relief.

City- and locality-level data on foreignborn communities is limited, but estimates from the American Immigration Council indicate 12.6 percent of Virginia’s population is foreign-born, with the five most common countries of origin being India, El Salvador, Mexico, the Philippines, and Korea. Approximately 632,900 immigrants in Virginia are naturalized citizens, with an additional 144,200 eligible for naturalization. Roughly 227,100 of immigrants in the commonwealth are undocumented, and another 17,700 DACA eligible.

“Under the Biden administration … there were priorities for removal. But now under this administration, they just sort of see everyone as a priority for removal,” says Cruz. Many of the policy changes brought by Trump were anticipated, but the extent of enforcement actions and their legality is yet to be determined.

“There’s a lot of chaos—a lot of change—happening on a day-to-day basis, and that seems to be consistent from both [Trump administrations],” says Tanishka Cruz, a Charlottesville immigration attorney.

Frank Sullivan, a board member of Sin Barreras, says expanded powers for ICE are contributing to anxiety among some local immigrants.

“The way that it used to be in Trump One was that Customs and Border Protection had the possibility to stop anyone ... within 100 miles of the border,” he says. “Customs and Border Protection can now stop anybody anywhere in the country and ask for papers. And if you can’t show your papers that you have been in the country for at least two years … you are liable for immediate arrest and immediate rapid departure—deportation.”

Another major concern for Sullivan is the disruption of schools, hospitals, and churches as protected spaces. Both Charlottesville City and Albemarle County Public Schools have said they do not ask students for their immigration status and will not allow ICE onto campuses without warrants.

Cruz has not encountered any change in Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity locally, but is monitoring the renewed practice of collateral detentions and reports of detentions at ICE check-in appointments.

While most of the policies enacted by Trump are reiterations of executive orders from his first administration, Cruz and other immigration activists have also been contending with new and untested immigra-

In addition to being on the board of Sin Barreras, Frank Sullivan works with immigrants navigating legal issues.

tion policies—including the firing of 20 federal immigration judges and the designation of international drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

In areas with high rates of cartel-related violence and kidnappings, migrants are frequently extorted for money and services, according to Cruz.

“Now if you pay that ransom, if you pay that extortion—even if it’s under the threat of death—you’re going to be barred from being able to seek asylum, because what it

does is it triggers the terrorism bar,” she says. “You’ve provided material support to a terrorist organization. … Now you’re barred from being able to get asylum.”

As an International Rescue Committee resettlement community, Charlottesville has thousands of residents with Special Immigrant Visas, Temporary Protected Status, or refugee status.

“It’s really an unusual time … for a lot of people who thought that they were going to have certain types of protections here, or a pathway to permanent protection here, and then it disappears overnight,” says Kristin Clarens, who works with the Charlottesville Albemarle Bar Association and Legal Aid Justice Center. “It’s a weird, weird new reality.”

Walking the line of providing resources and support while still acknowledging the real concern of Charlottesville residents has been a balancing act for Cruz and others working with immigrants. “What I advise people to do is to make a plan and … prepare a power of attorney,” she says. “Nobody likes to think about these things, and it can be very anxiety-provoking. But at the same time, having a plan, I think, also sometimes helps people cope with what they might be facing. … It’s hard also not to not minimize it, because there are threats and there are risks.”

The LAJC is offering similar advice and resources.

“The main thing that we’re doing, from a community organizing perspective, at this point is offering legal orientations and Know Your Rights sessions to different pockets of … concerned populations around the community,” says Clarens. “We have seen some people change their daily behavior to reduce their risk. And for some people, that’s probably a wise idea to the extent that it doesn’t stand in the way of their ability to live their lives.”

Amid the uncertainty, one bright spot has been the ample support from the Charlottesville community.

“We have historically done a really good job targeting areas where more support was needed and then making it happen,” says Clarens. “And I think we’re continuing to do that right now. … We’re working hard to make sure that people feel protected and feel cared for and welcomed. And I’m really, really proud of that. We’ve been doing it for years. This is a second round where the stakes feel higher, and I think we’re rising to the occasion.”

“Customs and Border Protection can now stop anybody anywhere in the country and ask for papers.”

FRANK SULLIVAN, SIN BARRERAS BOARD MEMBER

Shootout in Crozet

Three dead, including gunman, after Harris Teeter shooting

Albemarle County Police responded to multiple reports of shots fired at the Harris Teeter grocery store in Crozet at approximately 1:35pm on February 17. Two people, including the shooter, were pronounced dead at the scene. A third victim was transported to the University of Virginia Medical Center, where she died from her injuries.

The preliminary investigation from ACPD and Virginia State Police indicates that the shooter, 28-year-old Justin Barbour of Crozet, entered the parking lot and began firing an AR-15 rifle at the first victim, 43-year-old Peter Martin of Crozet, as he exited the grocery store. Barbour then approached the second victim, 68-year-old Diane Spangler of Afton, while she was in her vehicle and shot her.

An off-duty federal agent heard the gunfire as he exited Harris Teeter and engaged and fatally shot Barbour with a personal weapon approximately 20 seconds after the

gunfire started. At a February 18 press conference, Col. Sean Reeves said ACPD does not plan to press charges against the off-duty officer, or identify the person or the agency he works for.

“We owe an immense gratitude to an off-duty federal law enforcement professional who happened to be in the shopping center when the shooting occurred. This heroic individual selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way to stop the gunman and prevent further loss of life,” said Reeves. “Without their brave actions there’s no doubt the casualty count could have been much higher.”

“Our detectives are still executing search warrants, but the suspect’s vehicle is present,” he said. “In plain view there are additional firearms.”

At press time, law enforcement does not know if Barbour, Martin, or Spangler knew each other prior to the incident.

Catie Ratliff

Trump executive order shutters Charlottesville’s Federal Executive Institute

An executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month would shut down the Federal Executive Institute, a leadership training center based in Charlottesville since 1968.

Located on a 14-acre campus about a mile from the University of Virginia, the FEI has trained more than 30,000 senior federal employees over the past 57 years.

The February 10 order calls for the Office of Personnel Management to “take all necessary steps” to close the Federal Executive Institute, claiming the facility contributes to policies that benefit government employees instead of “the American family.”

“The Federal Executive Institute should therefore be eliminated to refocus Government on serving taxpayers, competence, and dedication to our Constitution, rather than serving the Federal bureaucracy,” the order reads.

The order does not specify when the dozens of people employed by the FEI will be forced out of their offices—and likely, out of work. Staff include resident faculty members and adjunct professors from universities across the nation.

One employee, in an anonymous interview with The Daily Progress, said the institute will close its doors March

14. Employees can either relocate to the nearest OPM office in Washington, D.C., or leave the government. It’s unclear whether the transfer option will protect employees’ jobs, especially given Trump’s focus on eliminating federal positions across departments.

FEI employees were among those offered buyouts through the administration’s Fork in the Road program—eight months of pay and benefits to federal workers who resign immediately. Roughly 75,000 employees have accepted the offer at press time, approximately 3.3 percent of all eligible individuals.

The FEI declined C-VILLE’s request for comment. Merrill Hart

IN BRIEF

All the news you missed last week (in one sentence or less)

The Shops at Stonefield announces via Instagram addition of Tesla store. The University of Virginia Darden School of Business partners with OpenAI, bringing ChatGPT EDU to the school’s curriculum. Charlottesville City Schools requests $4.9 million for fiscal year 2026 from City Council operating budget. Blue Ridge Area Food Bank CEO Michael McKee says he’ll retire this summer. Swords into Plowshares releases open call to artists to create work of art from melted remains of the city’s Robert E. Lee statue. Charlottesville Police investigate apparent suicide in the area of South First Street and Elliott Avenue. Joann Fabric announces closure of Charlottesville store. Fashion Square Mall officially closes to the public after 45 years of operation. Willow Creek Partners announce the $56.8 million sale of Barracks West Apartments & Townhomes to West End Capital Group.

REAL ESTATE NEWS

Change order

BOV committee reviews changes to Ivy Road dorms BY SEAN TUBBS

The University of Virginia is moving ahead with an initiative to house more students on Grounds, and one component has shifted slightly this month.

A subcommittee of the Board of Visitors is scheduled to hold a special meeting February 19 to approve the schematic design for a $160 million project to build hundreds of bedrooms at a residential complex at the intersection of Ivy and Copeley roads.

The meeting is being held this month so the project can go to construction on March 10.

In December, one of UVA’s top officials reminded the Buildings and Grounds Committee that providing more places to live is part of a long-term plan.

“This has its roots in the 2030 strategic plan,” said Colette Sheehy, the university’s senior vice president for operations and state government relations. “The idea being that we should try to house more of our own undergraduate students on Grounds, particularly second-year students.”

These plans would build on the recent construction of the Bond, Gaston, and Ramazani houses in the Brandon Avenue corridor. As with the Ivy Road corridor, the University of Virginia Foundation slowly purchased land over time to serve a greater purpose: expanding the university.

The committee last looked at the plans for the Ivy Road student housing in December, when it added the project to UVA’s Major Capital Plan, a comprehensive list of how investments are being made to construct new buildings and infrastructure. As of December, there is more than a billion dollars worth of construction.

Three buildings were proposed in December. Since then, the design firm Elkus Manfredi Architects has modified the plans to consolidate two of the buildings into a C-shaped structure that would be directly across Copeley Road from a private development at 2119 Ivy Rd. Two breezeways would allow for pedestrian access to the rest of UVA’s planned urban area.

Bethanie Glover, deputy spokeswoman for UVA, says the design has not changed all that much. “There will be three separate entries to the buildings, but since the north, west, and south wings of the westernmost building have connected circulation, it is considered one building.”

The smaller building would face the back of the $82 million Karsh Institute of Democracy and both would be immediately to the west of the new hotel and convention center that will be known as the Virginia Guesthouse. That project has a budget of $167.9 million.

The current plans for the Emmet-Ivy Corridor is for the L-shaped hotel to mirror the Center for the Arts, but construction of that project is not yet part of the Major Capital Plan. In December, some members of the Buildings and Grounds Committee asked for the center to be reduced in scope.

UVA also wants to build hundreds of residences at a site on Emmet Street where the University Gardens used to stand and where Afghan Kebab still operates. A design for that project has not yet been publicly revealed.

Ground was also broken in October for the first graduate student housing units at the Darden School of Business. UVA is hoping that both that project and the one at Ivy Road will be ready for residents to move in by fall of 2027.

A rendering of what the six-story residential building would look like at the intersection of Ivy and Copeley roads as UVA urbanizes what had been a suburban street.

4429 SUNSET DR 6 JAMES RIVER RD

WHO GOT

GAME? ?

For the Blue Ridge School, basketball is (almost) everything

As

The snowstorm brought bad news. Tuesday’s varsity basketball game, which would decide whether the Blue Ridge Barons or Miller School of Albemarle Mavericks would land the No. 1 seed in postseason play, was postponed to Thursday.

For Blue Ridge seniors like Colby White, a 6'3" guard, the snow delay meant two things. One, White and his teammates would have to sweat for two more days before playing an away game against one of the hottest teams in the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference. Two, Tuesday would be a practice day, rather than a game day.

The Barons’ two returning seniors, White and 6'2" wing D’Myo Hunter, know what to expect from Head Coach Cade Lemcke’s practices. The workouts focus heavily on most players’ least-favorite part of the game—defense—and they’re only limited in time and intensity by scheduling details like the dining hall closing or study hall opening. Blue Ridge is an all boys’ boarding academy, and members of the school’s proud basketball team never have parents waiting in the parking lot to take them home after practice. They live steps from the gym, steps from the place where Lemcke teaches a brand of basketball as taxing as it is effective.

The Barons have had remarkable success over the past 40 years, winning their first four state championships between 1986 and 2015. Lemcke joined the coaching staff as an assistant for the 2014–2015 state championship season and took over as head coach the next year. Since then, Blue Ridge has more than doubled its championship total, win-

BY SHEA GIBBS

ning five more in ’17, ’19, ’20, ’21, and ’22. The dominant stretch since Lemcke arrived has produced 21 Division I NCAA basketball talents, including Mamadi Diakite, who helped the University of Virginia win its 2019 national championship, and Aamir Simms, an all-conference player at Clemson University.

“I’ve gotten to coach these players from not only all over the United States, but the world,” Lemcke says. “Almost all of them are in it for a similar goal. They want to play at the next level, to maximize what God has given them, and to do it in a way that is team first.”

Industrial to industrious

The Blue Ridge School opened in 1909 in St. George, a 40-minute drive on state and county roads from Charlottesville. The school was originally an industrial education center, a place where young people from the surrounding towns could commute for days at a time to learn the trades that would help them thrive in the Shenandoah mountains.

In the late 1950s, public school and transportation infrastructure expansion brought Blue Ridge to a crossroads. To remain relevant, it would have to be something other than an industrial school—a community college, a seminary, or, perhaps, a boys college preparatory.

Administrators went the third route, and the new prep school opened in 1962 with 66 students. Blue Ridge quickly grew its reputation academically and athletically, the latter mostly on the back of its wrestling program. Football

and basketball took hold slowly, and by the late 1980s, the school was on the map for young men seeking a place where they could isolate themselves and focus on their dreams in the classroom and on the basketball court.

Coach Bill Ramsey took the hardwood helm in 1996 and brought Blue Ridge back-to-back state championships in 2000 and 2001. Lemcke says that under Ramsey, he learned much about the traditions and expectations at Blue Ridge, not only on the basketball court but in a fully immersive community where the coaches and players spend nearly all their time together on the small, rural campus.

“I had heard about Blue Ridge, but I had not been engrossed in the culture,” Lemcke says. “It was a great opportunity for my family and I.”

Coach Cade

Lemcke grew up the son of a basketball coach in Rochester, New York. He looks the part. Gritty and earnest with closecropped hair and a furrowed brow, he speaks quickly in his slight upstate-New York accent.

As a boy, the gym was where Lemcke spent time with his dad, watching the coach mold young men and gaining an abiding love for basketball. Lemcke had success as a player as well. He won a state championship with his allboys high school, McQuaid Jesuit, in 1988. A 6'6" guard, Lemcke says he was never the most athletic player on the court, but he had the high basketball IQ he honed at his father’s side. He was recruited by UVA coach Pete Gillen, and his college years reinforced what he knew: Hard work would drive any success he had in the game he loved.

Lemcke’s playing career ended in 2002. He married his college sweetheart, and the couple decided to stay in the area. As an entrepreneur drawing on his training from the university’s McIntire School of Commerce, Lemcke launched a small business and an AAU basketball program, East Coast Fusion. The hoops organization grew, as did Lemcke’s reputation as a coach and leader.

Lemcke drew the attention of the Longwood University basketball team in 2013. He traveled south to be the school’s assistant coach for one season before he had the opportunity to be Ramsey’s heir apparent at Blue Ridge. There, he would also expand his work with young people as director of special programs, math teacher, and head of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Along the way, Lemcke made another formative stop in Charlottesville that would impact the coaching style he’d bring to Blue Ridge hoops. Serving as director of finance at the John Paul Jones Arena, he had a daily front-row seat for UVA basketball practices led by coach Tony Bennett.

“They say that when you go from being a player to a coach, you end up coaching the areas that you were weak in,” Lemcke says. “One of the things I was poor at as a player was defense.”

Gray’s pitch

It was January 22, and Blue Ridge Barons assistant coach Rob Gray was feeling good about the team’s season. The Barons were undefeated at 21-0 and ranked in the national top 50. They were on track to win the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference and enter the postseason tournament as the No. 1 seed. Another state championship was by no means out of the question.

Just over a week prior, on January 14, the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association had released its latest boys basketball state poll, and Blue Ridge captured the Division I top ranking with 115 votes.

“They say that when you go from being a player to a coach, you end up coaching the areas that you were

a returning senior, Colby White would love to end his career at the Blue Ridge School with another state championship. The Barons have already won nine, starting in 1986.

Gray, co-founder of the Charlottesville-based Uhuru Foundation, which helps young people and troubled adults with life coaching and basic needs, decided to take a shot. “We’re having a great season out here,” he said in an email. “Come have a look at us.”

Sports, of course, have a way of beguiling.

The Barons would lose their next two games, one an overtime heartbreaker. Then, after stringing together two more wins, they lost a third game, this one a buzzer-beater gut punch by rival St. Anne’s-Belfield.

By the time they were set for their snow-delayed matchup on February 13 against the Miller School, VISAA’s topranked Division II team, the Blue Ridge boys were 24-3—no longer undefeated, but still in a good position to grab the top BRAC seed as they started their conference tourney and made a run at Lemcke’s sixth state championship.

The head coach was, frankly, surprised. He had entered the season expecting something of a rebuilding year. The Barons had only five seniors, three of whom were new to the varsity squad. They had a glut of talent at the third-year level; next season, Lemcke figured, would probably be the one.

A recognizable scheme

Gray, now in his second year on the Blue Ridge basketball staff, is one of four assistants to Lemcke. “One of the big secret sauces that we have is our coaching staff,” Lemcke says. “I would put our coaches up against anybody in high school basketball.”

In addition to Gray, who Lemcke coached at the AAU level, the staff consists of Associate Head Coach Tladi Conway, Assistant Coach and Blue Ridge Athletic Director Parker Kirwan, and Assistant Coach Johnny Atkinson, who finished his playing time at Blue Ridge under Ramsey. Conway and Kirwan are full-time assistants and live on campus with Lemcke and the rest of the Blue Ridge community. Gray and Atkinson are part-time assistants. Over the past decade, Lemcke has worked with only a few other assistants—all of whom he says have been critical to the program’s success.

“There’s a cliché out there that it’s not about the Xs and the Os but the Jimmies and the Joes,” Lemcke says. “It’s your

ability to connect with your athletes and earn their trust. I have been so blessed to have these coaches through my 10 years here. They know the game, but they really know people.” What Lemcke asks of his people—his players—is effort. In a game where young stars want to score the basketball more than anything, the head ball coach demands his players focus on the defensive end. His teams play man-to-man 100 percent of the time; they never deploy a zone, which can give players a chance to rest when they’re away from the ball.

Lemcke’s scheme is meticulously designed to make sure opposing teams never get an easy look at the basket. Every shot should be contested. Every game should be a lowscoring, high-intensity grind.

In other words, every game should look a lot like it’s being played by a Tony Bennett-led Cavaliers team. Bennett’s squads were the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference at limiting opponent scoring from 2012 to 2024. They were the best in NCAA Division I at limiting opponent scoring from 2017 to 2020.

In the first 24 games the Barons won this year, they allowed their opponents to score more than 60 points only five times. And on January 9, the first time Blue Ridge faced the Miller School, the Barons’ stingy D held the Mavericks to only 41 en route to a 24-point victory.

Tip off

Lemcke knew his team had a tough road ahead as it prepared for the MSA matchup. He knew the players were succeeding mostly through pure grit, determination, and discipline. The Barons were winning close games, and every time they needed it, seniors White and Hunter were making plays. What’s more, everyone in the conference knows about Blue Ridge. They know how successful the basketball team has been. “When you wear this Blue Ridge School uniform, you are going to get everyone’s best game,” Lemcke says. “You need to be ready to be on that stage.”

For Lemcke, the remarkable thing about this season has been the ability of his players, with only two returning seniors, to come together. On the offensive side of the ball, the Barons are a foil to their defense. Because Lemcke demands discipline on one end, he allows freedom on the other. Blue Ridge’s offense is dependent on every individual knowing the game inside and out and how to play on and off the ball—when to cut, when to slash, when to pass, when to shoot. In other words, everyone has to know what their teammates are going to do before they do it.

It all came together in their first matchup against the Miller School. The 65-41 box score looked like so many UVA wins during Bennett’s most dominant stretches—just the way Lemcke draws it up.

But MSA was seemingly a different team just over a month later. The Mavericks came into the February 13 game against the Barons having won five straight and outscoring opponents by more than 50 points on average.

From the first tip, the Barons’ defense managed to do what they’re known to do. They played lockdown man-toman, contested every shot, and held MSA to 22 points in the first half. They went to the locker room up 25-22.

At halftime, Coach Cade presumably told his team to stay the course. Keep contesting shots. Keep giving 100 percent on defense and anticipating your teammates moves on offense. Play together for two more quarters, and you’re conference champs.

The Mavericks started the third quarter shooting lights out. They scored 11 unanswered points to go up 33-25. White and Hunter did their part on offense, with White

putting up a team high 23 points. But the defense faltered. It couldn’t get a stop when the team needed one. The Barons allowed 47 points in the second half and fell to MSA 69-54.

Work left to do

A loss to the Miller School, which won a state championship in 2018 and has sent its own share of players to NCAA Division I basketball teams, is no reason to call off a season.

“I mean, it happens, right? It happens to great teams,” Gray says. “We got a little lackadaisical and lost focus, and that’s something we have been preaching—stringing four quarters together consecutively and staying locked in and focused throughout.”

Blue Ridge will enter the BRAC postseason tournament as the two seed. The Barons will play their semifinal game on February 20 and, with a win, advance to the finals two days later. The VISAA Division I state tournament begins February 25.

Winning the tournament won’t be easy, Lemcke says. He calls this one of the deepest VISAA state tournaments in history, with at least six teams in a position to claim the title.

However it turns out, he doesn’t plan to judge his success based on the 2025 state tournament.

“I won’t know if we’ve done a good job coaching these young men for 10, 20, 30 years after they leave us,” he says. “Then you can see if that time we spent with them was impactful. If we can impact these young men’s lives, that is what we love. It’s just that the vehicle for me is basketball.”

weak in. One of the things I was poor at as a player was defense.” CADE LEMCKE, BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL HEAD BASKETBALL COACH C

Justin Huang, a sophomore from Taiwan, is part of a team with a heavy focus on defense.

Lambert Brokamp (#10) watches as Austin Agosto Navarro finishes at the basket.

THE WINE DOWN

WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES?

53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD

A note from Winegrower and Owner, Dave Drillock

Virginia wineries have increasingly participated in West Coast competitions, with the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle recently announcing impressive results for several of them, including numerous Gold and Silver awards. You can find the full list on their website. Notably, our 2021 Rock Ridge received a Double Gold award. This wine, aged for 20 months in French and American oak, is a blend of 65% Petit Verdot, 30% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It offers a well-balanced profile with moderate acidity, tannins, and flavors of black cherry, blackberries, and a touch of minerality. It can be enjoyed now or aged for up to five more years. Bottled in June 2023, we produced 220 cases, and about half of that has already been sold.

We invite you to visit our serene, meadowlike location in rural Louisa County. We pride ourselves on being genuine and approachable, eager to share our passion for wine without any scripted lines or memorized facts—just a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Over the coming months, we’ll host several special tasting events. For more details, please check our website at www.53rdwinery.com or call us at 540894-1536. We look forward to welcoming you to the winery, and we truly appreciate your business and support.

Upcoming events:

Feb. 22nd - Experience “Taste the Future” with Winegrower and Owner Dave Drillock during a red wine barrel tasting event. Tickets are available on our website.

March 1st - Attend our first “Taste Unreleased Wine Event” to be among the first to sample our newly bottled Rosés, Albariño, and Chardonel wines, which will also be available for purchase. Tickets can be obtained through our website..

Open 7 days a week, 11 am – 5 pm Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm

13372 Shannon Hill Rd Louisa, VA 23093 (540) 894-5474 • 53rdwinery.com

DUCARD VINEYARDS

2022 Veni, Vini, Vino! With aromas of pear and white flower followed by brightness and minerality, this white wine blend exhibits structure and a firm acidity. Pairs well with light cheese, seafood, and nothing at all. This wine is a Double Gold Winner in the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and is available in our tasting room and online.

We are open 7 days a week throughout

the month of January, with live music every weekend! Make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media pages for the most up to date listings of our upcoming artists.

Fridays - Friday Night Out! Every Friday night through the summer we feature half price wine flights, live music, food for sale, and grills available for use until 8:00pm.

Weekends - Live music all weekend long! Check out our lineup on our website!

Open daily

Mon-Thurs. 12-5 pm Fri. 12-9 pm Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm

40 Gibson Hollow Ln Etlan, VA 22719 (540) 923-4206 www.ducardvineyards.com

EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY

2022 Cabernet Franc & 2022 Petit Verdot - DOUBLE GOLD!

2023 Petit Manseng - BEST IN CLASS!

Looking for Valentine’s Day plans or a Galentine’s celebration with friends? We have a great lineup for you. Just 5 miles from the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, enjoy award-winning wines, on tap beers and ciders, and delicious lunch and dinner menus all week, including our new warm crab dip and chocolate fondue! We will also be releasing the long-awaited Sparkling Rosé this month. Open year-round, seven days a week.

Upcoming at the Winery:

Low-Country Shrimp Boil | Fridays In February & March

Get ready for a delicious, flavor-packed Shrimp Boil Feast Friday nights this winter! We’re bringing the best of Southern tradition right to your plate with succulent shrimp, juicy sausage, tender corn on the cob, and perfectly seasoned potatoes – all served hot and ready to enjoy in a relaxed, fun atmosphere with live music from 5-8pm on the stage in our tasting room.

Paint & Sip | Sunday, February 23

Whether you’re an experienced artist or a first-time painter, the talented instructors of Blue Ridge Brushes will walk you through

the painting process as you create your own masterpiece. This is a ticketed event. Reserve your spot on our website!

Chef Tasting Series | Wednesday, February 26

Join us at Eastwood for an opportunity to participate in an intimate wine tasting and food pairing event. You will be greeted with a glass of our gold medalwinning Blanc de Blancs. Once everyone is seated, Athena Eastwood and Chef Andrew Partridge will guide guests through a tasting of four of our wines each paired with small plates curated by Chef Andrew and our culinary team. We hope you will join us for this fun and educational experience. This is a ticketed event and seating is limited. Reserve your spot on our website!

The Front Porch presents BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet | Thursday, February 27

For the past 50 years, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Born out of the rich Acadian ancestry of its members, and created and driven by bandleader Michael Doucet’s spellbinding fiddle playing and soulful vocals, BeauSoleil is notorious for bringing even the most staid audience to its feet. BeauSoleil’s distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and bluegrass, captivating listeners from the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, to Carnegie Hall, then all the way across the pond to Richard Thompson’s Meltdown Festival in England. This is a ticketed concert. Reserve your spot on our website!

Rosé Blending Workshop |

Wednesday, March 5

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you get to be the winemaker! You’ll sit down to a table with beakers, a flask, a large vessel and our winemaking team will walk you through the steps of making a great blend. Plus, there is some friendly competition involved and one of the team’s blends will be deemed the winner! Ticketed Event - Reserve Your Spot On Our Website

MUSIC AT EASTWOOD!

Join us for the popular Eastwood After Dark featuring upbeat, danceable music on Saturday nights from 5-8pm (in addition to our more mellow Saturday afternoon music program). Eastwood also hosts a range of live performances by talented local and regional musicians every Thursday and Friday night. See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.

Every Thursday: Live Music 5-8PM or Music Bingo 6-8PM

Thursday “Thank You” Community Day at Eastwood—$5 Taps (Beer & Cider)

Every Friday: Live Music 5-8PM

Low-Country Shrimp Boil 5-8PM

Every Saturday: Live Music 12:303:30PM + Eastwood After Dark with Live Music 5-8PM

Every Sunday: Music Bingo, Paint & Sip, Maker’s Market or Live Music (See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.)

What about the kids?

Kids can share in the experience with their own juice tasting flights and cheese boards!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Winery Hours: Sunday-Wednesday (12-5 PM); Thursday-Saturday (12-8 PM)

We look forward to welcoming you to our cozy tasting room, seven days a week. Join us for award-winning wines, beer, and cider, as well as a delicious seasonal menu by Chef Andrew Partridge that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Delight in lounging on our enclosed & heated veranda with a glass of our gold medal 2022 Meritage Reserve. Or, stay inside and enjoy live music with a seasonal toasty flatbread or our scrumptious Cast Iron Baked Brie. Escape to Virginia Wine Country, only five miles from Downtown Charlottesville. Open year-round, seven days a week.

Pet friendly and large groups are welcome. Ample indoor and outdoor seating.

Rt 20 near the intersection with Avon Extended (5 mi from Downtown Mall) Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 264-6727 www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

KESWICK VINEYARDS

Keswick Vineyards is excited to announce the opening of its new tasting room, designed to elevate your winetasting experience to new heights. This state-of-the-art space features a retractable roof and glass walls that can be fully retracted, seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor environments.

Imagine sipping your favorite vintage surrounded by panoramic views of the vineyard and rolling countryside, all while enjoying the perfect balance of fresh air and comfort.

Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, Keswick Vineyards offers a range of tasting options to suit your preferences. You can enjoy wine by the glass, bottle, or explore a curated flight of their finest selections. The traditional guided tastings are available Monday through Friday, allowing you to experience their diverse portfolio of wines in a relaxed setting.

Enjoy live music every Saturday from 12-4 PM, the perfect soundtrack to a relaxing afternoon in the vineyards.

Come experience the innovation and charm of Keswick Vineyards’ new tasting room—a place where tradition meets modern luxury, and every visit feels like a special occasion.

Wednesdays - Wine Down Wednesdays 5:30-8:30pm

Weekends - Live Music from 12-4 pm

(check out our website for the schedule!)

March 1st – Wine, Wildlife & Wild Tales: Join best-selling author DOUGLAS ROGERS for an afternoon of wine and stories with legendary Zimbabwe safari

guide, raconteur and lodge owner MARK BUTCHER.

Hours: Monday- Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm 1575 Keswick Winery Drive Keswick, Virginia 22947

Tasting Room: (434) 244-3341 ext 105 tastingroom@keswickvineyards.com www.keswickvineyards.com

PRINCE MICHEL VINEYARDS

Petit Verdot

During the month of February celebrate with Prince Michel’s Petit Verdot! During the month of February, celebrate with Prince Michel’s Petit Verdot!

This bold and expressive red wine boasts deep intensity, rich dark fruit flavors, and elegant layers of violet, black pepper, and vanilla. Perfectly paired with hearty dishes like grilled ribeye, smoked sausages, and even a decadent dark chocolate tart.

Discover Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, an iconic East Coast estate. Family and pet-friendly, it’s one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Commonwealth. Also, home to Tap 29 Brewery & Pub, serving local craft brews and delicious pub-style food seven days a week.

Located in the heart of Virginia Wine Country, our elegant winery on Route 29 between Charlottesville and Washington DC offers wine tastings, tours, shopping, and scenic picnic spots daily from 11am.

February Savings!

20% OFF for Club Members 15% OFF for Non-Members Discount available February 1-28

At Prince Michel Indulge in a spectrum of wines, from luxurious craft picks such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Manseng, to distinctive options like our crowd-favorite Decadence Chocolate or a refreshing wine slushie for a delightful twist. We have something to offer for every palate!

Sign up today for our Valentine’s Dinner Pairing on Friday February 14th!

Live Music every Friday – Sunday! (Music lineup on our website) Friday 5-8 p.m.

Saturday 1-4 & 5-8

Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Open 7 days a Week at 11 a.m.

154 Winery Lane, Leon, VA  22725 (540) 547-3707

www.princemichel.com

A Woman-Owned Business

REVALATION VINEYARDS

2022 Village This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat and Merlot is vivacious with lots of Cabernet Sauvignon character. Red fruit is predominate on the nose with aromas of ripe raspberry and plum. Leather and green pepper show up followed by tobacco, fennel, black pepper, and camphor as you linger with the wine. This elegant ripe red-fruit wine highlights round, soft and gentle tannins, and has a delightful fruity and salty finish.

February Hours: Friday noon to Sunset; Saturday noon to 6 pm; Sunday noon to 5 pm; Monday, February 17, noon to 5pm; Monday and Thursday by reservation only.

Until February 28 - Exhibition of art pieces by Nicole Horn.

Feb. 21st - Sip & Learn: Ann Douglas Irby’s presentation, Piedmont Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA): Giving a Voice to Our Most Vulnerable Children, will start at 6:00pm. Come and mingle at 5:30pm!

Feb. 28th - Book Club @ The Vineyard starting at 6pm: Paris in Ruins by Sebastian Smee.

March 7th - Book World Meets

Wine World at 6 pm: Author Caroline Topperman will present her book Your Roots Cast A Shadow. A benefit for the Literacy Council of Madison County.

May 4th - En Plein Air: Artist Day at Revalation. Artists are invited to create art in the vineyard from dawn to dusk and exhibit their work from 5pm to 7pm. Artist tickets available on our website.

2710 Hebron Valley Road, Madison, VA 22727

540-407-1236

www.revalationvineyards.com

CULTURE

TUESDAY 2/25

SYMPHONIC MCSIBLINGS

The McGill/McHale Trio formed in 2014 when brothers Anthony and Demarre McGill— clarinetist and flutist, respectively—were joined by pianist Michael McHale to perform at Bowling Green University in Ohio. Since then, the acclaimed artists—Anthony was the New York Philharmonic’s first Black principal musician and a social activist who won the Avery Fisher Prize in 2020—have combined their sizable talents in world-class performances imbued with incredible prowess. The group’s first visit to Charlottesville as a trio features a program of sonatas by French composer Francis Poulenc and additional works by contemporary composers including Chris Rogerson and Valerie Coleman. $5–45, 7:30pm. Tuesday Evening Concert Series, Old Cabell Hall Auditorium. tecs.org

CULTURE FEEDBACK

Sowing seeds

Composer Nicole Mitchell tills Charlottesville’s creative landscape

BY DAVE CANTOR

Nicole Mitchell has sown the seeds of inventive music across the country through time in Chicago’s jazz scene, teaching in southern California and Pittsburgh, and now as a member of the University of Virginia’s music faculty.

She splits time between Charlottesville and rural North Carolina, but harbors a desire to enliven central Virginia’s creative music and arts scene.

“We can get stuck in these big-city cultures and the idea that you have to be where it’s already happening, versus, ‘Let’s plant some seeds. Let’s spread things out and allow other people the opportunity to experience something new,’” says Mitchell. “I think it’s exciting.”

Mitchell’s work—both leading her own ensembles, as well as performing in others’ groups—can take on facets of free improvisation or sit squarely in the pocket, leaning into a groove as deeply as any bop player. She’s led a loose cadre of players as the Black Earth Ensemble for more than 25 years, exploring compositional ideas, history, and Black thought.

The troupe’s most recent recording—a collaboration with Ballaké Sissoko called Bamako*Chicago Sound System—collects Malian performers, a few Chicago-scene stalwarts and JoVia Armstrong, a percussionist who’s also a part of UVA’s music faculty. It’s a boundless look at disparate traditions, indulging in the knotty roots of each musical culture.

Among her musical pursuits, Mitchell also performs in the Artifacts trio, where she investigates and expands on ideas pulled from the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, a storied Chicago institution founded in 1965 that the composer previously led as president.

Regardless of the project, Mitchell is perpetually engaged in an additive process, drawing on concepts from literature and pulling from Afrofuturism in its various forms—a term, she points out, that didn’t exist when she began writing and performing.

But part of Mitchell’s openness, or her “bridging what I call the familiar and the unknown” comes from having parents she describes as a Trekkie and a self-taught artist, who early on showed her that creativity should stubbornly refuse to recognize boundaries.

“As a child, there was all of that space exploration that was going on, even before I was born,” she says. “It was still permeating the ’60s, and so was the idea of going out into the unknown. I think that whole thing started with me very young, and then I

latched on to Octavia Butler and her books. … Both my parents were big sci-fi fans and my mom made paintings of women basically birthing planets. I was kind of born into this idea of endless possibility.”

A new suite of music, Portraits of Sonic Freedom, which Mitchell composed as part of a Guggenheim Fellowship, spans her multidisciplinary interests while celebrating music’s “role in the Black intellectual legacy and human consciousness,” she says.

She’ll be joined by a litany of talent from across the country to debut the suite at Unity Charlottesville on Friday. In addition to Armstrong on percussion, the group’s set to include pianist Angelica Sanchez, electronicist/percussionist Val Jeanty, altoist Caroline Davis, tenorist James Brandon Lewis, trumpeter Chris Williams, vocalist/ harpist Maia, and bassist Devon Gates.

Sanchez, who teaches at Bard and has worked with Mitchell, as well as a raft of other Chicago talent, says she hasn’t seen the new piece yet, but describes the bandleader’s work as “expansive.”

The pianist encouraged folks to let the music work on them, not attempt to categorize it.

“See how it makes you feel; that initial feeling you get might be scary, because it’s something you may have never heard before,” Sanchez says. “People move really fast these days, especially with technology. … And we’re really good at judging things, including our-

Wednesday 2/19

music

Mdou Moctar. A special acoustic performance by the Nigerien guitarist, singer, and songwriter who performs modern Tuareg rock. Tickets start at $33, 8pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

Michael Marcagi. Cincinnati folk-rock singersongwriter brings earnest storytelling rooted in age-old American musical traditions. $25–30, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St. jefferson theater.com

Mike Rosensky Trio. Live jazz. Free, 8:30pm. Miller’s Downtown, 109 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. millersdowntown.com

dance

Weekly Swing Dance. Beginner-friendly swing dance lessons followed by a social dance. Teaching the Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, and blues. No partner needed. $10, 7pm. The Front Porch, 221 E. Water St. frontporchcville.com

stage

Marys Seacole Based on the real-life Mary Seacole, 19th-century Jamaican nurse, adventurer, and entrepreneur, this play sets sail on a kaleidoscopic voyage across oceans, time-shifting through the centuries. $25–28, 7:30pm. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. livearts.org

words

Ruffin Distinguished Visiting Artist Lecture: Christopher Cozier. A public artist talk by the Trinidad-based mixed-media artist whose artworks investigate how Caribbean historical and contemporary experiences can inform our understanding of the wider world. Free, 6:30pm. Campbell Hall, Room 160, 110 Bayly Dr. art.as.virginia.edu

selves, and we all need to be a little kinder to each other and ourselves. That’s all I ask people to do when they come to a concert.”

On “Listening Embrace,” a tune from 2017’s Mandorla Awakening II: Emerging Worlds, Mitchell leads her troupe through shifts in tempo and tone on flute, dropping in some electronic squiggles that function like a bridge. The album also features shamisen, oud, and shakuhachi, as well as sturdy grooves. The recording and its companion piece, The Mandorla Letters: for the hopeful is a good distillation of Mitchell’s practice: The music might not be instantly recognizable as what some perceive as jazz, but Mitchell likely won’t ever let format be subservient to what she aims to express.

Projects like that—and recordings made for free jazz labels like Eremite, Firehouse 12, and RogueArt—explain why her work’s generally been contextualized as sprouting from the jazz genre’s avant-garde wing. But the composer is adamant about the benefits of delving into every aspect of the music’s prismatic history.

“I think it’s important that we understand that it’s bigger than that,” she says. “These stylistic aspects within jazz, they contribute something to American culture, and how we see and view things. We as human beings have the power to redesign how we look at the world, at any moment we can shift our lens. That’s the beauty of being human, and creative music definitely has had a role in that.”

classes

Learn to Knit. Learn the basics of knitting. No experience needed. Leave with a pair of knitting needles, the beginning of a scarf, and enough yarn to finish it. Ages 12+. $25, 5:30pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com etc.

Lunch Time Library Events: Crochet and Slay. Bring your project, grab a cup of tea, and hang out in the library with other hookers. Free, noon. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappy elephant.com

Thursday 2/20 music

Berto & Vincent. Lively flamenco rumba duo with Latin and Cuban influences. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 201 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

John D’earth & Friends. Live jazz with a rotating cast of local and national musicians. Free, 10pm. Miller’s Downtown, 109 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. millersdowntown.com

Kendall Street Company. A genre-fluid, eclectic rock ensemble with elements of crowd participation, off-the-cuff comedic bits, haphazard choreography, musical improvisation, and surprise musical guests. $15–22, 8pm. The Southern Cafe & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

Songwriter’s Open Mic. A space for all levels, styles, and ages. Amps and mics provided. Performances limited to one original song per artist. Hosted by Erynn Legna McLeod. Free, 7pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

Flutist, conceptualist, and composer Nicole Mitchell leads the Black Earth Ensemble on Friday at Unity of Charlottesville.

stage

Marys Seacole See listing for Wednesday, February 19. $25–28, 7:30pm. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. livearts.org

National Theatre Live in HD: The Importance of Being Earnest Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D. Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. $12–16, 7pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

words

Building an Ontology of Art: Hindustani Painting as a Case Study. This talk shows how figurative painting was intimately linked to a unique IndoMuslim religious expression that had a wide circulation across South Asia. Free, 6:30pm. Campbell Hall, Room 160, 110 Bayly Dr. art.as.virginia.edu

classes

Art and Mingle Meet Up. An evening of art, conversation, and new connections designed to help you expand your social circle and unleash your creativity with guided projects for beginners. This month’s activity: string art. $20, 7pm. Pikasso Swig Craft Bar, 333 Second St. SE. pikassoswig.com

etc.

Brewery Puzzle Hunt. An escape room meets a pub crawl. Visit the Preston Avenue breweries, crack codes, unravel riddles, and sample Charlottesville’s best brews. Players get $1-off pints at each brewery. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. Like an escape room but at a winery. Crack codes and unravel riddles while sampling Charlottesville’s best wine, beer, and cider. Play when you want and go at your own pace. $15, available noon–8pm. Please confirm Eastwood Winery and Potter’s Cider hours beforehand. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

Friday 2/21

music

Charles Owens Trio. Live jazz from a master tenor saxophonist, composer, band leader, and educator who has been performing, composing, and teaching for over 25 years. Free, 10pm. Miller’s Downtown, 109 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. millersdowntown.com

Dogwood Tales x Deau Eyes. Alt-country sounds with valley blues vocals atop lush steel and humming electric guitars. With RVA-based indie singer-songwriter Deau Eyes. $15, 7:30pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

Jordan Tice. Progressive bluegrass musician and founding member of the string band Hawktail, Tice is among the most innovative acoustic guitarists of the modern age. With Mike Burris and Andy Thacker. $20–25, 7:30pm. The Front Porch , 221 E. Water St. frontporchcville.com

LockJaw Classic Rock Band. Rock all evening long to covers of fan favorites spanning the decades from the ’60s through the ’80s, and beyond. Free, 6pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com

Nicole Mitchell and Black Earth Ensemble. Award-winning creative flutist, conceptualist, and composer premieres Portraits of Sonic Freedom with her groundbreaking African American ensemble, in celebration of Black History Month. Registration requested. Free, 8pm. Unity of Charlottesville, 2825 Hydraulic Rd. cvillejazz.org

Travis Elliott. Legendary acoustic music. Free, 5:30pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

dance

United We Dance. The ultimate rave experience— an electrifying night of EDM hits, immersive visuals, and non-stop energy on the dance floor. Ages 18+. $15–20, 9pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

stage

Marys Seacole. See listing for Wednesday, February 19. $25–28, 8pm. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. livearts.org

words

CreativeMornings Charlottesville. A monthly breakfast lecture series for the creative community. Stay Tuned for the monthly theme announcement. Free, 8:30am. Downtown Charlottesville. ComeToCharlottesvilleVA.com

Margo Smith. A lecture by Kluge-Ruhe director exploring three concepts that will better equip listeners to understand and appreciate UVA’s most unique and valuable Aboriginal art treasures. Free, 7:30pm. Jefferson Hall, Hotel C, West Range of The Lawn, McCormick Rd. kluge-ruhe.org

classes

Filmmaking Workshop. Charlottesville-based filmmaker Ty Cooper shares how to transform stories into compelling and cohesive films, from developing an initial idea to editing the final cut. Free, 10am. Piedmont Virginia Community College, V. Earl Dickinson Building, 501 College Dr. pvcc.edu/performingarts

etc.

Carnival. An evening of magic, movement, and merriment at Carnival, a family-friendly celebration of vibrant Mardi Gras traditions from around the world. $18–65, 5:30pm. Virginia Discovery Museum, 524 E. Main St. vadm.org

Brewery Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, February 20. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Fruitvale Station. A screening of the 2013 film based on the true story of a father gunned down by Bay Area Rapid Transit officers on New Year’s Day 2009. Free, 1:30pm. Northside Library, 705 W. Rio Rd. jmrl.org

Odds and Ends Film Festival. An experimental film festival pushing formal and conceptual boundaries. $12–20, 7–9pm. Light House Studio: Vinegar Hill Theatre, 220 W. Market St. lighthousestudio.org

Stitch and Bitch. Bring your project, grab a cup of tea, and hang out in the library with other stitchers. Free, noon. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

TO-DO LIST CULTURE

The Port Republic Times A screening of Horace Scruggs’ latest short documentary about a historically African American Waynesboro, Virginia neighborhood, followed by a talkback with local historians. Free, 7pm. Piedmont Virginia Community College, V. Earl Dickinson Building, 501 College Dr. pvcc.edu/ performingarts

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, February 20. $15, available noon–8pm. Please confirm Eastwood Winery and Potter’s Cider hours beforehand. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

Saturday 2/22 music

Bomar & Ritter. Contemporary folk-pop music with a special blend of vocal harmony, intricate guitar arrangements, and easygoing stage manner. Free, 2:30pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com

Danny Jams. Indie-electronic loop artist combines jam-focused guitar performances over electro-funk rhythms that weave together both songwriting and improv. Free, noon. Keswick Vineyards, 1575 Keswick Winery Dr., Keswick. keswickvineyards.com

Full Moon Fever: Tom Petty Tribute. A group of Richmond-area musicians with a love and penchant for learning and performing the music of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. $15–20, 7pm. Pro Re Nata Brewpub & Music Hall, 6135 Rockfish Gap Tpk., Crozet. prnbrewery.com

Gasolina Reggaeton Party. Dedicated to creating a community within the reggaetón and Latin-music scene across the United States through exciting and innovative events. Ages 18+. $20–25, 9pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

Ivo Kaltchev Piano Recital. A magical music journey celebrating Debussy’s unique and revolutionary influence on the arts in the 20th and 21st century. Free, 8pm. Old Cabell Hall. music.virginia.edu

Jason Burke. Music informed by the songs of 1960s and 1970s American and British rock and roll. Free, 12:30pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Penelope Road. A five-piece outfit from Atlanta combining soulful blues, punk ferocity, and jazzy pop to create an eclectic sound with inventive arrangements. $17–20, 8pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

South Canal Street. Covers of top hits from the golden era of music— the late 1950s to the 1970s. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

SATURDAY 2/22

KNOWN UNKNOWNS

Swamp Street. Funky sounds from the swamp including bluesy, neo-soul, and RnB styles. Free, 5:30pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

Zuzu’s Hot 5. Hot trad-jazz group performs stomps, Dixieland, blues, and swing. Free, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

dance

February Ballroom Dance. Join us for an evening of American Waltz, taught by Gia Ray. Beginners welcome. No partner required. Come for the class and stay for the dance. Pay at the door. Cash or checks only. $5–10, 7pm. The Center, 540 Belvedere Blvd. thecentercville.org

stage

Marys Seacole. See listing for Wednesday, February 19. $25–28, 8pm. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. livearts.org

words

Author Event: Kelsey Johnson. Join us for a book talk with Kelsey Johnson, author of Into the Unknown: The Quest to Understand the Mysteries of the Cosmos, exploring the convergence of science, philosophy, and theology. Free, 4pm. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. ndbookshop.com

classes

Beginner Zentangle. The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Ages 13+. $35, 11am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Learn to Knit. Learn the basics of knitting. No experience needed. Leave with a pair of knitting needles, the beginning of a scarf, and enough yarn to finish it. Ages 12+. $25, 10am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com Mosaic 101. A beginner workshop focusing on the tools, materials, and basics of cutting tile and glass, how to properly adhere mosaic bits to a substrate, make a curve from a square, and grouting. Ages 12+. $65, 10am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Tool Talk: The Right Tools for the Right Gardening Tasks. A garden-basics class by the Piedmont Master Gardeners demonstrates how safe use of the right tools for gardening chores can save time, energy, and your back. Registration required. Free, 2pm. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1118 Preston Ave. trinityepiscopalcville.org

If gazing into the boundless night sky prompts existential questions—“Where does it all come from? What does it all mean?”—you’ll want to open UVA Astronomy

Professor Kelsey Johnson’s latest book. In Into the Unknown: The Quest to Understand the Mysteries of the Cosmos, Johnson doesn’t necessarily answer all the cosmic quandaries that confound us, but offers a methodology of embracing knowledge that may never be accessible to human minds. Johnson discusses her work and the convergence of science, philosophy, and theology in an accessible and informative author event. Free, 4pm. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. ndbookshop.com

CULTURE TO-DO LIST

Saturday 2/22

etc.

Brewery Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, February 20. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Family Studio Day. Exhibiting artist Cassie Guy joins us to lead an activity inspired by her works on view in the Main Gallery. All visitors have access to free art materials, prompts, and coloring pages to play with during their time in the space. Free, 10am. Second Street Gallery, 115 Second St. SE. second streetgallery.org

Odds and Ends Film Festival. See listing for Friday, February 21. $12–20, 6–8pm. Light House Studio: Vinegar Hill Theatre, 220 W. Market St. lighthousestudio.org

Storytime. Featuring readings from recent storybooks and the classics kids know and love. Rain or shine. All ages welcome. Free, 11am. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. newdominionbookshop.com

Tunes & Tales with Charlottesville Symphony. An interactive, hands-on musical storytime and instrument demonstration. Free with General Admission, 10:30am. Virginia Discovery Museum, 524 E. Main St. vadm.org

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, February 20. $15, available noon–8pm. Please confirm Eastwood Winery and Potter’s Cider hours beforehand. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

Sunday 2/23

music

Bailey Hayes. Local singer-songwriter with an eclectic range of music from country to classic rock, pop/soul, folk, original music, and more. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Fortieth anniversary tour from the platinum-selling Colorado quartet kicking out blues-drenched rock ‘n’ roll bangers. $39–55, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

Ivo Kaltchev Masterclass. As part of his UVA residency, Dr. Ivo Kaltchev will present a piano masterclass where audience members will hear preselected UVA piano students perform. Free, 3:30pm. Brooks Hall. music.virginia.edu

Music Open Mic. Musicians of all ages are welcome. Two songs or 10 minutes per performer, whichever comes first. P.A. and microphone provided. Hosted by Theocles, with featured artist Molly Murphy. Free, 5pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

Organ Recital by Kola Owolabi. Owolabi, a professor of organ at the University of Notre Dame, plays music by Purcell, Bach, Buxtehude, Handel, and Kerll. Free, 4pm. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 Rugby Rd. westminsterorgan concertseries.org

Swansong. Classical, rock, soundscapes, soundtracks, jazz, and tango from a group with a synchronistic, creative approach to arranging and performing. Free, 2pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com dance

BRIMS Ceol and Ceili. Musicians join together with BRIMS instructors to play reels, jigs, and polkas for dancers. All dances are taught and called by BRIMS instructors. All ages welcome, no previous experience required. Free, 3pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com stage

Marys Seacole See listing for Wednesday, February 19. $25–28, 2pm. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. livearts.org

classes

Paint + Sip: Snow Bird Wineglasses. Learn a variety of techniques and skills to render a snow bird scene on a pair of wine glasses. Step-by-step instructions and supplies provided. No experience necessary. Paint, sip, snack, repeat. $40, noon. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. blueridgebrushes.com

Watercolor Workshop: Putting it All Together. From planning your composition to choosing the perfect colors and applying the techniques you’ve mastered, this session will tie it all together in one cohesive masterpiece. Ages 15+. $35, 2pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappy elephant.com

etc.

Brewery Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, February 20. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

CharlottesvilleFamily KidFest & Camp Expo. The Expo is the perfect camp-finder tool for your family to discover a great day camp or the best Virginia summer sleep-away camp. Recommended for ages 7+. Free, 10am. Brooks Family YMCA, 151 McIntire Park Dr. charlottesvillefamily.com

K-Pop Social. Meet other adults who share your passion for Korean pop, chat about your favorite groups, trade merchandise, create fun crafts, and watch music videos. Free, 1:30pm. Central Library, 201 E. Market St. jmrl.org

Paramount On Screen: The Princess and the Frog. A modern twist on a classic tale from Walt Disney Animation Studios features a beautiful girl named Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) who dreams of owning her own restaurant. $7–9, 2pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

Silent Book Club. Grab a drink and read in quiet camaraderie. No assigned reading, no obligations. Bring your own book of choice. Free, 12pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, February 20. $15, available noon–8pm. Please confirm Eastwood Winery and Potter’s Cider hours beforehand. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

WTJU Family Radio Day. Bring the family for a peek into WTJU’s broadcast studios. Kids experiment with sound equipment, enjoy a radio themed storytime, and participate in a MIMA led activity. Registration required. Free, 10am. WTJU 91.1 FM, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

Monday 2/24 music

DG3. Gin & Jazz series welcomes trio playing modern music and modern takes on classic jazz standards. A portion of bar sales from the evening will support Second Street Gallery and its 51st exhibition

FRIDAY 2/21

HOUSE BAND

Built on a base of rock, Latin jazz, and Americana music, Richmond’s Brookhouse blends a bilingual body of work carried by driving rhythms and sultry strings. Featuring a mix of acoustic and electric songs, English and Spanish lyrics, and earnest, mysterious songwriting, the band celebrates a mission to demonstrate that we all contain multitudes. See it live, listen online or on the dial at 91.1FM, with video streams available on WTJU’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Free, 8pm. WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

season. Free, 5:30pm. Oakhurst Hall, 122 Oakhurst Circle. oakhurstinn.com

words

Profs & Pints. “Our Sexual Miseducation,” on our society’s serious lack of accurate sex education and what we often fail to learn on our own, with Lisa Speidel, certified sexuality educator and UVA associate prof. $13, 5:30pm. Graduate Charlottesville, 1309 W. Main St. profsandpints.com

classes

Needle Felted Mothman. Learn how to make a cute and spooky little Mothman using a specialized notched needle to sculpt dyed wool. Beginners welcome. Ages 12+. $40, 1pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Needle Felted Opossums. Learn how to make a soft little opossum figure using a specialized notched needle to sculpt dyed wool. Beginners welcome. Ages 12+. $40, 10am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

etc.

Comedy Open Mic. Showcase your talent, try out new material, and take in the best local comedy that Charlottesville has to offer. Hosted by Chris Alan. Ages 18+. Free, 7pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

Lunchtime Library Event: Sit and Knit. Bring your project, grab a cup of tea, and hang out in the library with other knitters. Free, noon. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Trivia on Tap. Five rounds of themed trivia for teams of up to six competitors. Hosted by Olivia. Reservations recommended. Free, 7pm. Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery - Charlottesville, 520 Second St. SE. threenotchdbrewing.com

Tuesday 2/25 music

Tuesday Evening Concert Series: McGill/ McHale Trio. A dynamic program featuring sonatas by Poulenc along with works by some of today’s most exciting composers, including Chris Rogerson and Valerie Coleman. $5–45, 7:30pm. Old Cabell Hall Auditorium. tecs.org

Vincent Zorn. Lively flamenco rumba with a unique percussive technique that incorporates a diverse range of strumming styles, rhythms, and taps. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 201 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

classes

Drop In Still Life and Watercolor Sessions. Providing all the supplies you need to take a relaxing and creative break in your day. Feel free to bring objects you’d like to draw and any supplies you’d like to use. $5, noon. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Guitar Jam. Learn improvisation techniques and jam with fellow guitarists. Led by Brian Margell. Free, 7pm. Northside Library, 705 W. Rio Rd. jmrl.org etc.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia. Good trivia, good times. Teams of two to six people can compete to win prizes like gift certificates and pint glasses, plus, bragging rights. Free, 7pm. Firefly, 1304 E. Market St. fireflycville.com

Movie Party. The whodunit board game comes to life as guests are invited to a swanky mansion to learn who is blackmailing them in Clue. For ages 13–18. Registration recommended. Free, 6:30pm. Crozet Library, 2020 Library Ave., Crozet. jmrl.org

The Run Club. Do a 5K run, then drink beer. $1-off pints for runners. Free, 6pm. Decipher Brewing, 1740 Broadway St.

New team will take it away, and burger bonus round

Passing the mustard

Nestled on Elliewood Avenue, Take It Away has been serving up made-to-order sammies for more than three decades, thanks to the resilience and passion of owner Tom Bowe. A true survivor, Bowe was diagnosed with cancer five years ago, faced down the odds, and after two hip replacements and a battle that almost took him, he’s still here and looking forward to spending more time with his grandkids.

“I’m extremely lucky,” says Bowe. Bowe opened Take It Away gourmet sandwiches in the summer of 1992. For 33 years, he’s proudly run the shop, “I don’t know, there might be another food business in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area that’s been continuously owned and operated by the same person for 33 years,” he says. “I just don’t know who that is. That’s a distinction that I’m kind of proud of.”

Take It Away is known for unique sandwich creations (hello, roasted tomatoes instead of raw ones), and Bowe’s Elliewood Club—turkey, ham, cheddar, bacon, and his secret house dressing—has been a fan favorite. And while he’s had his share of highprofile customers (Tina Fey, Dave Matthews, and James Carville among them), it’s the UVA students he holds dear. “What would this town be without the students? The saddest day is graduation for me, when they all turn around and go home,” says Bowe.

The deli is being passed to Yuri Blazar and Ben Blackburn, with Blazar, who’s married to a former employee, already familiar with Bowe’s business style. Bowe has full confidence in them to carry on his legacy while adding their own unique flair. But don’t worry, the shop’s iconic “S&WCH 4U” license plate graces their new delivery van, so you’ll know when Take It Away’s zero-waste catering is on the way.

More to chew on

Thursday 2/20

Beer Lover’s Event: Mad Elf Vertical Tasting. A guided tasting with the Troegs representative to explore the difference between the 2023 and 2024 vintages. $35–50, 6:30pm. The Batesville Market, 6624 Plank Rd., Batesville. batesvillemarket.com

Friday 2/21–Sunday 2/23

Wine & S’mores. Make your own s’mores sandwich or bowl. $5 plus $1 toppings, noon–5pm, weather permitting. Chisholm Vineyards at Adventure Farm, 1135 Clan Chisholm Ln., Earlysville. chisholmvineyards.com

Sunday 2/23

Agave Secrets: Tequila & Mezcal Mixology Class. Led by mezcal and tequila connoisseur River Hawkins, owner of The Bebedero and Mejicali, this immersive class promises an afternoon filled with fascinating history,

hands-on mixology, and delightful spirits. $130, 4–6pm. The Bebedero, 201 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

Wednesday 2/26

Chef Tasting Series. Begin with a glass of gold medal-winning blanc de blancs, followed by a tasting of wines paired with small plates curated by Chef Andrew Partridge and the culinary team. $60, 6–7:30pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwood farmandwinery.com

Saturday 3/1

Art of Charcuterie: A Cheeseboard Workshop. Master the art of crafting stunning cheeseboards, learn pro techniques, create culinary magic, and impress your friends. $95, 5:30pm. The Opal Lounge at Mockingbird, 421 Monticello Rd. mockingbird-cville.com

Saturday 3/8

Virginia Vine & Dine: Wine Dinner with Blenheim Vineyards. Join us for

SMALL BITES CULTURE

Bigger bites

Charlottesville’s very own C-ville Bites, the local food tour and event business, has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program. Founded in December 2023, C-ville Bites offers weekly food tours on the Downtown Mall, cooking and mixology classes, private events, and curated culinary experiences.

Krispy creations

Krispy Kreme at 5th Street Station is putting area donut lovers to the test. As part of a rollout in select U.S. markets, they’ve brought back some fan-favorite, limited-time offerings and introduced new flavors inspired by customer requests such as the Biscoff® Cookie Butter Kreme, drizzled with icing, and topped with cookie pieces.

Get your kicks

Armchair quarterbacks rejoice! Grit Coffee has teamed up with the Chris Long Foundation to launch a limited edition Kickoff Blend. Proceeds from the medium roast beans with chocolaty, sweet-tasting notes support the foundation’s mission to expand clean water access, provide for youth and families in need, and inspire impactful service both locally and globally.

Raise a glass to Emily Hodson

Cheers to Emily Hodson, head winemaker at Veritas Vineyards and Flying Fox Vineyards, for snagging the 2025 Rich Smith Award of Excellence. This well-deserved honor is a nod to her trailblazing work behind major initiatives like the Virginia Wine-

an evening of exquisite wine and delicious food. Indulge in a curated four-course menu paired with the finest wines from Blenheim Vineyards. $89–99, 5pm. The Opal Lounge at Mockingbird, 421 Monticello Rd. mockingbird-cville.com

Sunday 3/9

Pinot Gris Wine Education and Exploration. Join wine educator Ann Czaja (DipWSET) to explore the sights, aromas, and flavors of wine beyond casual sipping and create a wine vocabulary of your own. Advance reservation required. $75, noon and 3pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Wednesday 3/19

Wine Tasting with Ethos Wine & Tea featuring Cassie Guy. A unique wine tasting led by special guest Kylie Witt of Ethos Wine & Tea, and featuring wines from the Iberian Peninsula. The event is held in tandem with “Liminal,” a solo exhibition of new work by Charlottesville-based artist Cassie Guy, with works inspired by

makers Research Exchange and her mission to develop grape varieties resistant to downy mildew (a real game-changer for the state). With awards piling up, including being named Virginia Wine Person of the Year in 2017, Hodson’s vision continues to shape the future of wine in the commonwealth.

Burger in, burger out

Citizen Burger Bar is stepping up to help Cultivate Charlottesville, which is facing a major funding shortage. As Cultivate continues to serve the city’s most vulnerable residents with community gardens, volunteer coordination, and food distribution, Citizen will make a matching donation for each locally sourced, grass-fed People’s Burger it sells.

Ready for your next burger fix? Sizzle Shack has arrived at Dairy Market. The new burger joint serves classic American burgers, fries, hot dogs, and hand-spun shakes. To add sizzle, the Shack offers Dutch-inspired dips, such as curry ketchup and satay peanut sauce.

Dairy Market stall changes continue as Argentinian Cumbre Coffee & Bakery announced plans to add a new location in the former Citizen Burger Stand this spring. Cumbre has already won over Charlottesville at its East Jefferson Avenue location, serving up coffee drinks, flaky pastries, and savory empanadas.

Closing

After just eight months in its brick-and-mortar space, Althea Bread quietly closed its doors. Known for its locally grown grains and fresh-milled flour, Althea built a loyal following with its naturally leavened sourdough and pastries. The team announced on social media that the shop would not be reopening in January, and its website and accounts have since gone dark.—Sarah Golibart Gorman

her travels to Portugal. RSVP required. $20–25, 6pm. Second Street Gallery, 115 Second St. SE. secondstreetgallery.org

Saturday 3/22

Spring Cookie Decorating. Jaclyn Shaffer of Jaclyn’s Cookies teaches her techniques for picture-perfect cookie art in a relaxed, wine-sipping setting. $60, 11am. Chiswell Farm & Winery, 430 Greenwood Rd., Greenwood. chilesfamilyorchards.com

Sunday 3/30

Chocolate & Wine Pairing. Master chocolatier Ann Czaja (DipWSET) and DuCard owner Scott Elliff select each pairing and share the reasons why they work. Czaja will discuss the history of chocolate, her role at Lindt, and offer samples of chocolate for everyone to try. Elliff will share the story of the vineyard and how wine is made. Limited seating, advance reservations required. $75, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Ongoing Events

Downtown C-ville Food Tour + Wine Tasting. A culinary tasting adventure through the heart of Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall. Ongoing, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. $30–115, 3:50pm. c-villebites.com

Barrel Tasting with the Winemaker. A behind-the-scenes tasting with winemaker Julien Durantie, who will open up his barrels and offer samplings of the 2024 harvest, followed by a wine discussion. $69, 1pm and 3pm. Each session is limited to 10 guests. Through March 22. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com.

Shrimp Boil and Live Music. Bringing the best of Southern tradition to your plate in a relaxed, fun atmosphere with live music. Fridays through February. À la carte pricing, 4pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Submit food and drink events to events. c-ville.com.

Elliewood Club sandwich from Take It Away

SUMMER CAMP Guide

Annual directory of Summer Camps, Schools & Programs for kids

Camp VisitsMaking the Most of the Interview

When you receive a camp's brochure, you will invariably have questions for the camp director. From that first phone call or letter, you begin developing an impression of what a particular camp is like and how it's run. A camp may be described in nothing less than glowing terms in its brochures. The setting may be absolutely breathtaking. Activities may run the gamut from racquetball to modern dance. In the end, however, it's the human equation of how those activities are operated and conducted that determines the quality of the camp program. Get to know the camp director as a person through telephone conversations, correspondence, and a personal visit. Have the director describe the camp's philosophy and how it is carried out by the staff.

What is the camp's philosophy and program emphasis?

Each camp has its own method of constructing programs based on its philosophy. Does it complement your own parenting philosophy? Many camps actively promote competition and healthy rivalry among camp teams, as reflected in team sports. For many campers this is pure fun. Some parents feel that learning to be competitive at an early age teaches essential survival skills. However, other parents and educators are in favor of cooperative learning. Research has shown that noncompetitive methods encourage young people to learn more, retain it longer, and develop greater self-esteem and appreciation for others. Knowing your child's personality and style of learning is valuable in selecting the right camp.

What are desired qualities in camp staff?

The same qualities of trustworthiness and dependability sought by any employer are valued commodities in camp employees. Also, the ability to adapt to a variety of situations, empathy for and ability to work with camp clientele, a strong self-image, and an outgoing personality are important characteristics for camp staff.

What percentage of the counselors returned from last year?

Most camps have from 40-60 percent returning staff. If the rate is lower, find out why.

How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?

there a nurse on staff? A designated place to store insulin or allergy medicine? Are special foods available for campers with restricted diets? Every question is important.

How does the camp handle homesickness and other adjustment issues?

Again, the camp's philosophy on helping children adjust is important. Be sure you are comfortable with the camp's guidelines on parent/child contact.

What about references?

What is the camp director's background?

ACA minimum standards recommend directors possess a bachelor's degree, have completed inservice training within the past three years, and have at least 16 weeks of camp administrative experience before assuming the responsibilities of director.

What training do counselors receive?

At a minimum, camp staff should be trained in safety regulations, emergency procedures and communication, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff and camper behavior, and specific procedures for supervision.

What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?

ACA standards require different ratios for varying ages and special needs. Generally, the ratios at resident camps range from one staff for every six campers ages 7 and 8; one staff for every eight campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff for every 10 campers ages 15 to 18. At day camps the ratios range from one staff for every eight campers ages 6 to 8; one staff for every 10 campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff for every 12 campers ages 15 to 18.

What are the ages of the counselors?

ACA standards recommend that 80 percent or more of the counselor/program staff be at least 18 years old. Staff must be at least 16 years old and be at least two years older than the campers with whom they work.

This is where the director's philosophy comes through loud and clear. Positive reinforcement, assertive role-modeling and a sense of fair play are generally regarded as key components of camp counseling and leadership. Rules are necessary in any organization, and the disciplinary approach taken should be reasonable and well communicated. If penalties are involved for violations, they should be applied quickly, fairly, calmly, and without undue criticism to campers.

How does the camp handle special needs?

If your child has special requirements, ask the camp director about needed provisions and facilities. Is

This is generally one of the best ways to check a camp's reputation and service record. Directors should be happy to provide references.

Is the camp accredited by the American Camp Association? Why? Why not?

It is only logical that members of your family attend an ACA-accredited camp. Accreditation visitors ask the questions — up to 300 of them — regarding essential health, safety, and program quality issues important to a camp's overall operation. This does not guarantee a risk-free environment, but it's some of the best evidence parents have of a camp's commitment to a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

SUDOKU

ACROSS

1. ___-building game

5. Part of CD

9. Opposite of flow

12. Notion

13. You are here 14. “___ Land” (2016 musical film)

16. ___ Fein (Irish political group)

17. Old copy machine, for short 18. Like some lattes

19. Behind-the-scenes theater worker’s been specially selected?

22. ___-deucey (backgammon variation)

23. Walker’s Prawn Cocktail snacks, e.g., in the U.K.

24. Fifth U.S. president

27. “___ the Sheriff ” (1974 hit song)

29. Hydrox rival

30. ___ Mar tin (007’s auto)

31. Wall Street index, briefly

34. Pre-owned greeting with a firm grip?

38. Sound of admonition

39. Albertan NHLer

40. Belonging to us

41. Walk with pride

42. Oppose vigorously

44. Peevish

47. “Yeah, I bet”

48. Straight or flush indicating one way to go to hell?

54. Opera highlight

55. Journalist Cornish of CNN

56. 1/12 of a foot

57. Turkey meat preference

58. Pretzel shapes

59. Gospel singer Winans

60. “___ Boot” (1981 film)

61. Part of a skate blade

62. Sharp as a tack

DOWN

1. Talk smack about

2. Make some changes

3. John who’s supposedly tough to see

4. Qantas logo animal

5. How often Wordles get released

6. “Gar field” waitress

7. Instruction

8. “Quickly!”

9. Bring out

10. Is a suppor ter of

11. Sound of censoring

13. Show host

15. Tacks on

20. “Foucault’s Pendulum” author Umberto

21. “Reversal of Fortune” Oscar winner Jeremy

24. The majority

25. Natural resources

26. Shirt measurement

27. Dot in the ocean

28. Symbol over an 8

30. Org. that defends individual rights

FOR FUN FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

By Rob Brezsny Aries

(March 21-April 19): Aries author Anne Lamott articulated a thought that’s perfect for you to hear right now: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” I might amend her wisdom a bit to say “for a few hours” or “a couple of days.” Now is a rare time when a purposeful disconnection can lead you to deeper synchronization. A project or relationship will improve after a gentle reset. Your power mantra: Renew yourself with quiet inaction.

Taurus

(April 20-May 20): Beavers are the engineers of the natural world. The dams they fabricate not only create shelters for them, but also benefit their entire ecosystem. The ponds and marshes they help shape provide rich habitats for many other species. Boosting biodiversity is their specialty. Their constructions also serve as natural filters, enhancing water quality downstream. Let’s make beavers your inspirational symbol for the coming weeks, Taurus. In their spirit, build what’s good for you with the intention of making it good for everyone whose life you touch. Ensure that your efforts will generate ripples that nourish your tribe and community.

Gemini

(May 21-June 20): I predict that you will soon have reason to celebrate a resounding success. You will claim a well-deserved reward. You may even shiver with amazement and gratification as you marvel at how many challenges you overcame to emerge triumphant. In my view, you will have every right to exude extra pride and radiance. I won’t complain if you flirt with a burst of egotism. In accordance with my spirituality, I say to you: Remember that this wonder you have spawned will live for a very long time.

Cancer

(June 21-July 22): When you see the stars in the night sky, you’re looking at the ancient past. Light from those heavenly bodies may have taken as long as 4,000 years to reach us. So we are beholding them as they used to be, not as they are now. With that as your inspiration, I invite you to spend quality time gazing into your own personal past. Meditate on how your history is alive in you today, making its imprint on all you do and say. Say prayers and write messages to yourself in which you express your awe and appreciation for the epic myth that is your destiny.

Leo

(July 23-Aug. 22): I mourn the growing climate calamity that is heating up our beloved planet. Among many other distortions, it has triggered yellow forsythias and blue gentians to blossom during winters in the Austrian Alps—an unprecedented event. At the same time, I am also

(Feb. 19-March 20): Octopuses have three hearts, each with a different function. Every one of their eight limbs contains a mini-brain, giving them nine in total. Is there any doubt, then, that they are the patron creature for you Pisceans? No other zodiac sign is more multifaceted than you. No other can operate with grace on so many different levels. I celebrate your complexity, dear Pisces, which enables you to draw such rich experiences into your life and manage such diverse challenges. These qualities will be working at a peak in the coming weeks. For inspiration, consider putting an image of an octopus in your environment.

PISCES

able to marvel at the strange beauty of gorgeous flowers growing on the winter hills of ski resorts. So my feelings are mixed—paradoxical and confusing—and that’s fine with me. I regard it as a sign of soulfulness. May you be so blessed, Leo: full of appreciation for your capacity to hold conflicting ideas, perspectives, and feelings.

Virgo

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The quietest place on earth is a room at Microsoft’s headquarters near Seattle. It’s made of six layers of steel and concrete, and its foundation includes vibration-dampening springs. Within it, you can hear your heartbeat, the swishing of your clothes, and the hum of air molecules colliding. The silence is so eerily profound that many people become flummoxed while visiting. Here’s the moral of the story: While you Virgos are naturally inclined to favor order and precision, a modicum of noise and commotion in your life is often beneficial. Like background sounds that keep you oriented, minor wriggles and perturbations ensure you remain grounded. This will be extra important for you to acknowledge in the coming weeks.

Libra

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): To make a Mobius strip, you give a half twist to a strip of paper and attach the ends. You have then created a surface with just one side and one edge. It’s a fun curiosity, but it also has practical applications. Using Mobius strips, engineers can design more efficient gears. Machinists make mechanical belts that are Mobius strips because they wear out less quickly. There are at least eight other concrete functions, as well. Let’s extrapolate from this to

suggest that a similar theme might be arising in your life. What may seem like an interesting but impractical element could reveal its real-world value. You may find unexpected uses for playful features. One of your capacities has dimensions you have not yet explored, but are ready to.

Scorpio

(Oct. 23-Nov.21): Sandra Cisneros is a visionary writer with Sun and Mercury in Sagittarius. She is always in quest of the next big lesson and the next exciting adventure. But she also has the Moon, Venus, and Saturn in Scorpio. Her sensitive attunement to the hidden and secret aspects of reality is substantial. She thrives on cultivating a profound understanding of her inner world. It took her years to master the art of fully expressing both these sides of her character. I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because you’re primed to go in quest for experiences that will open your heart to novel amazements—even as you connect with previously unknown aspects of your deep self that resonate with those experiences.

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22-Dec.21): The Moeraki Boulders are spread along a beach in New Zealand. Many of the 50 big rocks are nearly perfect spheres and up to six feet in diameter, so they provide a stunning visual feast. Scientists know that they have steadily grown for the last 4 million years, accumulating ever-new layers of minerals. I propose we make them your symbols of power until July 1. In my astrological estimation, you are in a phase of laying long-term groundwork. What may seem to be a tedious accumulation of small,

gradual victories is part of a grander undertaking. Like the Moeraki Boulders, your efforts will crystallize into an enduring foundation.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A Japanese proverb says, “The bamboo that bends with the wind is stronger and more resilient than the oak tree that resists.” That’s true. When storms bluster, oak branches get broken and blown away. Bamboo may look delicate, but it is actually strong and capable of withstanding high winds. It flourishes by being flexible instead of rigid. That’s the approach I recommend to you, Capricorn. Challenges may emerge that inspire you to stay grounded by adapting. Your plans will become optimal as you adjust them. By trusting your natural resilience, you could find unexpected chances for interesting transformation. Your potency will lie in your ability to bend without breaking.

Aquarius

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Seattle’s Space Needle serves as an observation tower. It’s 605 feet high. For years, there was a restaurant with a rotating floor at the top. In its early days, the movement was so brisk that some visitors got dizzy and nauseous. Engineers had to recalibrate the equipment so it was sufficiently leisurely to keep everyone comfortable. Your current situation resembles this story. The right elements are in place, but you need to adjust the timing and rhythm. If there are frustrating glitches, they are clues to the fine-tuning that needs to be done.

Expanded weekly audio horoscopes and daily text message horoscopes: RealAstrology.com, (877) 873-4888

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P.S. THE BIG PICTURE

Feathers and lace

A show so naughty nice, they did it twice! On Friday, February 14, Immodest Opulence played to a sold-out crowd at The Southern Café & Music Hall. The performers gave allure, they gave laughs, they gave razzle and dazzle. The audience loved it so much, the group added a second show the next afternoon. Both performances offered audience members the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to benefit the Rivanna Area Queer Center, a community space for LGBTQIA+ people in central Virginia. Prizes included jewelry, chocolates, Valentine’s Day-themed stickers—and a mask (to practice at home perhaps? We see a third show in our future…).

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