C-VILLE Weekly | February 5 - 11, 2025

His Excellency Esteban Moctezuma Barragán Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S.

This event is in partnership with the

Tales of Koehler Hollow

Register at:

bit.ly/3PQqeEo

Wednesday, February 12

5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Minor Hall | Rm. 125

Register Here

Join author Naomi Hodge-Muse as she shares the African American experience in Appalachia, in an interview with Hashim Davis, followed by a book signing.

For more information please contact Glenn Crossman | 434-243-3540 | GAC4T@virginia.edu

bit.ly/4hblmFU

Wednesday, February 19 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST Harrison Auditorium | Small Collections Library Register

Live-stream & In-Person

Her Excellency Leena-Kaisa Mikkola Ambassador of Finland to the U.S.

Register

bit.ly/42toCYQ

In partnership with the European Studies Program

Wednesday, March 5th | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST Dome Room | UVA Rotunda | Live-stream & In-Person

For more information on either event, contact Daman Irby | Irby@virginia.edu

Hashim O. Davis

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Hello, Charlottesville.

2.5.25

Thank you for reading C-VILLE Weekly. Don’t tell my husband (just kidding—he already knows this), but one of the best dates I ever went on was in 2014, with a man whose job was setting up for the next day’s shows at a historic, small-town movie theater. I brought my copy of Paper Moon and we watched it together from the balcony after hours, smooching and laughing. (In my memory, there was also snow falling outside, but I may be conflating some details.)

In any case, it went on my internal record of best dates, so much so that the idea made its way into this week’s cover story (p.18), an A to Z catalog of fun date-night ideas to keep your routine from getting stale. I drew from personal experience for much of the list, including “K: Kiss in space,” which my husband and I did during a sky show at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium, and “E: Embrace the occult,” a fond memory from last year’s Best of C-VILLE party, during which my husband I learned we’d one day be filthy rich (again, may be conflating some details). Use these 26 ideas as a starting point for Valentine’s Day, or simply to spice things up (see “X,” p.23).

Coming soon

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

Howdy, neighbor!

We’ll dig deep into the city’s liveliest areas—and we need your help finding each neighborhood’s Ned Flanders, Mr. Heckles, Gladys Kravitz, and Wilsons.

For the love of running In this issue, we want to capture the spirit of Charlottesville’s running community—veterans, novices, and fanboys alike.

This week’s contributors

Caite Hamilton has been telling Charlottesville’s stories since 2007, when she started at C-VILLE as its part-time proofreader. Her passion for local journalism took root even earlier, watching her artist mother and goldsmith father build their own businesses from the ground up, benefiting from the power of good press. Her drive to do them justice has shaped her two-decade career telling the stories of journalists, activists, and entrepreneurs across the country, both online and in print.

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.

BJ Poss is a writer, photographer, winemaker, and fly-fishing guide. Poss found his voice and palate on journeys through the briny slosh of the Chesapeake Bay. His articles and essays are found in Blue Ridge Outdoors, Southern Culture On the Fly, Chasing Tides Co., and Edible Blue Ridge. He is in tireless pursuit of a worthwhile story, a slow-cooked meal, and the finishing touch to his first novel. He encourages all barbecue recommendations and secret fishing spots. Follow along for more food, fish, and ferments at bjposs.com or on Instagram @billyjp.

CULTURE 25

The Working Pour: Ivar Aass’ hobby becomes a business.

Stages: Billy Gibbons and the BFGs at the Paramount.

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

ADVERTISING

advertising@c-ville.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Brian Hrozencik brian@c-ville.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Gabby Kirk gabby@c-ville.com

Sarah Smith sarah@c-ville.com

Candace Stevens candace@c-ville.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Tracy Federico designer@c-ville.com

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

KENDALL STREET COMPANY PRESENTS: KENDALL STREET IS FOR LOVERS TOUR WITH CR FROM DR

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 THE CURRYS & THEOCLES

MARCH 12-ON SALE NOW LEFT LANE CRUISER WITH THE PENTAGRAM STRING BAND & LITTLE FOOT

Benjamin Rous, Music Director Kate Tamarkin, Music Director Laureate

ROMEO AND JULIET

Saturday, February 8 7:30pm | Old Cabell Hall

Sunday, February 9 3:30pm | Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing Arts Center

02-14 | VALENTINE’S DAY BURLESQUE (18+)

02-15 | LARRY KEEL/JARED POOL DUO

02-19 | MDOU MOCTAR (ACOUSTIC) SOLD OUT! WITH JANEL LEPPIN

02-20 | KSC PRESENTS: KENDALL STREET IS FOR LOVERS TOUR- FEB RESIDENCY WITH UGA BUGA

02-21 | DOGWOOD TALES/DEAU EYES WITH BABE LEWIS

02-22 | PENELOPE ROAD WITH WIM TAPLEY SOLD OUT!

02-25 | ARTS FISHING CLUB WITH ZG SMITH

02-27 | KSC PRESENTS: KENDALL STREET IS FOR LOVERS TOUR- FEB RESIDENCY WITH SISTERS AND BROTHERS

02-28 | CHATHAM RABBITS

03-01 | VANSIRE WITH SPECIAL GUEST TOLEDO SOLD OUT!

03-06 | TIM REYNOLDS AND TR3

03-08 | TIM O’BRIEN WITH JAN FABRICUS

03-11 | RON POPE WITH DENITIA 03-13 | CIMARRON 615

03-14 | SOUTH OF HEAVEN: CASTLE RAT WITH UGA BUGA AND COMMUNITY WITCH JUST ANNOUNCED!

HAUGE – Morning Overture MOZART, PUCCINI, BIZET – Favorite Opera Arias with Jack Siegel, Bass-baritone PROKOFIEV – Excerpts from Romeo and Juliet

Federal funds fiasco

Week two of Trump brings more questions than answers for organizations receiving federal funds BY CATIE RATLIFF CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

NEWS POLITICS

Chaos and questions were rampant when the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget released a memo pausing all federal financial assistance programs on January 27. The order was eventually rescinded, but future plans for the funding remain unknown at press time.

The funding freeze, the culmination of multiple executive orders issued by President Donald Trump during his first several days in office, ordered “Federal agencies [to] temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal.”

While the OMB rescinded its order on January 29, a social media post from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “The Executive Orders issued by the President on funding reviews remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented by all agencies and departments.”

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner recapped the confusion at a January 29 press conference. “Which piece of paper do you want to believe? The one that says, ‘we’re rescinding it’? … Or the one that says, ‘No, never mind. It’s all still in [practice]?’” he said. “This is not the way to operate the government of the United States of America.”

For organizations in Virginia, and Charlottesville in particular, the funding freeze could have expansive impacts.

At the University of Virginia, researchers using federal grants continued work, but stop-work orders have been issued to some projects in connection with the memo and executive orders. Also in the education sector, nonprofit ReadyKids issued a statement explaining how freezing grants could affect its operations.

“This situation has emphasized the instability of federal funding,” shared ReadyKids in an Instagram post on January 29. Roughly 23 percent of the organization’s annual operat-

ing budget comes from government sources, and it reports a steady decline in available funding since the pandemic. “We know that cuts such as these will have an impact on the kids and families that we reach. We know that we cannot continue meeting the increasing needs of our community’s kids and families without the essential support and investment from community members.”

A number of concerned parties contacted Warner’s office following the memo’s release, including local governments, a domestic abuse center, Head Start, and Meals on Wheels.

“The idea that you’re going to freeze funding for 90 days means a lot of these operations are gonna have to fire a lot of folks they don’t have the ability to fund themselves,” said Warner.

IN BRIEF

Uncertainty around withholding approved federal funds persists, though the situation is not without precedent. Trump is not the first president to block already-appropriated funds, but the move has been historically controversial.

“Nixon famously held back, or impounded, congressionally appropriated funds from programs that he did not support,” said Rachel Potter, University of Virginia professor and former OMB desk officer, via email. “Congress then passed a law, the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, to prevent this from happening again.”

Trump has previously used the OMB to impound funds, namely to block aid to Ukraine, a move that contributed to his first impeachment. Despite framing the most recent freeze as “temporary,” the legality of the memo remains dubious, with a federal judge blocking the funding freeze prior to its rescission.

According to Potter, the attempt by the Trump administration to impound alreadyappropriated money “is a constitutional clash unfolding right before us.”

“The president’s role is to faithfully execute the funds that Congress has appropriated,” she said. “By attempting to pause funds that are already appropriated—presumably with the longer-term goal of potentially rescinding some of those funds—President Trump is pushing the boundary of presidential power into the spending arena.” Beyond withholding funds, the wording of the OMB memo attempts to afford Trump the ability to “weigh in, and potentially withhold” funds appropriated by Congress, expanding the powers of the presidency, added Potter.

While the quick action of the new administration is a departure from Trump’s first term, some takeaways from his previous administration still hold up.

“The ‘flood the zone’ approach of doing a ton of things at once is intentionally overwhelming—and very different from Trump 1.0, which was much less coordinated and less swift,” said Potter. “At least one lesson from Trump 1.0 still applies: It is not clear how much of this will stick. Merely announcing a policy change—even a provocative one—does not make that policy magically happen.”

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

Charlottesville Police arrest 19-year-old in connection with November Hardy Drive shooting. Jefferson School Foundation and Salvation Army announce Sleep Out C’ville, inviting residents to spend a March night on the streets. Virginia Film Festival sets 2025 dates: October 22 to 26. Donald Trump cites Albemarle County Public Schools in executive order to prohibit federal funds to K-12 schools teaching critical race theory. Charlottesville-based “Bachelor” contestant eliminated on season premiere. City schools announce proposal to rezone elementary schools. Albemarle County launches health and wellness clinic for employees. UVA Foundation CEO Tim Rose announces retirement. Protesters gather outside UVA Medical Center in response to the hospital’s decision to suspend gender-affirming care for minors following Trump’s executive order. UVA women’s basketball rallies February 2 to win 70-67 at Syracuse. Keswick Hall nabs LPGA pro Lauren Coughlin as its touring professional. Shots fired on the 900 block of Page Street February 2, but no injuries reported. Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society votes to decommission Hatton Ferry

Some Charlottesville organizations are worried about the lingering effects of the Trump administration’s now-rescinded order to pause federal financial assistance programs.

Suspended!

UVA Health stops gender-affirming care for patients under 19

Following an executive order from President Donald Trump and a memo from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, UVA Health “has suspended all gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years of age ... [but] remains committed to being a community of healing, compassion, and respect for all,” according to a statement on its children’s transgender youth health page.

Patients, including 18-year-olds, can no longer be prescribed puberty blockers, hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgical procedures, or therapy referrals at UVA Health— and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Both Trump and Miyares described gender-affirming care for youth as “chemical and surgical mutilation.”

According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, less than 0.1 percent of American adolescents take gender-affirming medications, with approximately 1.4 percent of 13to 17-year-olds identifying as transgender and gender diverse. A 2024 study from the Harvard School of Public Health further found that surgical procedures are incredibly rare among trans youth: 15- to 17-year-olds with a TGD-related diagnosis underwent gender-affirming surgery at a rate of 2.1 per 100,000 (0.000021 percent).

Age-appropriate gender-affirming care for youth is supported by every major medical association in the United States.

UVA Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment.—Catie Ratliff

Run-on sentence

THE SENTENCING OF CHRISTOPHER DARNELL JONES JR. IN connection with the November 13, 2022, shooting on the University of Virginia Grounds has been delayed by more than nine months. Jones pleaded guilty to the murders of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry and related charges on November 20, 2024.

Jones faces a sentence of 20 years to life. His sentencing hearing was originally set to conclude January 8. The new hearing dates are November 17 to 21.

As part of his plea agreement, charges of aggravated murder—which carries a mandatory life sentence—against Jones were dropped.

The sentencing date change will further delay the release of the $1.5 million independent investigation of the incident. Both UVA and Attorney General Jason Miyares have declined to release the report, despite initially indicating that it would be shared in early November 2023. The Daily Progress is suing UVA, saying the failure to produce the report is a violation of the state’s Freedom of Information Act. CR

Final namaste

COMMON GROUND HEALING ARTS will close March 27 after 14 years of providing accessible acupuncture, massage, and yoga services to the Charlottesville community. In a press release, Executive Director Alicia Lenahan cited an unsustainable business model due to funding challenges. The group lost 75 percent of its pre-pandemic revenue by the end of 2021, reporting “razor thin” margins in years since.

Practitioners are working to create continuous care strategies for clients

and support existing community initiatives, Lenahan told C-VILLE in an email.

“We know that providing access to affordable acupuncture, massage, and movement can be life changing, particularly for those with chronic conditions, who can’t afford the treatment they need,” said Lenahan. “Our practitioners have held space for many people and accompanied them on the road to wellness and a life with less suffering.”

—Merrill Hart

UVA Health was one of the first hospitals in the nation to pause gender-affirming care for trans youth following an executive order from President Donald Trump.

Sentencing has been delayed for the man who murdered three UVA football players in November 2022.

STORE CLOSED

Craft Cville presents Did you hear? There are Two Galentine’s markets coming up!

Please follow us on instagram

Galentine’s Markets

UVA MUSIC EVENTS

Date/Time/Place Event

Saturday, 2/8, 7:30pm Old Cabell Hall

Sunday, 2/9, 3:30pm MLK Performing Arts Center

Friday, 2/14, 8:00pm Old Cabell Hall

Sunday, 2/16, 3:30pm Old Cabell Hall

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

Charlottesville Symphony Romeo and Juliet

Charlottesville Symphony Romeo and Juliet

2/9

LINÜ, guitarists Gulli Bjornsson & Jiji Kim * works by UVA Graduate Composers

Ayn Balija, viola part of the UVA Chamber Music Series

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

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

12-5p 12-5p

uvamusic * denotes free events

2/16

2/16

2/16

40+ women artists & makers will be there! shopping with wine? I’m in!

REAL ESTATE NEWS

Benign neglect

BAR denies sorority’s tear-down request

BY SEAN TUBBS

Charlottesville’s new development code offers a lot of building possibilities for property owners, but the city’s Board of Architectural Review still has plenty of control in areas designated as historic.

The Delta Zeta Housing Corporation paid $195,000 in 1979 for a triangular property on Chancellor Street that included a former hotel and a one-story building. Kevin Blair, who represented the group, told the BAR the smaller structure has never served any purpose for the sorority except storage.

“There is a tendency, by the interpretation of some, that the building makes an esoteric contribution to the area’s collective architecture,” Blair said. “We believe, however, this should not be the sole consideration in determining its continued existence.”

Blair said a 2013 cost estimate found it would take $625,000 to bring the building up to code to be used for any purpose, and the sorority doesn’t want to make the investment.

However, 144 Chancellor is within one of the city’s architectural design control districts that require the BAR to sign off on demolition. Members were not supportive of the request. Cheri Lewis told Blair it appeared the sorority had deliberately neglected what she considered to be a unique building.

“You can’t just let a building fall down and then say it’s fallen down,” Lewis said. “We have a duty, especially with a historic building, to maintain things.”

A structural engineer hired by the sorority said parts of the building, such as a masonry wall on the western side, are failing.

“The major structural implication is really the foundation,” said Robert Krumpen, a senior engineer at Dunbar.

BAR member James Zehmer had a chance to tour a crawlspace in the building and disagreed with Krumpen’s report. He said there are more creative ways to do repairs that might also be cheaper. BAR member David Timmerman visited the site too and agreed with Zehmer’s analysis, adding that he was also struck by how the building fits into the Rugby Road-University Circle-Venable architectural design control district.

“I looked around and I looked up the street and down the street, and what I realized is that it’s on a street that has a very consistent fabric,” Timmerman said. “It hasn’t been interrupted, unlike a lot of the areas surrounding the university.”

Carl Schwarz, the Planning Commission’s representative to the BAR, told Blair he had sympathy for the sorority but the BAR had to do its job.

“I think you’re right that it probably has served its use in the neighborhood,” Schwarz said. “So you take it to council, you appeal it. If they deny you guys, you put it on the market for a year and then if no one buys it, you tear it down.”

Schwarz said there are no minimum lot sizes under the city’s new development code, which means the property could be subdivided and sold to someone who would use the building. The vote to deny the request was unanimous.

“I think this is a cautionary tale for people who own property in the historic district,” said BAR member Ronald Bailey.

The sorority has until February 5 to request an appeal in writing. The property is within the city’s Node Mixed Use 3 zoning district.

Annie Gould Gallery

Delta Zeta owns both of these properties on Chancellor Street and wants permission to remove the one on the right. The group will have to get approval from City Council after the Board of Architectural Review denied a demolition request on January 22.

This beautiful luxury townhome has everything you want! As you enter, the bottom floor has a great multi-purpose room which is a perfect guest suite with attached bath or additional large family/recreation room. Sliding door opens to a lovely

separate rooms it has plenty of space to have an added sitting area, home office, or exercise area. You could also put the wall back to make a three-bedroom home. Another bedroom and full bath complete the main level. Step onto the gigantic deck overlooking the big fenced, sunny, flat yard. Plenty of room for any kind of play. Go downstairs to the basement to find a storage room, laundry room, full bath, and large family room. All of this with no HOA. Come see your new home today! MLS# 659755 $310,000

Thank You for voting me as the

2314 AVINITY CT

26 date-night ideas—and not a couples’ massage in sight

BY CAITE HAMILTON

Whether you’ve been with your person for years or just started seeing someone you think might maybe possibly could be the someone, a fresh idea for date night is always welcome. So we’ve given you 26— one for each letter of the alphabet— to scratch your athletic, creative, and culinary itches. Here’s to love!

ATake a hot air balloon ride.

Nothing puts your (and maybe your relationship’s) place in the world into greater perspective than floating above it all at sunset. Thomas Jefferson Hot Air Ballooning, Boar’s Head Resort, and Monticello Country Ballooning all offer ways to fly the Albemarle skies with your hunny. MCB even offers an all-inclusive package with photographs and a celebratory toast. Up, up, and away!

Brew a custom beer.

Save this idea to check off the list once you’re affianced—it’s a great one for the later stages of wedding planning. At Three Notch’d Brewing Company, work with the brewmasters to come up with a custom-labeled beer for your best day ever. (Word to the wise: Avoid creating a sour. There’s only one reason your lips should pucker on your wedding day, and it’s not your signature drink.)

Climb mountains for your love.

We’re not saying this idea made the list because it affords you the opportunity to admire your partner’s derriere as they ascend a climbing wall. But we’re not not saying that, either. Whatever your motivation, Rocky Top offers a day pass for $18 (plus $4 for gear rental) and, if you’re a beginner, a nine-week introductory course. That’s nine whole date nights, done and dusted.

Disc golf competition!

EEmbrace the occult.

All’s fair in love and sports? Grab another loved-up couple and head to Walnut Creek Park, where 34 of the park’s 527 acres are dedicated to a winding course through fields, woods, and over water. The views get extra romantic at the fifth and 17th tees, where players can revel in the beauty of the lake over rolling hills.

The start of a relationship comes with such hope, such promise: Will this be forever? Is this person The One? How many kids will we have? And while it’s never wise to wish away the precious moments in front of you in favor of what may come, it couldn’t hurt to get a little glimpse into your future. Find local clairvoyants, mediums, and tarot readers on Instagram (@thecountryclairvoyant and @sealed_in_the_ stars) or with help from local retailer Minerals & Mystics.

Fancy a flight?

We’ve always maintained that the best part of a wedding (besides the “I do,” obviously) is the cake. For that matter, couldn’t it be the best part of date night, too? We’re picturing this one as a movie montage: You stab your fork into the Sicilian pistachio-Meyer lemon slice of a Cakebloom cake flight and feed it to your sweetie. They return the favor, swiping a fingerful of icing across the tip of your nose. You both laugh as Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere” plays in the background.

HHorse around.

A date at a winery is a no-brainer, but we recommend taking it one trot further—by going on horseback. Indian Summer Guide Service offers tours through vineyards like Veritas, Keswick, and Merrie Mill, wending you and your filly (and your horse! #LOL) through the vines to a proper tasting. Don’t forget to pony up for a few bottles to take home.

GGet jazzed (and gin-soaked).

An exciting dating life includes the high—like Oakhurst Inn’s weekly Gin & Jazz nights—and the low, like warming the same stool at your neighborhood bar. Both have merit, and both afford the opportunity to extend a hand to your partner and deliver a smooth “May I have this dance?” But only one has the musical stylings of DG3—a local jazz trio that plays the classics— and suites nearby in case all those G&Ts go straight from your tapping toes to your head.

Ink up with matching tattoos.

We know this one will be controversial. No one wants to end up with a “Wino Forever” tattoo post-breakup. But if you’re absolutely certain your love will last forever (and who isn’t!?), there’s nothing more romantic than wearing your heart on (or under) your sleeve. Pro tip: Opt for initials rather than full names… y’know, just in case.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN

FEBRUARY

SAVE THE DATE

TOMORROW TALKS

FEB 18th — Creating Inclusive Culture through Events. Martize Tolbert (Fountain Fund, Peace in the Streets) and Javier Rosas Vidal (Foreign Playerz) spark a deeper dialogue about what inclusion means in a community, and the power of cultural events in creating connected, diverse spaces.

FEB 26th — Harnessing the Power of the Women’s Wealth Evolution for Social Impact. Roberta Keller (Alexis Advisors) and Kate Byrne (WomenAdvancing, & SOCAP) explore the mindset shifts represented by a new generation of female founders and investors, and how their insights transform the way women build wealth and drive lasting impact.

COMMUNITY INTEREST MEETING

FEB 19th — Work, Volunteer and Perform at the Festival. Join us at a Community Interest Meeting where you can chat with our team about ways to get involved and meet other civic change-makers.

BODY & SOUL DANCE PARTY

FEB 15th — FEB 15th — Soul. Funk. R&B. House. Our Valentines Dance Party Extravaganza. The love jam of the season transforms Common House for a multi-level dance party. Presented in partnership with FUN CVILLE.

APRIL 16—20, 2025

Now is the perfect time to get involved with Tom Tom 2025! Applications are open for Artists, Performers, Non-profits, Healers, and Businesses to join us at the Block Party and other community events. Year-round and seasonal staff and volunteer roles are available as well as many other ways to participate.

TOMTOMFOUNDATION.ORG/GET-INVOLVED

Jumpstart your heart.

We can all agree that cold-plunging isn’t exactly one of the more pleasurable hobbies, right? But it is great for bonding (misery loves company!). Take a wintery dip in the Rivanna and then step into Rivanna River Company’s dreamy sauna, situated in what feels like a magical fairy grove, to warm up.

MMake it a double— straw, that is.

We can’t resist a classic sharing-amilkshake moment. It’s like recreating the iconic scene from Lady and the Tramp, but without the messy splatter of pasta sauce as you slurp the noodle through your lips. Plus, it’s total 1950s going-steady vibes, especially in the retro surroundings of Chaps Ice Cream or Timberlake’s downtown.

KKiss in space.

One of the oldest public observatories in the country, McCormick Observatory has been offering public outreach programs since the late 19th century, putting the night sky on display through its 26-inch refractor. These days, you can take your moonbeam to stargaze on the first and third Friday of the month.

Linger with llamas.

Join Lower Sherwood Farm’s herd in a 90-minute, two-mile walk to Bryant’s Cidery through its Nelson County orchard. Stop for Blue Ridge Mountain views and Instagramworthy picks with your new furry friend before grabbing a complimentary sample of cider. Visit lowersherwood.com for booking.

Oysters!

NNuzzle a goat.

Normally it wouldn’t be kosher to go around canoodling anything but your special someone, but we’re certain they’ll make an exception for this one: Kidding season at Caromont Farm starts in March, which means it’s time to cuddle up with baby goats. Sign up for a snuggle sesh at caromontcheese. com (and don’t leave without grabbing a brick of Florent Cendre for your cheese plate later that night).

A proper date night list would not be complete without the mention of some kind of aphrodisiac. You could try pomegranate, avocado, or dark chocolate, but we recommend you get shucking. At Public Fish & Oyster, the daily happy hour knocks $1 off each half shell and $2 off draft beers.

PSnag a private room.

There’s something sexy about a corner booth in a darkened restaurant. And if that’s the case, then there’s something extra sexy about a private room in a darkened restaurant. Charlottesville has a few options, but our vote goes to Tavola’s piccola stanza (above), a secondfloor spot for up to four that comes with its own prix fixe menu, or the wine room at The Alley Light, a standing-roomonly space away from the main dining area, perfect for a romantic toast and shared spoonfuls of a Mr. Reche.

QQuench your creative block.

Couples who create together stay together (right?). Get your juices flowing with a date night at Pikasso Swig, where a skilled instructor will guide you through one of 40 possible craft projects (and serve you complimentary charcuterie), or at The Glass Palette, where walk-ins can spend two hours creating a unique piece to use or display.

Rent out a movie theater.

RDinner-and-a-movie is another classic choice, but we’re trying to encourage overachieving here. At Violet Crown, you can rent a theater for a private showing. Choose from a list of new releases or coming-soon options—or bring your own Blu-ray for an extra $50 fee. Dinner’s covered, too, with apps, pizzas, and hot dogs, plus the downtown theater’s full cocktail menu. (FYI: There’s a $270 food and beverage minimum, so this one might be better as a group activity.)

SSkate your heart out.

Free date idea alert! For literally $0, you and your boo can run—er, skate—circles around each other at Carver Rec Center. Offered on Wednesday and Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, your date includes skates, tunes, and a good time. Bonus points if you choreograph a couples’ routine.

Try before you buy.

Wine? For date night? Groundbreaking! Except that, at local spots like The Wine Guild, Market Street Wine, Crush Pad, Bottle House, Tastings of Charlottesville, and Wine Warehouse, you’ll get a sip of the good stuff (selections from Virginia’s top producers, as well as bottles from abroad) on the house at their weekly tasting events. Sniff, swirl, then let your buzz carry you through a perfect evening.

Upstage Demi and Patrick.

Ready to act out that famous scene from Ghost? Take your place at the wheel with your beloved behind you and get busy—sculpting! (Get your head outta the gutter.) Morehouse Studio offers private workshops for two. If the wheel feels too intimidating, the ceramicists at the Avon Street spot will instruct you in handbuilding. Wait—is that “Unchained Melody” we hear?

STEPHEN BARLING (TOP LEFT), ANNA KARIEL (TOP RIGHT), TRISTAN WILLIAMS (BOTTOM)

VVolunteer together.

Relationships can’t always be two people gazing into each other’s eyes for hours on end. Sometimes it’s nice to turn that attention outward—to those who need a hand. Charlottesville offers many opportunities to volunteer. Stock shelves at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, sign up as farm workday volunteers with the International Rescue Committee, or walk the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont as bird box monitors. Visit cvillevolunteer. org to find an opportunity that suits your interests and talents (and something you can do while still holding hands).

WWhisper sweet nothings.

XTaste-test all of the city’s X and compare.

Okay, so we took some creative liberties with this one (there are only so many opportunities to learn the xylophone or get an X-ray around here, and none of them feel like great date ideas). Who doesn’t love a taste test? Pick a food you’re interested in eating a lot of, and gather an example from different spots around town. Suggested: hot wings, French fries, cookies, croissants.

Important question: Would you rather call your sweetie “my half orange” or “mi media naranja”? Yeah, we thought so. At Speak! Language Center, sign up for a semi-private course for two to explore the romance language of your choice. At $65 per hour for a five- to 25-hour course, you’ll be ready for some elevated pillow talk in no time (and prepared for that romantic getaway you’ve been dreaming about since you got together).

ZYYammer on.

Anyone who’s been in a relationship long enough has floated the idea to their sweetheart: Should we start a podcast? Try your hand at it in the podcasting studio at Codebase. Non-members pay $65 for an hour’s worth of access to the co-working space’s state-of-the-art equipment and comfy chairs from which to dispense your wisdom on the art of interpersonal connection—or why you think your partner’s so bad at closing cabinets. We’d tune in for either.

Add a little zest.

If the quickest way to your sweetie pie’s heart is through their stomach, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard’s cooking classes could help you stir up something luscious. Chef Victoria Cosner leads groups in seasonal workshops on everything from Italian cuisine to cast-iron cooking, which each begin with a glass of bubbly and end with a family-style dinner enjoying the masterpiece you’ve just created. Buon appetito!

HIGHWAYMEN SHOW

CULTURE

TUESDAY 2/11

TOKING TWOSOME

New Jersey’s most famous slacker-stoners roll up for a smokin’ spoken-word show with Jay and Silent Bob: The Aural Sects Tour. Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith have appeared as the eponymous ne’er-do-well duo in eight films over the past 30 years, but this live show gives them a chance to shed their on-screen personas and share stories from their lives. Expect reflections on moviemaking, marriage, the foibles of fatherhood, and plenty of green humor as the hetero lifemates fill your ears with tales of dubious pop culture relevance. $34.75–54.75, 7:30pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

CULTURE TO-DO LIST

FRIDAY 2/7

PICKIN’ AND GRINNIN’

Grammy Award winner and purveyor of mountain music, Steep Canyon Rangers builds off traditional bluegrass to bring its Americana sounds to the stage. Hailing from the Appalachian and Piedmont regions of North Carolina, the group honed its songwriting craft through 14 studio records—including three collaborative albums with actor and banjo aficionado Steve Martin. Additional collaborations with Paul McCartney, The Chicks, the Asheville Symphony, and Boyz II Men prove that SCR can’t be boxed into a singular sound. $25–28, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

Wednesday 2/5

music

Beleza Duo. Funkalicious samba soul—music that moves you from the inside out—with Madeline Holly-Sales on vocals and keys and Berto Sales on guitar, voice, and loops. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 201 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

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

Red & the Romantics. Get your dancin’ shoes on for all-original music crossing over many genres. Free, 8pm. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

classes

Crochet for Beginners. Learn the basics of crochet, and leave with a bamboo crochet hook and a small crocheted washcloth. $25, 5:30pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

etc.

Bent Theatre Improv. A hilarious evening of improv comedy where you make the show by suggesting scenes for the players to act out. Free, 7pm. Decipher Brewing, 1740 Broadway St. benttheatre. weebly.com

Rapture Karaoke. Downtown C’ville’s longestrunning karaoke party. Hosted by Jenn Deville. Free, 9pm. Rapture, 303 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. rapturerestaurant.com

SuperFly Run Club. Run around the city, then enjoy $5 pints. Raffles and exclusive merchandise to be earned. Free, 6pm. SuperFly Brewing Co., 943 Preston Ave. superflybrewing.com

Thursday 2/6

music

Berto Sales and Vincent Zorn. A night of wild flamenco rumba and Latin guitar. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 201 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

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

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

Michael Tice. A classically trained guitarist, singersongwriter, and composer playing a range of bluegrass, jazz, surf, soul, blues, and rockabilly. Free, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Scuffletown. A mix of thoughtful and energetic original songs, classic roots, and blues Americana, punctuated with a mix of classic country, jazz, swing, and reggae tunes. Free, 8pm. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

poetry into a diverse song catalog full of soul and spontaneous musical moments. Free, 8pm. Vision BBQ & Catering, 247 Ridge McIntire Rd. vision bbqcville.com

Billy F. Gibbons. Known as the iconic centerpiece of ZZ Top, BFG is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest guitarists working in the blues-rock idiom. $29–269, 7:30pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net Blowbirds. Green, Whitlow, Milor, Storer, Bisgaier, and LaVelle perform blues, jazz, and original music. Free, 6pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com

Buzzard Hollow Boys. Electrified folk, roots, and swing from a Charlottesville institution. Free, 8pm. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

Chickenhead Blues Band. Charlottesville’s premier boogie-woogie, beat, rhythm and blues dance band. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St.

Josh Mayo. Josh and his band of fantastic musicians perform an up-close-and-personal show of original rock and classic covers. Free, 10pm. The Bebedero, 201 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

Steep Canyon Rangers. Grammy Award winners and heralds of the Carolina sound expand upon the living art of bluegrass music while solidifying their reputation as some of the most influential songwriters in Americana today. $25–28, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jefferson theater.com

The Currys & Theocles. Americana music from a family band with tight harmonies and a solo troubadour taking the stage with nothing but a guitar, a loop pedal, and microphone. $12–15, 8pm. The Southern Cafe & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

words

Friday Night Writes. An open mic for emerging musicians and writers performing their music, poetry, and short stories. Free, 7pm. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. newdominionbookshop.com

Sweet Virginia Song. Kai Crowe-Getty and Rebecca Porter collaborate to share songs and the stories that inspired them. $10–15, 7pm. Batesville Market, 6624 Plank Rd., Batesville. batesvillemarket.com

classes

Morning Toddler Time. Join the amazing Minou for an hour of fun including singing, storytime, and creative art exploration. For toddler and preschoolaged kids. $13, 10:30am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Tots and Dots: Animals. An early childhood learning program that engages early learners and their caregivers in looking at and talking about art, followed by a fun hands-on activity. Free, 10am. KlugeRuhe Aboriginal Art Collection of UVA, 400 Worrell Dr. kluge-ruhe.org

etc.

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 2/7

music

Acoustic Soul. Local vocal/guitar duo Richelle Claiborne and Tucker Rogers weave music and

etc.

BRIMS Movie Night. By using letters from Irish immigrants to their families back home in Ireland, director Paul Wagner creates a documentary portrait of the Irish exodus to the United States. Free, 7pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com

First Friday Improv. The premier of Big Blue Door’s winter improv comedy. $10, 7pm. McGuffey Art Center, 201 Second St. NW. bigbluedoor.org

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, February 6. $15, available noon–8pm. Please confirm Eastwood Winery and Potter’s Cider hours beforehand. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

Saturday 2/8

music

Berto Sales. Brazilian and Latin guitar to warm your spirit and satisfy your soul. Free, 11am. Tavern & Grocery, 333 W. Main St. tavernandgrocery.com

BRIMS Celebrates 25 Years. Irish Trad celebrates a quarter century with live music and dance. Free, 10am. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

Carsie Blanton. A songwriter with hooks, chutzpah, and revolutionary optimism. Inspired by artist-activists, her catalog careens through American popular song from folk and swing to pop-punk protest anthems. $25–30, 8pm. The Southern Café and Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

C’ville Jazz Congregation. A collective of local musicians that have been playing together since 2005. Hear your favorite jazz standards in a new light. Free, 2:30pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarlecider works.com

Cville Symphony: Romeo and Juliet. Excerpts from Suites 1 and 2 of Romeo and Juliet Prokofiev’s cinematically vivid ballet music is a take on Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers. Additional arrangements performed as well. $10–53, 7:30pm. Old Cabell Hall. music.virginia.edu

Jen Tal Band. A collaborative of versatile and creative musicians plays classic soul and R&B, rock, funk, reggae, and jazz. Free, 10pm. Miller’s Downtown, 109 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. millersdowntown.com

THROUGH SUNDAY 2/9

FOLK’D UP

Riding radio waves and stacking the stage with diverse acts, the WTJU Folk Marathon returns with lively local sounds. Evening and Saturday live performances include sets from regional acts Red & the Romantics (pictured), Scuffletown, Buzzard Hollow Boys, Richelle Claiborne & Friends, Please Don’t Tell, BRIMS, and Mama Tried, among others. You can listen online or on the dial at 91.1FM, with video streams available on WTJU’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. While the shows are open to the public, the marathon is a fundraising event, so consider sending a donation to keep the music free for all! Free, performance times vary. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

THE WORKING POUR CULTURE

Fruitful endeavors

Virginia’s spirits come to life in the glass BY BJ POSS

Vitis vinifera and native apples soak up the praise for the nationally acclaimed pressings that fill Virginia’s cellars. For every drop that makes it to the vintner’s bottle, loads of wine and cider base are blended out or sold in bulk, in order for producers to stay under target case counts. Spoiled bits and trimmings often hit the floor.

But now, those discarded batches don’t reach the drain; they’re shipped to the unassuming warehouse cellar of Ivar Aass and Spirit Lab Distilling. “I’m the garbage man of the alcohol industry,” Aass says proudly.

Aass moved to the Monticello AVA from New York in search of a region with bountiful agriculture that had yet to be fully realized. He took a job at Michael Shaps Wineworks in Charlottesville and saw firsthand what the region’s topography was capable of. It was during that tenure that Spirit Lab Distilling began as a five-liter still in Aass’ apartment. “A hobby becomes an obsession, and the obsession becomes a business,” he says.

These days, Spirit Lab has grown into a craft distillery whose catalog exemplifies the dynamic range of Charlottesville’s surrounding farmlands. “I wanted to operate on a regional level,” Aass explains as he pours a sniff of Umeshu Apple Brandy, which may or may not have a touch of plums foraged from the IX Art Park parking lot. “As a customer, I always sought that out. I love approaching distilling from an ingredients perspective.”

Among top-shelf spirits like the single malt whiskey made with Virginia-grown barley and the Hot Soss Apple Brandy that ages with actual hot sauce pepper mash, you’ll find a collaboration with local winemaker Joy Ting: Esprit Joyeux and Esprit Joyeux XO Special Brandy.

The two met during Ting’s tenure as head winemaker at Michael Shaps Wineworks. “I remember how excited he was when his first still was coming over from Europe,” Ting recalls. He was like a kid who couldn’t sit still in his chair.” Ting has since developed and run the Winemakers Research Exchange, a program that funds local winemakers to experiment and present innovations in their respective cellars.

Their first accidental vintage featured a sparkling base of vidal blanc that Ting shipped to Aass to distill as he saw fit. What came of it was a spirit rich with depth that Ting and Aass would sip with glee and begin contemplating the following vintage.

“What if we did this intentionally?” Ting offered, noting that ugni blanc, the prominent grape used in cognac, is one of the parent grapes of vidal blanc. “That second harvest is when we started to make winemaking decisions for brandy rather than making wine that would end up becoming brandy,”

Ting says. They found vidal blanc’s canvas makes for a spirit rich with layers of baking spice, toffee, dried tropical fruit, and a subtle finish of Virginia oak.

“Ivar has a firm commitment to the product and shows his creativity within that,” Ting says. “This is about getting to physically participate in local agriculture and make a product we’re proud to present. This is a reflection of Virginia viticulture.”

Since the first batch in 2018, Ting and Aass have collaborated on a spirit for just about every wine harvest. Currently available are the Espirit Joyeux, a 2020-2021 blend, and the Espirit Joyuex XO, a 2019 reserve brandy that expresses many of the same joyous flavors but with hints of vanilla bean amongst its warm, grounded layers.

You don’t have to look far to find what could very well be the next collaboration resting in the oak barrels of Spirit Lab Distilling. Any orchard grape, stray piece of fruit, or local cultivar growing off a porch is ripe for the distilling. Aass’ desk is speckled with half-full experiments that push the boundaries of the spirit spectrum.

Charlottesville’s imprint on the spirits scene is just as rich as the red clay it rests upon. You can find Aass admiring it as he swirls a rice whiskey to its crescendo after a few droplets of BRBN, a mineral water developed by a trio of UVA grads, that quickly softens a tight spirit to an approachable snifter.

Just down the road, Laird & Company has been distilling brandy from Virginia apples since prohibition. “We could be the apple brandy capital of the world,” Aass proclaims, letting the last drops of Umeshu

Water wonder

The three UVA alums who co-founded Dram Doctors preferred their whiskey neat before they discovered that a few drops of limestone water, rich in minerals—similar to what was used in the original Kentucky bourbons— made for a more sensory sip.

Seeing a unique opportunity in the distilled beverage sector, Charlottesville entrepreneur Kyle Redinger and his partners formulated their BRBN Water from an artesian limestone spring in Texas. “It’s one product we designed for whiskey, bourbon, and scotch mainly, but the principles should apply to all spirits, particularly any spirits that are colored [or] aged,” says Redinger.

Apple Brandy, a collaboration with Troddenvale, fuse at the bottom of his glass. Standing over a trio of stacked firkins, thieving a few droplets of golden ferment from the top barrel, Aass says, “It’s what I call a citruscello.” It’s a bit of every citrus you could think of that spent a year crammed atop one another with droplets slowly coagulating into a full barrel. Aass describes the sensation as if the citrus knew they could jam themselves all through the glass at once like a herd fighting through a single gate. But instead, each fruit politely shows itself, creating an unsweetened after-dinner squeeze that has matured since 2017. According to Aass, 2025 is the year it should be realized. It’s just about ready.

One vintner’s trash is distiller Ivar Aass’ treasure at Spirit Lab Distilling.

CULTURE STAGES

Saturday 2/8

Josh Davidson. Country, outlaw country, Southern rock, folk, and blues from a Blue Ridgebased musician. Free, noon. Keswick Vineyards, 1575 Keswick Winery Dr., Keswick. keswick vineyards.com

Mama Tried. Two hours of high-energy versions of early Grateful Dead songs, plus their own impressive material, with a heavy accent on improvisation. Free, 2pm. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

Perennial Collection. Female-led vocal covers of jazz, soul, R&B, and hip-hop. Free, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwood farmandwinery.com

Richelle Claiborne & Friends. A special concert with singer Richelle Claiborne, Ivan Orr on keys, and percussionist JoVia Armstrong. Free, 8pm. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

Small Town Rodeo. String-based Americana, bluegrass, and country group plays at Nelly’s for the first time. Free, 8pm. Dürty Nelly’s, 2200 Jefferson Park Ave. durtynellyscville.com

Sue Harlow. Americana-folk singer-songwriter whose haunting vocals delve into the depths of what makes people real. Free, 12:30pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwood farmandwinery.com

The Pollocks. Jason Pollock was the lead guitarist and founding member of multi-platinum rock band, Seven Mary Three. $15, 7pm. Batesville Market, 6624 Plank Rd., Batesville. batesville market.com

Troy Breslow. Country music singer-songwriter from Hampton Roads, VA. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducard vineyards.com

dance

GOOD KID, M.A.A.D PARTY. Kendrick night featuring hip-hop, R&B, and rap that won’t kill your vibe and makes up your DNA. Ages 18+. $15–20, 9pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

words

An Evening of Storytelling with Liza Newell. From tall tales to folk tales, personal narratives to creation myths, Newell’s stories will draw you into realms of wonder, reflection, and imagination. $20, 7pm. Visible Records, 1740 Broadway St. visible-records.com

classes

Felted Soap. Learn a wet-felting process for making colorful scrubby soaps covered in soft wool. This class is geared toward beginners who haven’t made felted soaps before. Soaps and wool provided. Ages 12+. $40, 12:30pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Guide to Being an Indie Author. Are you thinking of going indie? Wondering what that means? Explore the pluses and minuses of publishing with an indie press in this seminar. $62–67, 1pm. WriterHouse, 508 Dale Ave. writerhouse.org

Polymer Clay Earrings. Learn how to design, bake, and assemble a pair of polymer clay earrings from start to finish and take them home the same day. All skill levels welcome. Ages 16+. $35, 2:30pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappy elephant.com

Printmaking Workshop. Learn the basics of linocut printing with an opportunity to make countless prints and cards. Leave with the

knowledge of printmaking, your linoleum stamp, and many beautiful handmade works on paper. $35, 10am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Valentine Making Party. Collage some Valentine cards for your friends and loved ones with provided craft materials. Ages 12+. $25, 10:30am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappy elephant.com etc.

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

The Blues at Ace. Watch Chelsea FC vs. Brighton in FA Cup play. Free, 3pm. Ace Biscuit & Barbecue, 600 Concord Ave.

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, February 6. $15, available noon–8pm. Please confirm Eastwood Winery and Potter’s Cider hours beforehand. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

Sunday 2/9

music

Bluegrass Jam. Musicians gather in a circle to jam and the audience sneaks a spot to sit or stand to watch from the perimeter. Show up with instruments if you got ’em. Free, 2pm. Batesville Market, 6624 Plank Rd., Batesville. batesvillemarket.com

Cville Symphony: Romeo and Juliet Excerpts from Suites 1 and 2 of Romeo and Juliet Prokofiev’s cinematically vivid ballet music is a take on Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers. Additional arrangements performed as well. $10–53, 3:30pm. Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center, 1400 Melbourne Rd. charlottesville schools.org

Jason Burke. Music informed by the songs of 1960s and ‘70s American and British rock and roll. Free, 1pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

John Kelly. Singer-songwriter with more than two decades of solo acoustic performing experience. Free, 2pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com

MetalBowl. No sportsball? How about metal instead? Featuring Coldcocked, Deluseur, 2toaRoom, and special guests. Catch hard vibes instead of a pig skin. $10, 7pm. Ace Biscuit & Barbecue, 600 Concord Ave.

Please Don’t Tell. A trio of players with mixed musical backgrounds including classical, goth, and bluegrass, among others. Free, 8pm. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

Sunday Jazz Jam. Local, regional, and national jazz musicians improvising with friends and strangers. Free, 6pm. Miller’s Downtown, 109 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. millersdowntown.com

dance

Salsa & Bachata Lessons. Come for great community and a strong foundation in the connection between partners. Ideal for all levels. $10, 4pm. DMR Studio D, 109 Second St. SE.

classes

Galentine’s Embroidery. Create a tiny heart pillow using simple embroidery stitches and buttons for embellishment. All skill levels welcome. Ages 12+. Pay what you can, 11am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Billy F. Gibbons and the BFGs

The voice and blues-riffin’, trademark long beard-wagglin’ leader of Texas rock trio ZZ Top, Billy F. Gibbons hits the stage backed by the BFGs, Mike Flanigin and Chris Layton. Gibbons—who presumably added the F. to his moniker to distinguish himself and his solo career from his 50-some-odd-year tenure with ZZ Top—remains a “Sharp Dressed Man,” sparkly clothed, topped with a big hat, and sporting a fancy guitar from his well-known collection.

He’s released three solo discs since 2015, starting with Perfectamundo, an unusual sidestep in which he dabbled in Cuban beats and other percussive embellishments to songs built around the pentatonic scale. Later came The Big Bad Blues (2018), and Hardware (2021), both featuring collaborator Matt Sorum of Guns ’N Roses fame on drums. While his last two solo records didn’t veer particularly far from what you may expect of Gibbons’ earlier work, they skirted the heyday of ZZ Top’s synth use that brought them ridiculous pop stardom in the 1980s.

At any rate, it’s all for naught, judging by the evidence making

Friday 2/7

its way to fan clips online. It appears the 75-year-old has chosen to stick mostly with playing the hits that made him famous, eschewing just about all of the music on his three extracurricular albums. As such, he’ll likely please those in attendance with “Cheap Sunglasses,” “La Grange,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” but the odds are high for airing other covers from both ZZ Top and others, ranging from Jimi Hendrix (who famously namechecked him as a rising talent) and a long list of blues big shots.

Expect to be treated to the guitar tones that younger blues-rock hopefuls have been chasing for decades—along with a voice that has recently overcome a bout of laryngitis. Though that shouldn’t be much of an issue as Gibbons has long been regarded as more of a growling howler who’s garnered more praise for what his hands can do than his throat. At this stage of his storied career, he’s likely not too concerned about winning over new fans, as much as giving his longtime followers the signature Lone Star bluesy-rock style he pioneered.—CM Gorey

Watercolor Workshop Series: Mastering Basic Techniques. Complete guided exercises, such as painting simple shapes and gradients, to reinforce the understanding of layering and glazing techniques for depth and texture. Ages 15+. $35, 2pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com etc.

Galentine’s Market. Enjoy a lineup of 40+ local women artists and makers from Craft Cville, plus live music. Free, noon. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, February 6. $15, available noon–8pm. Please confirm Eastwood Winery and Potter’s Cider hours beforehand. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

Monday 2/10

classes

Makers and Givers. A monthly crafting circle with 100 percent of class fees donated to a local nonprofit. This month: Make mittens from recycled machine felted wool and cashmere sweaters. Beginner friendly. Pay what you can, 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 C’ville has to offer. Hosted by Chris Alan . Ages 18+. Free, 7pm. The Southern Cafe & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.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 2/11

music

The Wood Brothers. Freethinking songwriters, road warriors, and community builders with a catalog of diverse music. $36–76, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jefferson theater.com

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 additional supplies you’d like to use. $5, noon. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

etc.

Jay and Silent Bob: The Aural Sects Tour. Kev and Jay finally get to be themselves, using their mouths on you for money, telling tales about making movies, marrying above their stations, and being dads. $34–54, 7:30pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

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

Tuesday Trivia: Geeks Who Drink. 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

FEEDBACK CULTURE

Tenured tracks

A.D. Carson drops groundbreaking composition with open access publisher BY SHEA GIBBS

Clemson University was proud of its doctoral student. It was 2017, and the university announced the achievement with fanfare: A.D. Carson had produced an original piece of music as his dissertation and successfully defended it to receive a Ph.D.

Carson went on to receive tenure in the University of Virginia’s music department. At UVA, he’s continued to compose original music, do research, and teach students to write music.

None of that is incredibly unique. It’s a well-worn path for classically trained musicians. But Carson’s case stands out for two reasons: One, his doctorate is not in music— it’s in rhetorics, communication, and information Design. Two, the music Carson makes is hip-hop.

“I’m honestly quite surprised I was hired in a music department and even more so that my appointment is in hip-hop given the nonexistent relationship it seems music in academia has had to the culture,” Carson says. “It took convincing for me to apply for the job when it was posted.”

Late last year, 11 years after he began working on the album that earned him his doctorate and then tenure, Carson’s Owning My Masters (Mastered) was peer reviewed and published by the University of Michigan Press as an open access document.

To Carson’s knowledge (which, when it comes to hip-hop, is vast) he’s the only university professor ever to earn tenure for publishing rap music. In addition to Owning My Masters, he’s produced three other albums, including i used to love to dream, the first hip-hop album ever peer reviewed and published by an academic press.

So, how did Carson fulfill the requirements for a communications Ph.D. by writing raps? His academic background is in English, writing, and literature, meaning his work is “not so much about hip-hop as it is through hip-hop.” Carson’s albums, showing off a Jay-Z-meets-Nas-type flow and crisp production, include numerous tracks that sound like they’d be at home on a major label’s offering. But as a lyricist, he takes on the heaviest topics: how the past shapes societies and individuals, racial inequality, inherent justice system biases, and historical whitewashing.

Owning My Masters also features Carson’s spoken word poetry, poignant clips from media outlets during historical events, carefully curated sampling, and repurposed film audio. The result is a col-

lection of statements more so than songs.

“All raps are making arguments—even the ones that we think are bad raps,” Carson says. “They are making appeals.”

Carson began writing Owning My Masters as a graduate student at Clemson. He had come to the campus to study literature, but as he pursued hip-hop outside the classroom, he realized he was doing the same work in both places. He began to integrate them, finding Sophocles in Jay-Z’s “Meet the Parents,” imagining Kanye as a modern day Jay Gatsby.

says: “It’s a pretty well-known fact that tigers have stripes, and almost as well-known is the reason they do, yet, Clemson University—home of the Tigers—doesn’t do much acknowledging of those dark marks it knows to be so integral a part of its existence.”

A Black man from the Midwest, Carson was immediately shaken by the way Clemson dealt with the past when he arrived in the South. The school mostly ignored its history of slave ownership, he thought. Then, in early April 2016, a group of students hung racist iconography on an African American history banner outside the former home of Clemson founder John C. Calhoun. Carson was among a group of five students arrested for protesting the vandalism. Local media outlets labeled them “the Clemson Five.”

The incident fueled Carson, and Owning My Masters is suffused with the specific racial tension surrounding Clemson in those days. On the spoken word poem “See the Stripes,” he

After defending his dissertation in the spring of 2017, Carson was hired as an assistant professor of hip-hop in UVA’s McIntire Department of Music. He arrived in Charlottesville during its own racial reckoning. The location was different, he says, but the equality issues were the same. When Carson submitted his tenure packet, i used to love to dream had already been published, but Owning My Masters remained unmastered. Carson applied for a grant to polish the album for release. He won the grant and worked with local engineer Michael Moxham to finish the decade-long project.

Carson’s academic background is in English, writing, and literature, meaning his work is “not so much about hip-hop as it is through hip-hop.”

Carson’s love of hip-hop ranges from Lauryn Hill and Andre 3000, to more obscure artists like Phonte and 7xvethegenius. He doesn’t believe there is “some-hip hop that is more literary and some that is less literary,” but he does worry about corporate interests and nameless algorithms influencing the music people listen to. “The cultural inheritance that hip-hop has left—it has been looted by companies,” he says. “Us rappers are fighting for scraps … and so getting a Ph.D. puts me in a position to have something to say about it.”

A.D. Carson will host a public Owning My Masters listening event in the Dome Room of the UVA Rotunda on February 15.

Boogie on the Bay

CULTURE GALLERIES

February Exhibitions

Botanical Fare Restaurant 421 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. “Scenes from my Travels,” paintings by Randy Baskerville. Through March 3.

Chroma Projects Inside Vault Virginia, Third St. SE. In the micro gallery, “Still Life with Uncertainty,” paintings by Richmond-based artist Sally Bowring. Through February. In the Great Halls of Vault Virginia, “Kinship,” a photo journalist’s documentary on the contrasts of urban culture and politics in the ’60s and ’70s. Through March.

Create Gallery at InBio 700 Harris St. “Floral Fantasy,” recent oil paintings by Randy Baskerville. February 3–28. First Fridays reception 5–7pm.

artists honor history, culture, and heritage through various media. “Joan Mitchell: Uncovering 100 Years,” Abstract Expressionist paintings. “Between Hand and Scroll: Torah Pointers from the Barr Collection,” a selection of more than 80 Torah pointers (yads) made of gold, silver, pearls, jewels and additional materials. Opening February 22, “O’ Powa O’ Meng: The Art and Legacy of Jody Folwell,” contemporary pottery from Kha’p’o Owingeh (Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico). Through June 15. All shows run through July 20, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

The Gallery at Studio IX 969 Second St. SE. “STREET LIFE / STILL LIFE,” photographs from India and the Azores islands depicting balance and stillness amidst chaos, by Will Kerner. February 7–March 2. Opening reception February 7, 5–7pm. February 27th, 5–6pm.

Crozet Artisan Depot 5791 Three Notch’d Rd., Crozet. Floral paintings by Saylor Swift Denney and glass marbles, beads, and sculpture by Carol Sorbor. Through February 28.

C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery 118 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. “Flowers Born on Paper,” colorful and intricate Chinese paper-cuttings by Ming Chen. Through February. First Fridays reception with artists 5–7pm.

The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA 155 Rugby Rd. “Structures,” a selection of 20thand 21st-century works exploring the ways that art can speak to or question the formal, physical, environmental, social, and institutional structures of our world. “Celebration,” features works by five African American artists highlighting the ways these

IX Art Park 522 Second St. SE. “The Looking Glass,” an immersive art space featuring a whimsical enchanted forest and kaleidoscopic cave. Ongoing. “Art Mix at IX,” a fun night of art, music, and cocktails in the Looking Glass lounge. First Fridays, 6pm. Ticketed valentine-making workshop 6:30–7:30pm. “Emotif,” a two-part exhibit featuring new and updated soundscapes for the Looking Glass museum, and a display of new abstract oil paintings by Michael Moxham. Opening reception as part of Art Mix at IX, 8:30–10pm.

Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of UVA 400 Worrell Dr. Part two of “Shifting Ground: Prints by Indigenous Australian Artists from the Basil Hall Editions Workshop Proofs Collection,” curated by Jessyca Hutchens, featuring work by 22 Indigenous Australian artists. “Milpa: Stop-motion animation by Spinifex artists,” animated films. Both shows run through March 2.

Joan Giampa at McGuffey Art Center

Jefferson School African American Heritage Center 233 Fourth St. NW. In the Contemporary Gallery, “807,” photographs documenting the artist’s former family home in the small Appalachian town of Clifton Forge, by Kori Price. Permanent exhibition, “Pride Overcomes Prejudice,” exploring the history of peoples of African descent in Charlottesville. Ongoing.

Les Yeux du Monde 841 Wolf Trap Rd. “Tracing Hope,” a two-person exhibition featuring new watercolor and gouache works on paper by Sanda Iliescu and new three-dimensional works paired with painting and mixed-media works by Ana Rendich. February 15–March 23. Opening reception February 15, 4–6pm. Ticketed luncheon and artist talk event March 2, 12:30pm.

McGuffey Art Center 201 Second St. NW. In the Sarah B. Smith Gallery, “The Healing Symphony and the Beggar’s Bench,” photographs and interior décor by Alan Box Levine. Artist talk February 22, 3–4pm. In the First and Second Floor Galleries, the 2025 “All Associates Show,” showcasing the work of McGuffey’s 131 associate members. Both shows run February 7–March 2. First Fridays reception including associate members pop-up shop and Incubator Studio open house, 5:30–7:30pm.

New City Arts 114 Third St. NE. In the Welcome Gallery, “Pattern & Plain Weave,” four new handwoven works alongside various materials related to the process of conception, planning, and production by fall 2024 New City Arts artist-in-residence Lauren Williams. February 7–26. First Fridays reception 5–7:30pm.

Phaeton Gallery 114 Old Preston Ave. “Carriage Works Studios Annual Group Show,” a celebration of creativity featuring an array

GALLERIES CULTURE

of original paintings, etchings, and ceramics from Carriage Works Studios and special guest artists. February 7–16. First Fridays reception 5–8pm.

FEBRUARY 7– MARCH 21

Second Street Gallery presents two new exhibitions from artists with local ties engaging the overlap of abstraction and figuration. In the Main Gallery, “Liminal” offers mixed-media works by Charlottesville-based artist Cassie Guy (artwork pictured above). In the Dové Gallery, “Signs of Life” shows paintings and drawings exploring grief and the cyclic nature of being by New York-based UVA graduate Kirsten Hemrich. Ticketed VIP exhibition preview party and fundraiser February 6, 5:30–7:30pm. First Fridays reception, 5:30–7:30pm. Artists in conversation with Cassie Guy and Cate West Zahl February 20, 5:30–6:30pm. Cultivating Creative Momentum workshop with Kirsten Hemrich February 26, 5:30–7:30pm. Second Street Gallery, 115 Second St. SE. secondstreetgallery.org

The PVCC Gallery V. Earl Dickinson Building, 501 College Dr. “TRAD: Portraits of Irish and Scottish Traditional Musicians,” largescale photographs of traditional musicians by Christopher Bickford. Through March 29. Ruffin Gallery UVA Grounds, Ruffin Hall, 179 Culbreth Rd. “A Continuous Storyline: Four Decades of UVA Painters,” curated by Megan Marlatt. Featuring paintings and sculpture by John Arnold, David Askew, Gina Beavers, Jackson Casady, Tori Cherry, Maggie King Johns, Matt Kleberg, and Ph ng Duyên H i Nguy n. Through February 14. “New Level Heads,” interactive kinetic sculpture by Christopher Cozier. February 21–March 28. Opening reception February 21, 5–7pm. Visiting artist lecture February 19, 6:30pm, Campbell Hall Room 160. Visible Records 1740 Broadway St. “Through Their Lens: Gaza Untold Stories,” features Gaza-based photographers documenting the realities of life under one of the world’s most violent genocides. February 7–March 28. First Fridays reception 6–9pm.

Waxwing Art Works 416 W. Main St. inside the Main Street Market Building. “The Drawing Show,” featuring works in graphite, ink, and charcoal by Baylor Fuller, Marni Maree, Amy Shawley Paquette, Joe Sheridan, Coleman Simmons, Dana Wheeles, and others. Through February 8.

Randy Baskerville at Create Gallery Jody Folwell at The Fralin Museum of Art

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. 9th - Join us for our popular “Sweetheart Sips and Small Bites” wine and food pairing event. Visit our website for reservations.  Only a few tickets left.

Feb 15th - Enjoy food from the Smashed Life (Burgers) Food Truck.

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!

Feb 16th – Valentine’s Day Sunday

Brunch: Enjoy a lovely Valentine’s Sunday Brunch catered by Chef Mark Gresge of l’etoile Catering of Charlottesville and featuring the beautiful Harp music of Vicky Lee. Each of the four courses will be paired with DuCard wines. Advanced reservations required, (11:30 – 1pm)

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

Valentine’s & Galentine’s At The Winery

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.

Galentine’s Markets | Sunday, February 9 & Sunday, February 16

Join us for our Galentine’s Markets on Sunday, February 9 & Sunday, February 16! We look forward to welcoming you to our cozy tasting room for festive days at the winery. There will be a great lineup of local makers from Craft Cville. Enjoy making your own s’mores around our fire pits with a mug of hot mulled wine. Or, stay inside and enjoy a toasty flatbread or warm crab dip hot out of the oven along with your favorite wine, beer, cider, or non-alcoholic beverage. We also have juice flights and

cheese boards for the kids and there will be live music from 1-4PM both Sundays.

Valentine’s Day Long Weekend | Friday, February 14 - Monday, February 17

Friday, February 14: Valentine’s Day with Pop-Up Free Tastings of New 2024 Rosé, Live Music by Heidi Riddell & Friday Night Shrimp Boil

Saturday, February 15: Live Music All Day! Jim O’Ferrell from 12:30-3:30PM and Cake Fight from 5-8PM

Sunday, February 16: Maker’s Market with Craft Cville and Live Music by John Benjamin from 1-4PM

Monday, February 17: President’s Day | Open 12-5PM

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!

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!)

Feb. 8th – Cookie Decorating Class with Brittney’s Kitchen (advanced ticket purchase required)

Feb. 14th - Be mine with Wine- a Wine and Dessert Pairing

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. 7th - Book World Meets Wine World at 6pm: Author Kelly Weinersmith will present her book A City On Mars. A benefit for the Literacy Council of Madison County.

Feb. 16th - Français with Françoise. An evening of French conversation starting at 5 pm.

Feb. 17th - Wine tasting at Cast Iron Craft House in Warrenton starting at 7pm. Tickets available at:

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

FOR FUN PUZZLES

ACROSS

1. Classic auto, for short

Pancake order 11. Keeps in the loop, in a way

In ___ fer tilization 15. Ali’s boxing daughter

16. Panama, e.g.

17. Easter egg found within a subway system?

19. Former Notre Dame coach Parseghian

20. Nonspecific number

21. Mauritians of long ago

22. Bashful coworker?

24. Sidekick

25. Puts down on paper

26. Herb specifically designated for a tomato sauce?

32. Makes level

33. 2000s corporate scandal subject

34. Spit some bars

37. Scan the print

38. Notions

39. Circle dance at some weddings

40. Onetime Dirk Benedict costar

41. Ordinary

42. Ring-collecting Sega character

43. Atypically sunny weather at the highest peak of the Alps?

46. Donnie ___, 1997 Johnny Depp role

48. Surprised cr y

49. Not as frequent

50. “Let’s Make ___”

53. ___ Lankan

56. Media attention

57. Shor t break from reading fables?

60. Bronze, for one

61. Cliched

62. Adjusts accurately

63. Badminton divider

64. Clear as a whiteboard

65. Striped equine

DOWN

1. “Severance” rating

2. “Muy ___”

3. Teensy

4. Telugu-language 2022 movie that was big in the U.S.

5. Thingamabobs

6. Wheelless vehicle

7. Salsa holder

8. Pretentious manner

9. Progressive Field team, on scoreboards

10. Agatha All Along” star Hahn

11. Book opener?

12. “___ diem”

13. Lingers

18. Without help

23. Goal

24. Fishing hole

25. “___ gonna tell them?”

26. Long-lasting hairstyle

27. Walkie-talkie signoff

28. Place to stake out some steaks

29. Do the audio again

By Rob Brezsny Pisces

(Feb. 19-March 20): Love and intimacy and togetherness are fun, yes. But they’re also hard work—especially if you want to make the fun last. This will be your specialty in the coming months. I’ve assembled four quotes to inspire you. 1. “The essence of marriage is not that it provides a happy ending, but that it provides a promising beginning—and then you keep beginning again, day after day.”—Gabriel García Márquez. 2. “The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret. But those who follow the art of creating it day after day come closest to discovering it.”—Pearl Buck. 3. “Love is a continuous act of forgiveness.”— Maya Angelou. 4. “In the best of relationships, daily rebuilding is a mutual process. Each partner helps the other grow.”—Virginia Satir

By Rob Brezsny

Libra

Aries

(March 21-April 19): Love requires stability and steadiness to thrive. But it also needs unpredictability and imaginativeness. The same with friendship. Without creative touches and departures from routine, even strong alliances can atrophy into mere sentiment and boring dutifulness. With this in mind, and in accordance with astrological omens, I offer quotes to inspire your quest to keep togetherness fertile and flourishing. 1. “Love has no rules except those we invent, moment by moment.” —Anaïs Nin. 2. “The essence of love is invention. Lovers should always dream and create their own world.”

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Many people living in the Napo province of Ecuador enjoy eating a dish called ukuy, which is a Kichwa word for large ants. This is not an exotic meal for them. They may cook the ukuy or simply eat the creatures alive. If you travel to Napo anytime soon, Libra, I urge you to sample the ukuy. According to my reading of the astrological omens, such an experiment is in alignment with the kinds of experiences you Libras should be seeking: outside your usual habits, beyond your typical expectations, and in amused rebellion against your customary way of doing things.

Scorpio

—Jorge Luis Borges. 3. “A successful relationship requires falling in love many times, always with the same person, but never in quite the same way.”—Mignon McLaughlin

Taurus

(April 20-May 20): In celebration of the Valentine season, I suggest you get blithely unshackled in your approach to love. Be loose, limber, and playful. To stimulate the romantic and intimate qualities I think you should emphasize, I offer you these quotes: 1. “Love is the endless apprenticeship of two souls daring to be both sanctuary and storm for one another.”—Rainer Maria Rilke 2. “Love is the revolution in which we dismantle the prisons of our fear, building a world where our truths can stand naked and unashamed.”— Audre Lorde. 3. “Love is the rebellion that tears down walls within and between us, making room for the unruly beauty of our shared becoming.”—Adrienne Rich

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The theory of karma suggests that all our actions, good and bad and in-between, send ripples out into the world. These ripples eventually circle back to us, ensuring we experience events that mirror our original actions. If we lie and cheat, we will be lied to and cheated on. If we give generously and speak kindly about other people, we will be the recipient of generosity and kind words. I bring this up, Scorpio, because I believe you will soon harvest a slew of good karma that you have set in motion through your generosity and kindness. It may sometimes seem as if you’re getting more benevolence than you deserve, but in my estimation, it’s all well-earned.

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I encourage you to buy yourself fun presents that give you a feisty boost. Why? Because I want you to bring an innovative, starting-fresh spirit into the ripening projects you are working on. Your attitude and approach could become too serious unless you infuse them with the spunky energy of an excitable kid. Gift suggestions: new music that makes you feel wild; new jewelry or clothes that make you feel daring; new tools that raise your confidence; and new information that stirs your creativity.

Gemini

Capricorn

(May 21-June 20): To honor the rowdy Valentine spirit, I invite you to either use the following passage or compose one like it, then offer it to a willing recipient who would love to go deeper with you: “Be my thunderclap, my cascade of shooting stars. Be my echo across the valley, my rebel hymn, my riddle with no answer. Be my

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): On a Tuesday in August in 2012—one full Jupiter cycle ago—a Capricorn friend of mine called in sick to his job as a marketing specialist. He never returned. Instead, after enjoying a week off to relax, he began working to become a dance instructor. After six months, he was teaching novice stu-

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY FOR FUN

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Borrowing the words of Aquarian author Virginia Woolf, I’ve prepared a love note for you to use as your own. Feel free to give these words to the person whose destiny needs to be woven more closely together with yours. “You are the tide that sweeps through the corridors of my mind, a wild rhythm that fills my empty spaces with the echo of eternity. You are the unspoken sentence in my every thought, the shadow and the light interwoven in the fabric of my being. You are the pulse of the universe pressing against my skin, the quiet chaos of love that refuses to be named. You are my uncharted shore.”

AQUARIUS

Virgo

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): When an infant giraffe leaves its mother’s womb, it falls six feet to the ground. I suspect that when you are reborn sometime soon, Virgo, a milder and more genial jolt will occur. It may even be quite rousing and inspirational— not rudely bumpy at all. By the way, the plunge of the baby giraffe snaps its umbilical cord and stimulates the creature to take its initial breaths—getting it ready to begin its life journey. I suspect your genial jolt will bring comparable benefits.

dents. Three years later, he was proficient enough to teach advanced students, and five years later, he was an expert. I am not advising you, Capricorn, to quit your job and launch your own quixotic quest for supremely gratifying work. But if you were ever going to start taking small steps toward that goal, now would be a good time. It’s also a favorable phase to improve the way your current job works for you.

just-before-you-wake-up-dream. Be my tectonic shift. Be my black pearl, my vacation from gloom and doom, my forbidden dance. Be my river-song in F major, my wild-eyed prophet, my moonlit debate, my infinite possibility. Be my trembling, blooming, spiraling, and soaring.”

Aquarius

Cancer

(June 21-July 22): Cancerian author Elizabeth Gilbert wrote, “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all.” One of those strange jewels in you is emerging from its hiding place. Any day now, it will reveal at least some of its spectacular beauty—to be followed by more in the subsequent weeks. Are you ready to be surprised by your secret self? Are your beloved allies ready? A bloom this magnificent could require adjustments. You and yours may have to expand your horizons together.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Three years ago, an Indonesian man celebrated his marriage to a rice cooker, which is a kitchen accessory. Khoirul Anam wore his finest clothes while his new spouse donned a white veil. In photos posted on social media, the happy couple are shown hugging and kissing. Now might also be a favorable time for you to wed your fortunes more closely with a valuable resource—though there’s no need to perform literal nuptials. What material thing helps bring out the best in you? If there is no such thing, now would be a good time to get it.

Leo

Pisces

(July 23-Aug. 22): In 2025, the role that togetherness plays in your life will inspire you to achieve unexpected personal accomplishments. Companionship and alliances may even stir up destiny-changing developments. To get you primed, I offer these quotes: 1. “Love is a trick that nature plays on us to achieve the impossible.”—William Somerset Maugham. 2. “Love is the ultimate outlaw. It won’t adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is sign on as its accomplice.”—Tom Robbins. 3. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. Yet each day reveals new constellations in our shared sky.”—Emily Brontë

Virgo

going where it’s most needed and appreciated. What kind of giving makes you feel best?

Aries

be more likely than usual to take good care of my home—and your own home, too. It’s a good time to redecorate and freshen up the vibe.

Cancer

their own self-care as they attend generously to the needs of others. They may even provide nurturing and support to those who don’t appreciate it or return the favor. Author Anne Morrow Lindbergh expressed a different perspective. She wrote, “No one has ever loved anyone too much. We just haven’t learned yet how to love enough.” What’s your position on this issue, Virgo? It’s time for you to come to a new understanding of exactly how much giving is correct for you.

Libra

(March 21-April 19): Although there are over 7,000 varieties of apples, your grocery store probably offers no more than 15. But you shouldn’t feel deprived. Having 15 alternatives is magnificent. In fact, most of us do better in dealing with a modicum of choices rather than an extravagant abundance. This is true not just about apples but also about most things. I mention this, Aries, because now is an excellent time to pare down your options in regard to all your resources and influences. You will function best if you’re not overwhelmed with possibilities. You will thrive as you experiment with the principle that less is

Taurus

Sagittarius

(June 21-July 22): These days, you are even smarter and more perceptive than usual. The deep intelligence of your higher self is pouring into your conscious awareness with extra intensity. That’s a good thing, right? Yes, mostly. But there may be a downside: You could be hyper-aware of people whose thinking is mediocre and whose discernment is substandard. That could be frustrating, though it also puts you in a good position to correct mistakes those people make. As you wield the healing power of your wisdom, heed these words from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “Misunderstandings and lethargy produce more wrong in the world than deceit and malice do.”

(Feb. 19-March 20): For many years, I didn’t earn enough money to pay taxes. I was indigent. Fortunately, social programs provided me with food and some medical care. In recent years, though, I have had a better cash flow. I regularly send the US government a share of my income. I wish they would spend all my tax contributions to help people in need. Alas, just 42 percent of my taxes pay for acts of kindness to my fellow humans, while 24 percent goes to funding the biggest military machine on earth. Maybe someday, there will be an option to allocate my tax donations exactly as I want. In this spirit, Pisces, I invite you to take inventory of the gifts and blessings you dole out. Now is a good time to correct any dubious priorities. Take steps to ensure that your generosity is

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Psychotherapist Robin Norwood wrote that some people, mostly women, give too much love and kindness. They neglect

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Are you ready to express your affection with lush and lavish exuberance? I hope so. Now would be an excellent time, astrologically speaking. I dare you to give the following words, composed by poet Pablo Neruda, to a person who will be receptive to them. “You are the keeper of my wildest storms, the green shoot splitting the stone of my silence. Your love wraps me in galaxies, crowns me with the salt of the sea, and fills my lungs with the language of the earth. You are the voice of the rivers, the crest of the waves, the pulse of the stars. With every word you speak, you unweave my solitude and knit me into eternity.”

(April 20-May 20): Taurus comedian Jerry Seinfeld, now 70 years old, has testified, “As a child, the only clear thought I had was ‘get candy.’” I encourage you to be equally single-minded in the near future, Taurus. Not necessarily about candy—but about goodies that appeal to your inner child as well as your inner teenager and inner adult. You are authorized by cosmic forces to go in quest of experiences that tickle your bliss.

Gemini

Scorpio

(Oct. 23-Nov.21): Among its potential gifts, astrology can raise our awareness of the cyclical nature of life. When used well, it helps us know when there are favorable times to enhance and upgrade specific areas of our lives. For example, in the coming weeks, you Scorpios could make progress on building a strong foundation for the future of love. You will rouse sweet fortune for yourself and those you care for if you infuse your best relationships with extra steadiness and stability.

(May 21-June 20): I’m not saying I would refuse to hire a Gemini person to housesit while I’m on vacation. You folks probably wouldn’t let my houseplants die, allow raccoons to sneak in and steal food, or leave piles of unwashed dishes in the sink. On the other hand, I’m not entirely confident you would take impeccable care of my home in every little way. But wait! Everything I just said does not apply to you now. My analysis of the omens suggests you will have a high aptitude for the domestic arts in the coming weeks. You will

Leo

(Nov. 22-Dec.21): I want you to be moved by intimacy and friendships that buoy your soul, inspire your expansive mind, and pique your sense of adventure. To boost the likelihood they will flow your way in abundance during the coming weeks, I offer you these quotes. 1. “Love is a madness so discreet that we carry its delicious wounds for a lifetime as if they were precious gems.”—Federico García Lorca. 2. “Love is not a vacation from life. It’s a parallel universe where everything ordinary becomes extraordinary.”—Anne Morrow Lindbergh. 3. “Where there is love there is life. And where there is life, there is mischief in the making.”—my Sagittarius friend Artemisia.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Every intimate alliance is unique, has its own rules, and shouldn’t be compared to any standard. This is a key theme for you to embrace right now. Below are helpful quotes. 1. “Each couple’s love story is a language only they can speak, with words only they can define.”—Federico Fellini. 2. “In every true marriage, each serves as guide and companion to the other toward a shared enlightenment that no one else could possibly share.”—Joseph Campbell. 3. “The beauty of marriage is not in its uniformity but in how each couple writes their own story, following no map but the one they draw together.”—Isabel Allende. 4. “Marriages are like fingerprints; each one is different, and each one is beautiful.”—Maggie Reyes.

(July 23-Aug. 22): Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had an older sister, born under the sign of Leo. Her nickname was Nannerl. During their childhoods, she was as much a musical prodigy as he. Supervised by their father, they toured Europe performing together, playing harpsichord and piano. Nannerl periodically got top billing, and some critics regarded her as the superior talent. But misfortune struck when her parents decided it was unseemly for her, as a female, to continue her development as a genius. She was forcibly retired so she could learn the arts of housekeeping and prepare for marriage and children. Your assignment in the coming months, Leo, is to rebel against any influence that tempts you to tamp down your gifts and specialties. Assert your sovereignty. Identify what you do best, and do it more and better than you ever have before.

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

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Dancing in the dark

Jefferson Theater regulars The Legwarmers took the stage Friday, January 31, with a bodacious set that covered more than 30 ’80s hits, from Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin,’” before an encore of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and the Beastie Boys’ “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right.” The Arlington-based band has played the Jeff 36 times and has a 37th date—June 27—already on the books. Bitchin’!

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