C-VILLE Weekly | April 29 - May 5, 2026

May at Monticello

MAY 2

Pen to Paper

Celebrate 250 years of Jefferson’s Declaration at Pen to Paper, an afternoon of conversation, music, poetry, and theater, honoring our most shared piece of history. monticello.org/pen2paper

MAY 2

Jefferson and Adams

A Stage Play by Howard Ginsberg

Experience the passion and ideals that inspired a revolution and the birth of a new nation. monticello.org/play

MAY 19

Pursuits of Knowledge

Hear Beverly Gage discuss her book, “This Land is Your Land: A Road Trip through U.S. History.” monticello.org/pursuits

MAY 9 & 30

Spring Plant Sales

Don’t miss our spring plant sales at Monticello’s Center for Historic Plants. monticello.org/plantsale

Monticello Members receive discounted tickets to these programs, year-round admission, and more. Become a member today at monticello.org/membership

Thank you to all the teams, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make this year’s Wordplay a huge success! Your support sustains Literacy Volunteers in its mission of providing free, one-to-one literacy, basic education, and U.S. citizenship tutoring to area adults.

First Place: Four County Players’ Scene Stealers - sponsored by Alley Team Realty

Second Place: Our Team is a Plant - The Ivy Group

Third Place: Hexabesties – Hexagon Energy

Best Costume: Luv Letters – C’ville Scrabble Club

Best Team Name: Tequila Mockingbirds

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors:

Congratulations Winners! www.literacyforall.org/wordplay

Wordplay is a trivia competition for people who love words, pop culture, history, literature, and showing off how smart they are — all in support of adult literacy.

Hello, Charlottesville.

Thank you for reading C-VILLE Weekly. My daughter’s art teacher wrote us last week to say that one of the pieces she made in class will be featured at Fridays After Five. For an almost 6-year-old, that kind of invitation feels enormous—and, for me, was a reminder of how early the arts can take root.

4.29.26

This week’s cover story (p.20) looks at a familiar idea with new urgency: a local arts council. As Sarah Lawson writes, Charlottesville’s creative community is rich in talent—but often stretched thin when it comes to resources, coordination, and support.

It’s easy to experience our city as arts-forward. On any given weekend, there’s something to see or hear—like last week’s closing show of Live Arts’ Blood at the Root or my girl’s art on the big screen this Friday (#proudmom). What’s less visible is how hard it can be for artists and organizations to sustain that work while also juggling costs, competing for funding, and, in some cases, being forced to leave the scene altogether. An arts council could help connect those dots. And I’d argue the smaller, steadier efforts that keep the scene visible matter, too.

For nearly 37 years, C-VILLE has played a role in that system by paying attention. Week after week, we’ve documented the shows, performances, and creative risks that make this place what it is, especially the ones that might otherwise go unnoticed (#proudeditor).

That kind of coverage doesn’t happen by accident—and it doesn’t happen for free. If you value having a publication that shows up for the arts (and so much else), I hope you’ll consider making a recurring donation to our Save the Free Word campaign at savethefreeword.c-ville.com.

In the meantime, we’ll keep showing up and telling these stories. They’re worth telling, and worth seeing.

This week’s contributors

Hey, thanks! These generous benefactors of C-VILLE have supported our work through our (now tax-deductible!) Save the Free Word campaign. To contribute, follow the QR code.

Towns Ackerman

Susan Albert

Mary Allen

Catherine Anninos

Elaine Attridge

Jim & Gwen Baber

Lori Balaban

Timothy Bambury

Catherine Barnes

Julie Basic

Susan Battani

John & Nancy Baum

Josh Baumann

Jennifer Beachley

Mayanna Bean

Terry Belanger

Susan Bender

Denise Benson

Anne Bergamesca

Rebecca Berlin

Kim Biasiolli

Patrick Bird

Mary Ann Bournos

Paddy Bowman

Olivia Branch

Paul Brewer

Susan Brickman

Claudia Murray

Brindle

Colette Brown

David Brown

Jack Brown

Sumner Brown

Kate Buford

Cathleen Burgess

Carol Burger

Patricia Burkett

David Calhoun

Michael Callahan

Linda & Pat

Canzanelli-Dantona

Brian Carlton

Helen Cathro

Janelle Catlett

James Clark Jr.

Diane Cluck

Karen Collins

Lorraine Collins

Todd Cristian

Beth Croghan

Margaret Crone

Emily Currier

Genny Dalton

Maria-Eugenia

Dalton

Charles Dassance

Lynne DeCora

Pam & Peter Dennison

Nancy Dettor

Martha Donnelly

Helene Downs

Vincent Draddy

Charlotte Drummond

Louise Dudley

Lee Elberson

Jane Elmore

Karen Emmitt

Ken Engebretson

Elizabeth Engle

Rosa Ellen English

Gail Esterman

Joe Ethier

Tom & Anna Ferrell

M. Fife

Jon Fink

Lavonne Fitts

Kevin Foley

Barbara Fornoff

Joan Forrest

Amy Gardner

Georgia Garrett

Thomas Garrison

Greg Gelburd

Gerald Giammatteo

David & Janna Gies

Karen Goertler

Donna Goings

Stephanie Goodwin

Trice Gravatte

Andrew Greeley

Jennifer Grover

Cara Hall

Kendra Hall

Jeremy HarrisMcDonnell

Wiliam Harvey

Madeleine Hawks

Ann Marie Haynes

Mary Haynes

Elain Heffelfinger

Chris Hellings

Ted Heneberry

Stephen Herrick

John Heyser

Ezra Hitzeman

Katherine Hoffman

JoAnn Hofheimer

Lisa Hogan

Gina Hogue

Laura Horn

Christina Horton

Robert Inlow

Deb Jackson

Garth Jensen

Nina Johnston

Nicole Jones

Diane Jones

Janet Jospe

Jane Kamensky

Marina Kelley

Brian Kelly

Trish Kenney

Tom & Sue Kirk

Kathryn Kluge

Julie Lacy

Marcia Langsam

Jacalyn LaPierre

Aaron Lawrence

Eric & Diane Lawson

Elizabeth Lawson

Frances Lee-Vandell

David Lemon

Linda Lester

Sean Libberton

Angeline Lillard

Peppy Linden

Jessica Lino

D. Little

Phillip Long

Rob Lynch

Catherine Maguire

Greg Mallard

James Mandell

Jeff Martin

Virginia Masterson

Jeanne & Bob

Maushammer

Erin Mayer

Grant McDowell

Kieran Mcdowell

Mary McIntyre

Gretchen McKee

John McLaulin

Ruth McWilliams

James Mernin

Nicolas Mestre

Tim Michel

Parthy Monagan

Linda Monahan

Vic Monti

Hilary Moorman

Michael Morency

Harold E. Morgan

Michael Moriarty

Catherine Moynihan

Jim Mummery

Karen Myers

Sara Myers

Monica Newby

Jennifer Newell

Sandy Newhouse

Kathy O’Connell

Dennis O’Connor

Diane Ober

Cynthia Van Osch

Annette Osso

Laila Ouhamou

Annette Owens

Timothy Palmer

Michael Pantano Dashton Parham

Payne Susan Payne

Peacock

Peacock

Perdue

Peters

Peterson

Pettitt

Pevsner

Pollock

Price

Pugh

Purkey

Quenichet

Racette

Radsky

Ransom Sarah Ratcliffe Stots Reele

Julia Rubarth

Tim Ryan

Carol Gilbert Sacks

Audrey Sarate

Dennis Scannell

Claudia Scenna

Joan Schatzman

Sandra Schmidt Eric Schultz Karen Schuyler Wendy Seay James Seitz Angilee

Paul Shettel

Vaden

McIlwaine

John Titus

Jessica Tobin

Erica Toy

Trapnell Jill Trischman-Marks

Susan Uland

Darlene VanEvery Rick Vergot Christina Walker

Steven Ward

Chris Waugaman Phoebe Weseley

Smoot

Mickey Speck Maria Spence

Jim Spencer

Strickland

Thiede

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURE 20

the scene

NEWS 9

9 Area reps react to Virginia’s “yes” to redistricting.

11 Sudden freeze puts area crops—from veggies to vino— under stress.

11 DOJ puts Southern Poverty Law Center in its crosshairs.

13 Real Estate: Albemarle considers zoning change to make room

CULTURE 27

29 The Working Pour: Corry Craighill’s big win for Valley Road.

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

SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Nathan Alderman news@c-ville.com

NEWS REPORTER

Catie Ratliff reporter@c-ville.com

NEWS CONTRIBUTOR

Sean Tubbs

ASSOCIATE CULTURE EDITOR

CM Turner arts@c-ville.com

COPY EDITOR

Susan Sorensen

DIGITAL EDITOR

Tristan Williams

CONTRIBUTORS

Rob Brezsny, Dave Cantor, Carol Diggs, Shea Gibbs, Andrew Hollins, Erika Howsare, Matt Jones, Sarah Lawson, Lisa Provence, Sarah Sargent, Kristie Smeltzer, Jen Sorensen, Julia Stumbaugh, Jake Solyst, Paul Ting, Eric Williamson

31 The Works: Jeff School asks public opinion on “Recast | Reclaim.”

33 Galleries: What’s on view this month

Sudoku

Crossword(s)

Free Will Astrology

The Big Picture

ADVERTISING

advertising@c-ville.com

DIRECTOR OF SALES Bianca Johnson bianca@c-ville.com

REAL ESTATE & CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT MANAGER

Brian Hrozencik brian@c-ville.com

DIGITAL SALES MANAGER

Rob Davis rob@c-ville.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Stephanie Vogtman-Say stephanie@c-ville.com

Jacob Phillips jacob@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

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Gregg Early development@c-ville.com

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Debbie Miller debbie@c-ville.com

A/R SPECIALIST

Nanci Winter accounting@c-ville.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Billy Dempsey circulation@c-ville.com

C-VILLE HOLDINGS, LLC

Bill Chapman, Blair Kelly

C-VILLE Weekly is Charlottesville, Virginia's award-winning alternative newspaper. Through our distinctive coverage, we work to spark curiosity and enable readers to engage meaningfully with their community.

©2026 C-VILLE Weekly. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

TingPavilion.com

MAY 7: Ole 60 with the Jack Wharff Band and Rob Langdon

JUNE 20:

WNRN Presents: The String Cheese Incident Just Keep Spinning Tour 2026

JULY 18:

Alison Krauss & Union Station ft. Jerry Douglas with Special Guest Theo Lawrence

JULY 26: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Benefiting the Charlottesville Free Clinic

Aug 19: Dominic Fike On Sale Now

SEPT 5: WNRN Presents: Charley Crockett Age of the Ram Tour with Nat Myers

SEPTEMBER 8:

Sierra Ferrell A WNRN 30th Anniversary show Heavy Petal Tour

SEPTEMBER 22:

Rainbow Kitten

Surprise

SEPTEMBER 24:

Sam Barber

More Announcements Coming Soon!

FRIDAYS AFTER FIVE! 5:30-8:30 pm

27-ON SALE FRIDAY GWAR WITH MIDNIGHT, MAC SABBATH AND X-COPS

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JUNE 17-ON SALE NOW SAM MORROW

04-30| YARN 05-01| DEAU EYES, JUNE BABY & CHLOË ESTER WITH VALENTIN PRINCE

05-02| MELT WITH CLAIRE ERNST

05-06| THE HIP SNACKS WITH CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

05-08| BELLA WHITE WITH ERIN RAE

05-09| EDDIE 9V WITH BROOKHOUSE

05-14| ANDREW MARLIN & JOSH OLIVER (FULLY SEATED)

05-15| MAGOO

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06-24| BABE HAVEN WITH SLOW FUNERAL 06-25| CHUCK RAGAN JUST

Our retail store is open regularly and we carefully curate and host a variety of 21+ events, supporting local artists and artisans, to bring cannabis lovers together. Whether you are passing through the city or found your forever home in Charlottesville, Virginia, The Hidden Leaf will continue to provide a safe haven for all of us. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms in a friendly and hidden place, where you are seen and known.

Mapping it out

Congressional candidates figure out next steps after redistricting

BY CATIE RATLIFF

On April 21, Virginia voters approved state Democrats’ bid to redraw congressional maps, with roughly 51.64 percent voting “yes” in the special election. While legal challenges to the constitutional amendment persist at press time, congressional candidates are turning their attention to the primaries.

The Virginia Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the amendment on April 27. Per the Code of Virginia, two sessions of the state legislature must approve an amendment before sending it to voters. The votes on the amendment must be separated by elections for the House of Delegates. State Republicans argue that since early voting for the 2025 election was under way when the Democratically controlled House of Delegates first passed the amendment, the legislature did

not meet these requirements. At press time the Court has not ruled on the matter.

For the last five years, Charlottesville’s congressional district spanned from Albemarle down to the North Carolina border. Under the new map, the greater Charlottesville area moves into the newly created Sixth District alongside other localities with major universities—Harrisonburg and Blacksburg—and their rural surroundings.

Current Sixth District Rep. Ben Cline, R, is adamantly opposed to the map and is supporting the legal effort to toss the amendment. Based on his campaign website, the Congressman lives in Botetourt County in the new Ninth District—the sole seat on the new map heavily favoring Republicans.

Although results were closer in 2024, with 50.6 percent going for former Vice President

Kamala Harris, data from the Virginia Public Access Project shows that Gov. Abigail Spanberger carried the new Sixth District by 11 points in 2025.

Not every candidate C-VILLE spoke to was happy about the redistricting, but most were glad to have a better idea of which district they’re running in. Others were adamant that the amendment would not hold up under legal scrutiny.

“When I was in the General Assembly, my team and I were able to pass bills every year where every Democrat and every Republican voted yes,” says current Rep. John McGuire. “At the same time, I received the highest award for conservatism. Fast forward to my time in Congress, today, I received the highest award for conservatism in Congress.”

McGuire is the far and away favorite for the Republican nomination in both the old Fifth and new Sixth district.

“I was elected to represent Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District, and Tuesday’s election does not change that,” he says.

“We expect the Virginia Supreme Court to do its constitutional duty and uphold the lower court ruling on the redistricting referendum as unconstitutional and illegal. Until then, I will continue to campaign and represent the amazing people of the current Fifth District.”

In the Democratic field, the pool of candidates from the previous Fifth District is down to three: Tom Perriello, Suzanne Krzyzanowski, and Rob Tracinski. Although Gabriella Bedsworth recently decided to end

NEWS POLITICS

her bid for the party nomination, redistricting was not the main reason for her exit.

On April 11, Bedsworth received a note taped to her front door. Already weighing the financial cost of continuing her campaign, she decided to leave the race.

“The note had to do with my being a transgender woman,” says Bedsworth. “The emails didn’t bother me, but when someone came to my home in the middle of the night, that’s another story. Money was still my primary motivation for dropping out.”

While she’s opposed to gerrymandering in general, Bedworth says she voted “yes” on the amendment to “level the playing field after Texas did the same.”

Krzyzanowski, also opposed to gerrymandering, is staying in the race in hopes of making change at the federal level.

“Once the possibility of redistricting came up, I had to ask myself if I would continue the race in the new Sixth District, with more candidates,” says Krzyzanowski, who was inspired to run by her experience as a family health physician. “I think one of our priorities early on when we Democrats get the majority should be to pass legislation ending gerrymandering. And if Trump vetoes it, then it will be clear to everyone who is responsible.”

Tracinski, who is continuing his reformfocused anti-Trump campaign, is narrowly within the bounds of the newly formed Sixth District.

“Well, it’s nice to know finally what district I’m running in,” wrote Tracinski in a campaign update after the special election.

“The voters of the Commonwealth have chosen to create new congressional districts to counterbalance Donald Trump’s spree of racial and partisan gerrymandering.”

Former Fifth District Rep. Tom Perriello campaigned in support of the amendment. Prior to redistricting, Perriello was running an uphill campaign to unseat McGuire. In the Sixth, he’s the frontrunner.

“Folks around here can agree on one thing—we are paying way too much for gas,

“We

groceries, and healthcare. It’s time to fire congressmen like Ben Cline who jacked up costs to protect the corrupt,” said Perriello in an April 21 post after the election was called. “I’ve held hundreds of listening sessions across the Blue Ridge, and families deserve a representative who will fight to get costs down, paychecks up, and common sense back in the driver’s seat.”

Beyond names already on the radar, new boundary lines introduce a handful of new candidates, like Beth Macy, a journalist and New York Times bestselling author from Roanoke. Perriello has raised more than $1.4 million for his campaign, but Macy isn’t far behind at almost $1.1 million.

Democratic and Republican candidates aren’t the only contenders affected by redistricting. While they’re often left out of the conversation, Independent candidates vying to get on the ballot are among those most affected by the new map.

“The Fifth District in particular was, I thought … a fairly drawn district,” says Chris Register, who opposed the redistricting amendment. Rather than new maps, Register

saw a path forward with disillusioned former Trump voters in southern Virginia.

“As an Independent candidate, I thought I actually had a decent—you know small, but decent—shot,” he says. “I felt like there were enough people on the Republican side who were fed up with Trump, and I don’t think that Congressman McGuire was particularly appealing.”

“I understand why Democrats are voting yes, because the Republicans in Congress in D.C., they’re not doing their job, they’re not exercising oversight. … We’ve just become so partisan. The only way out of this is to open up the political system,” says Register. “Tyranny by majority is still tyranny. You can’t actively seek to disenfranchise your neighbors in a liberal democracy. That’s what we’ve done, and we’ve hardened the hearts of those folks.”

With redistricting moving forward, Register says his main focus is to ensure he gets on the ballot for November. Getting enough signatures by the deadline to qualify for the ballot has also been a concern for Cooke Harvey, who is also running as Independent in the new Sixth.

“I am newly encouraged, newly motivated,” says Harvey. “Now, because there’s a clear focus and a clear line, it makes it a little bit easier.”

Based on his most recent conversation with the Virginia Department of Elections, Harvey and other Independents who previously declared their candidacy in now-incorrect districts will need to update some paperwork. The exact processes are still being sorted, but election officials also need to determine which of the signatures Harvey’s already collected will count.

In an April 27 email, VDOE confirmed that the primary filing deadline for U.S House of Representatives candidates has been set for May 26. Independent candidates have until August 4 to file for the November general. Party primaries for the 2026 midterms will be held August 4. Election Day is November 3.

IN BRIEF

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

Ill-fitting suit

In an April 21 indictment, the U.S. Department of Justice charged the Southern Poverty Law Center with wire fraud, false statements, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The full indictment details SPLC’s collaboration with and payment of an informant, F-37, who was a member of an “online leadership chat group that planned the 2017 ‘Unite the Right’ event in Charlottesville, Virginia and attended the event at the direction of the SPLC.”

The indictment further alleges that SPLC directed the informant to make racist posts, and that F-37 helped coordinate transportation for Unite the Right attendees. The DOJ alleges F-37 was paid more than $270,000 by SPLC between 2015 and 2023.

“Donors gave their money believing they were supporting the fight against violent extremism,” said Kevin Davidson, acting

Sacred Cao 2024 Republican Virginia Senate candidate Hung Cao named Acting Secretary of the Navy after his predecessor quits, despite an interview in which Cao expressed his belief—this is not a joke—that witches have taken over the wealthy town of Monterey, California. Making change Out of every tax dollar paid in Albemarle County, $0.54 funds education, $0.16 public safety, and $0.08 health and welfare, per the county’s 2025 annual community report, released April 20. Low down A week after hitting a record high for the season, Charlottesville plunges to a record low 28 degrees F on April 21, six degrees below the prior lowest temp recorded. Check in UVA opens the Virginia Guesthouse, its combination hotel, conference space, and welcome center. Mac attack A too-tall vehicle obliterated part of the drive-through structure at the McDonald’s on Pantops, slightly damaging the restaurant’s roof; the railroad bridge at the Corner declined to comment.

United States attorney, in an April 21 DOJ press release. “As alleged, the SPLC instead diverted a portion of those funds to benefit individuals and groups they claimed to oppose. That kind of deception undermines public trust and social cohesion.”

“The SPLC is manufacturing racism to justify its existence,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Using donor money to allegedly profit off Klansmen cannot go unchecked. This Department of Justice will hold the SPLC and every other fraudulent organization operating with the same deceptive playbook accountable. No entity is above the law.”

In an April 25 analysis published to Just Security, Andrew Weissmann (who previously served as lead prosecutor in Robert Mueller’s special counsel’s office, chief of the fraud section of the DOJ, and as general counsel for the FBI) took issue with the indictment and Blanche’s comments.

“[The DOJ and FBI] received from the Center itself the negative information about these groups. … That proof is now going to be a weapon that the Center can wield against the Department’s indictment,” wrote Weissmann.

Weissmann asserts that Blanche’s statement “is consistent with the far-right talking point that it was the ‘left’ that was behind the events in Charlottesville and J6—a contention that is devoid of proof, and makes little sense in any event since this Administration does not condemn either event.”

Founded in 1971, SPLC describes itself as “a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.”

Infiltration of extremist groups has been part of the nonprofit’s MO for decades. FBI Director Kash Patel cut ties with the group in October 2025, ending years of collaboration between SPLC and the federal government.—Catie Ratliff

Cold plunge

Local farms deal with crop loss after a sudden freeze

BY NATHAN ALDERMAN

For five days in mid-April, Charlottesville simmered unseasonably, with highs reaching a record 92 degrees on April 15. But as April 20 rolled into the 21st, the temperature plunged to an equally unprecedented 28 degrees, catching plants at a vulnerable part of their growth cycle, and adding another burden to a tough season for local farmers.

At King Family Vineyards in Crozet, an estimated 15 to 20 of the farm’s roughly 45 acres of grapevines took serious damage. “We have all of our primary shoots out, and our cluster formations were formed,” says Eric Clouse, King Family’s vineyard manager. The frost “was enough to harm those growing shoots, and then also, in serious cases, damage the fruit clusters entirely. We’re going to see a big setback on this year’s fruit production on those primary shoots.”

Grapevines can produce secondary shoots if the primary ones die, but Clouse says they tend to produce fewer, if any, fruit clusters. Even though he could lose up to 20 percent of the year’s crop, Clouse is optimistic. “Things are already bouncing back,” he says. “Good thing about grapevines, they’re pretty resilient.”

Crown Orchards wasn’t so lucky. “This time of year in our orchards the trees are blooming and the young fruits that we’re hoping to harvest for this year are very, very delicate, as flowers or as very, very small fruit,” says Henry Chiles, the youngest of three generations of Chiles by that name working for Crown. “At this stage we’re very susceptible to cold weather and to frost. Any sort of freeze damage will kill the fruit. And unfortunately, the crops that we have, apples and peaches, they only flower one time per year.”

The company’s Carter Mountain and Chiles Peach Orchards were largely spared. “We’ll still have fruit for the local community,” Chiles says. Crown Orchards’ other fields, which grow wholesale to grocery stores, took harder hits.

Chiles estimates Crown lost half the year’s total crop, and with it, crucial market share. “When somebody calls you and asks you for a tractor trailer-load of peaches and you don’t have it, they’re going to find the next guy that does,” he says. “And next year, they’re going to call that guy, and they’re not going to call you again.”

At Bellair Farm, manager Michelle McKenzie’s crops mostly made it through. She’s more concerned about fuel costs, a labor shortage that she blames on government staffing cuts, the region’s ongoing drought, and a changing climate in which this year’s extremes become the new normal.

“I can’t even tell you how bad the damage is,” she says. “Once the ball is rolling, we are

just on this freight train that we don’t have control of all the levers of. And this spring is really throwing us for a doozy with the drought [and] the worker delay.”

“We had a challenging year last year with the wet weather, and then the introduction of the spotted lanternfly insects into our farming systems, and then a hard winter, and then that week of 90 degrees in early April, followed by a 28-degree day,” Clouse says. “All these things seem to work together and make things more drastic than it typically would be on one-off events.”

Chiles says insurance will cover Crown’s crop losses. Clouse, in his second year at King Family, wasn’t sure whether the vineyard had a policy for its crops.

“It’s kind of one of those things, farming. You’ve got to roll with the punches,” Clouse says. “We do everything we can to protect our crop, but sometimes Mother Nature just gets the best of you.”

Rezoning trend

United Land Corporation files plans to rezone portion of Hollymead Town Center for up to 2,400 units BY SEAN TUBBS

There is a trend of late in Albemarle County for developers to return to the Community Development Department to amend previous rezonings and request that commercial space be swapped out for more residential units.

For instance, in April the Board of Supervisors approved a request from Great Eastern Management Company to add more than 700 places to live at North Pointe for a total of 1,600 units. Last September, they agreed to Riverbend Development’s rezoning to add another 300 units at Brookhill for a total of 1,850.

Now United Land Corporation has asked for a rezoning of the southern portion of Hollymead Town Center to provide between 1,500 and 2,400 new units in an area preparing for the arrival of AstraZeneca and the continuing expansion of the UVA North Fork Discovery park.

Area A-1 is 31 acres and zoned for up to 258,000 square feet of commercial use only with no residential allowed. Area A-2 is 44.5

acres and 368,000 square feet and allows 1,222 residential units.

Just over 100,000 square feet of commercial space have been built since 2011 and the company wants flexibility.

“Over the past 15 years, there have been no residential units constructed and the majorityof commercial pad sites remain vacant in both the A-1 and A-2 blocks,” reads the narrative for a rezoning request submitted in March.

The application states that commercial is no longer viable and points out that Albemarle County has identified a need for thousands of new units to satisfy demand for a growing population.

“Allowing higher densities in established locations like Hollymead Town Center will help the County meet future housing needs for residents and also support both existing and commercial development in the Hollymead Town Center core,” the narrative continues.

The application points out many of the conditions required in the original rezoning

Big moves

have been satisfied, such as construction of Towncenter Drive to connect U.S. 29 and Dickerson Road.

This amendment also seeks to add 74 acres of currently undeveloped land to A-2, but not all of it would be residential.

“The revised plan would propose a minimum of 150,000 square feet—up to 350,000 square feet—of commercial space, focusing commercial along Route 29 with the potential for mixed use commercial along Berkmar Drive and Towncenter Drive,” the narrative continues.

A cyberattack last June knocked out what the county calls a “development dashboard,” which tracks the number of proposed residential units as well as those approved. The site will soon be restored and data shown to CVILLE Weekly indicates there are a total of 2,524 residential units under review in Hollymead and over 6,400 approved but not yet built.

The public will get the first chance to talk about this rezoning at a future meeting of the Places29 North Community Advisory Committee.

Albemarle staff to implement AC44 with zoning changes, new plan for area BY SEAN TUBBS

The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia projects that more than 137,000 people will call Albemarle County home by 2040, or about 18,000 more than their estimate for July 2026.

“Now is the time for managing that growth through activity center plans and multimodal transportation plans,” said Tonya Swartzendruber, a planning manager in Albemarle.

Since the late 1970s, the county has operated under a growth management policy that directs growth to about five percent of Albemarle’s 726 square miles. Last October, the Board of Supervisors adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan called AC44 that kept the boundaries in place and suggested new ways to encourage increased density.

Now staff want to move forward with five initiatives including a rewrite of the zoning code, developing a new plan to govern land use in the rural area, and creating targeted plans for some of the 22 activity centers and eight employment centers.

“Looking forward, activity centers are expected to accommodate a significant proportion of the county’s future growth and economic development,” said James Wilkinson, a longrange planner.

The idea is to move ahead with one plan per year over the next three fiscal years, with supervisors deciding each location. This will coincide with the development of a new multimodal plan to find ways to move people around.

Later this year, Supervisors will select one of these areas to produce a targeted plan to guide growth.

Much of the county’s growth will occur in northern Albemarle which does not currently have fixed-route transit service.

Supervisor Mike Pruitt of the Scottsville District is a member of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transit Authority, a body that is studying the same topic.

“At our last CARTA meeting, we got briefed on the more than a dozen transit plans that have been produced in just this decade,” Pruitt said. “I hope you’ll forgive a layer of maybe mild agitation or skepticism on the length of the planning.’

None of the proposed activity centers is in Crozet, one of the designated growth areas. Supervisor Ann Mallek of the White Hall district was first elected in 2007 and has twice voted to approve updates to the Crozet Master Plan. She said much work remains to be done to implement the vision of that document.

“We have old streets in Crozet, over which endless chains of dump trucks now go, where there are no sidewalks,” Mallek said. “The streets are 12 feet wide and the houses were all built in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s. And it’s just not fair.”

Supervisor Ned Gallaway of the Rio District said staff must ensure that a housing policy adopted in July 2021 is also updated as part of this work.

“I want to be clear as a supervisor that I don’t see the Housing Albemarle update as a separate or a parallel process,” Gallaway said. “I see it as integral to making these projects work.”

Gallaway said he wanted to see more regular metrics from that plan.

Another initiative aims to create a rural area plan in the next couple of years that will involve reviewing allowable uses outside of the growth area to boost economic development.

“It would identify additional non-residential land uses that support the rural area, including local agricultural and forestry recreation, agritourism and other revenue generating uses,” Wilkinson said.

Supervisors will be presented with an updated transportation priority list later this spring.

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Community study calls for new local arts council BY SARAH LAWSON W

hen you’re exploring local art galleries, attending an author event, or going to see a concert or play, it’s easy to see Charlottesville as a city that’s invested in arts and culture—a refuge of the type of creative self-expression and communitybuilding that often feels under attack these days, whether by artificial intelligence, federal funding priorities, or declining attention spans.

What may be less obvious, however, are the very real challenges faced by the local arts community, with arts organizations and festivals competing for limited resources, some struggling to keep doors open or even making the tough call to shut down in recent years. In addition, the high cost of living locally means that artists and arts workers find it difficult to make rent and still have time and resources to make creative work.

“Here in Charlottesville, a place known for arts and culture, artists we survey consistently rank affordable housing, affordable studio space, and funding for their work as their biggest needs,” says Maureen Brondyke, executive director of the local arts organization New City Arts. “The same artists who contribute to Charlottesville’s vibrancy should not find it unfeasible to live and work here.”

Affordability is not a new issue, but it continues to become more urgent in our changing economic reality, especially for artists and arts workers.

Through New City Arts’ work, Brondyke notes that, “Local artists asked us to lead efforts to bring back something like an arts council and repeatedly told us they need services that a centralized arts coalition would traditionally manage.” Responding to this feedback last year, Brondyke and her team at New City Arts worked with local funders to launch the Charlottesville Area Arts Council Feasibility Study to explore whether an arts council could be a way to meet the community’s existing needs while also developing expanded arts and culture support.

Led by a local steering committee with independent consultant Ruby Lopez

Harper, the study engaged hundreds of local community members, offering a bilingual community needs assessment survey along with in-person and virtual opportunities to discuss topics from affordability, accessibility, and infrastructure, to visibility, transparency, and trust within the arts community.

Throughout the process, the steering committee played a critical role in reflecting on the input and providing their own feedback. “We believe the people closest to the problem are closest to the solution,” says Brondyke. “The 15-person steering committee included artists, arts workers, cultural organizers, community members, arts supporters, and arts grantmakers in the Charlottesville area.”

One of those steering committee members was James Freas, deputy city manager for the City of Charlottesville. “One of the great things about Charlottesville is its strong and varied arts

culture,” says Freas. “Sustaining and growing this element of the city requires focused attention and effort, and this study offered an opportunity to explore what that effort could look like in this community.”

Another steering committee member was Natasha Woods, an artist and former assistant director of Visible Records. “My time at Visible Records involved deep engagement with artists both locally and from around the world. Listening to their firsthand experiences has uniquely positioned me to understand their needs, wants, and desires,” Woods reflects. “It is a really tender time in the arts and I am passionate about supporting artists… [The steering committee] was a perfect way to tap in and to learn about what others are doing and how we might be able to build something that is more sustainable and nourishing for all.”

The decision to join the steering committee was also a more personal one for Woods, who recently decided to leave Charlottesville for a more affordable city, demonstrating all too well the risk of losing artists and arts workers as they are forced to make difficult choices about where they can live and work.

“Funding for my creative practice, as well as philanthropic support to sustain the art spaces where I work is a very important issue for me,” says Woods. “I saw artists working two or three jobs, going to school, holding down an inspiring studio practice with whatever energy they had left. I know there is a massive amount of wealth in the area but the majority of folks are struggling to have their basic needs met.”

Study outcomes and recs

Drawing on her experience supporting local arts initiatives at Americans for the Arts, Harper, the study’s consultant, identified themes within the community and steering committee input, which echo Woods’ concerns about livability as well as additional focus areas such as availability of coordinated information about arts events and resources; accessibility of arts spaces; equity, trust, and transparency; advocacy and representation; and capacity considerations related to individual and organizational burnout.

Harper also researched comparable cities in order to provide realistic case studies to inform local possibilities without dictating a specific model to replicate. Arts councils can take many different shapes and provide various types of support, from programming, education, and advocacy, to collaborative marketing and funding. In analyzing comparable cities—including Ann Arbor, Michigan; Boulder, Colorado; Corvallis, Oregon; Iowa City, Iowa; and Winston-Salem, North Carolina—the study provided real-world examples of arts and culture assets, funding structures, and other details that can help inspire decisions for the Charlottesville area.

Earlier this month, the study’s recommendations were publicly released, including a call to establish a new nonprofit arts council to serve the area “as a connective and accountable structure that supports the whole arts community, not just a select few.” The new arts council would not be intended as a replacement for existing organizations, but rather a site of enhanced coordination, advocacy, and support for the cumulative arts community. Though some resources and opportunities do

gram that would be responsible for accepting, managing, placing, and deaccessioning local public art.

currently exist for local arts organizations and artists, they do not exist at the scale needed nor are they coordinated in a strategic way.

The results of the Charlottesville Area Arts Council Feasibility Study come at a time in which the city recently reevaluated funding to support arts and culture organizations in the coming fiscal year. The city is also working to create a new Public Art Commission, with City Council unanimously voting on April 20 to approve $50,000 from the Council Strategic Investment Fund to help stand up a municipal pro-

According to a memo from Freas for a City Council work session held earlier this month to discuss local arts and culture initiatives, “City staff initially requested $100,000 to complete the work associated with creating the proposed public art commission,” but this was scaled back in order to more specifically focus the scope of work on developing necessary infrastructure before undertaking more timeintensive tasks.

The memo also notes that, “Within the work that would be funded there is significant opportunity for collaboration between the efforts to develop a regional

arts council and establishing the City’s Public Art Commission… Based on the needs specific to Charlottesville, staff believes these two entities should be distinct with the public art commission specifically focused on the city’s public art collection while the arts council is both regional in scope and more broad in its focus. Despite that distinction, staff expects that there will be benefit to both entities to collaborate as we collectively work towards shared goals of supporting and enhancing the arts community in Charlottesville.”

The same memo also notes that the future arts council would ideally, “receive financial support from the City, Albemarle County, and private philanthropy.” And indeed, Charlottesville

used to have an arts council that was funded by the city, Albemarle County, and individual donors, and which worked to provide regional coordination and support. So, what happened?

Piedmont Council for the Arts

Founded in 1979, Piedmont Council for the Arts was the designated local arts agency (also known as an arts council) for the greater Charlottesville community until it shuttered in 2017. Prior to closing, the nonprofit organization reached more than 150,000 people annually and offered education and outreach opportunities, in addition to

leading efforts such as the area’s participation in the national Arts & Economic Prosperity Study, a recurring study led by Americans for the Arts that measures local returns on investment in the arts; the creation of Create Charlottesville/Albemarle: A Cultural Plan, a regional plan outlining recommendations for arts and culture infrastructure in the mid-2010s; and the administrative adoption of Art In Place in 2015, the City’s public art program at the time. For years, PCA was an integral part of the community, connecting people and promoting the arts.

Yet, funding was an issue for PCA; when it came to allocations from the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County as well as local or state grants, PCA was often in competition with the very arts organizations it served. There was also always a question of capacity for the organization’s staff, eventually leading to high turnover (which this writer can attest to, as a former member of the PCA staff). In its final years, PCA also suffered from a lack of transparency and loss of public trust, in part due to the organization’s ineffectual attempts at implementing goals established in the cultural plan as well as changes in staff and board leadership. Still, PCA’s demise left a significant gap in the arts community that has only partially been filled through ad hoc efforts of individual artists and organizations over the years, despite initial funding allocated by Charlottesville’s City Council to support new, professional management of arts and culture resources prior to 2020.

With its emphasis on feasibility, sequencing, and sustainability, the community investment and recommendations coming out of the new Charlottesville Area Arts Council Feasibility Study—combined with the city’s commitment to investing in arts and culture more strategically—might offer the momentum, trust-building, and repair work that’s needed to help ensure that a new nonprofit arts council can overcome the challenges faced by its predecessor.

Next steps

But that new nonprofit arts council must first be created, and to do that will take time. In the interim, New City Arts plans to steward the next phase of planning and advocacy, with ongoing opportunities for community involvement and support. Though the timeline for creating this new nonprofit could be longer than a year, it is a tangible step to making the local arts community more accessible and affordable for all who are interested in taking part.

“An arts council could be an important bridge between the city and the broader arts community, helping us understand the challenges and opportunities in sustaining and growing the arts in Charlottesville and where the city might play a role,” says Freas.

In the meantime, there are smaller steps to take the Charlottesville area closer to having a more holistic and robust support system for the local arts community, in addition to the process underway to create a Public Art Commission. “We talked a lot about small lifts,” says Woods. “While I think it is important to dream big, there are a number of small things that could be initiated to make the Charlottesville arts community a more livable place for artists.”

“Ensuring that the community actually holds the power in these decisions is key to this process,” adds Brondyke.

“Our hope is to keep the momentum going, dig into the work ahead, and maintain this community-informed process, which is often slow, so that trust and accountability stay at the center.”

Woods agrees. “Things take time, and making sure the foundation is strong is crucial… Charlottesville needs an arts council,” she says. “My hope is that the city and county recognize the value of this work and support the next phase by keeping equitable labor practices at the forefront. The arts community is clearly committed, but passion and care do not pay the bills.”

Woods adds, “I do believe that if there was a centralized arts council, my experience would have looked very different.”

To learn more about the Charlottesville Area Arts Council Feasibility Study, read the full report, and get involved in next steps, visit charlottesvilleareaartscouncilfeasibility.study.

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TUESDAY 5/5 & WEDNESDAY 5/6

SWANNING ABOUT

“Our mission is simple: ballet everywhere, ballet for all,” say Los Angeles-based World Ballet Company founders Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick. With a nod to Broadway grandeur, the company’s lavish production of Swan Lake brings together 50 dancers, handcrafted costumes and sets, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to spin the tragic tale of cursed lovers. $45–105, 7pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

get gear

CULTURE TO-DO LIST

Wednesday 4/29

music

Dylan Foley & Matt Mancuso. BRIMS presents an unforgettable evening of traditional Irish music. $25, 6pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

Holly’s Open Mic Night. Mic check to all musicians, poets, and everyone in between. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St.

Jazz on The Lawn 2026. The UVA Jazz Small Groups offer an afternoon of music. Free, noon. The Lawn, UVA Grounds. music.virginia.edu

The Wavelength. Vintage rock, funky dance tunes, blues, and more. Free, 6:30pm. The Whiskey Jar, 227 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thewhiskey jarcville.com

dance

Swing Cville: Swing Dance Lesson and Social Dance. Halloween-themed dance. Costumes encouraged. Free, 6pm. Firefly, 1304 E. Market St. fireflycville.com

stage

Twelfth Night, or What You Will Shipwrecked and alone, Viola disguises herself as a man and stumbles into Shakespeare’s most tangled love triangle. $35–75, 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. americanshakespearecenter.com classes

Craft Night: Painted Canvas Totes. Led by a professional artist, providing guidance at a comfortable pace. Designs are customizable. No experience necessary, all materials included. $30–35, 6:30pm. Blueridge Brushes Studio, 1110 E. Market St. #13h. blueridgebrushes.com

UVA Library Community Connects Workshop. Highlighting the wide array of resources and services the UVA Library offers to the local community. Free, 2pm. The Center, 540 Belvedere Blvd. thecentercville.org

etc.

Rapture Karaoke. Hosted by Thunder Music. Free, 9pm. Rapture, 303 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. rapturerestaurant.com

Thursday 4/30

music

Berto and Vincent. A night of wild flamenco rumba and Latin guitar. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 225 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

FarAway. Singer-songwriter duo Sara Davenport and Brian Franke perform a blend of folk and pop. Free, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

UVA Voice Center’s 10th Annual World Voice Day Concert. Singers who have rehabilitated their voices return to the stage after vocal injury in a celebration of resilience. With Ramona Martinez as featured artist. Free, 6pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

Yarn. An Americana group from North Carolina. $29, 8pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

stage

A Bold Stroke for a Husband A witty whirlwind of scheming lovers, clever women, and social satire, set in Madrid, Spain. $35–75, 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. americanshakespearecenter.com

FRIDAY 5/1 & SATURDAY 5/2

WARMING THE PIPES

As the season heats up, Charlottesville Opera’s Wallace Worx offers a weekend of chilling operas based on Edgar Allan Poe stories. Embedded (“The Cask of Amontillado”) follows a news reporter trying to maintain her top slot and stave off younger competition. The Tell Tale Cell Phone (“Tell-tale Heart”) is a short, suspenseful work that builds into madness over incessant cell phone use. The Wallace Worx series—named for a gift by board member Anne Wallace—is an initiative to present modern operas in English. $10–68.50, times vary. Live Arts, 123 Water St. charlottesvilleopera.org

words

Lue Elizondo: Persona Non Grata Tour. A live touring theatre experience that takes the UAP conversation directly to audiences across the country. $27–250, 7:30pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net etc.

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

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. Like an escape room but at a winery. Crack codes and unravel riddles while sampling Charlottesville’s best wine, beer, and cider. Play when you want and go at your own pace. $15, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

Friday 5/1

music

Bob Bennetta Trio. Live jazz. Free, 6:30pm. Afghan Kabob House, 200 Market St. afghankabobhouse.com

Cherry Red: Rolling Stones Tribute. The place to be if you wanna rock, roll, and dance. All Stones, all the time. Free, 7pm. Pro Re Nata, 6135 Rockfish Gap Tpke., Crozet. prnbrewery.com

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

Deau Eyes x June Baby x Chloë Ester. With Valentin Prince. $19, 7pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

Don’t Look Up. Americana music that’s deeply rooted in the blues. Free, 6pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glass housewinery.com

Eli Cook. Drawing a line through blues, rock, and grunge. Free, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Kiz Carter Trio. Soulful sounds in surprising rock covers, blues grooves, and original tunes. Free, 5pm. Brewing Tree Beer Company, 9278 Rockfish Valley Hwy., Afton. brewingtreebeer.com

Mirabelle & Matty. An amazing duo with fabulous and fun sing-along tunes. Free, 5pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Zuzu’s Hot Five. Roarin’ hot, traditional New Orleans jazz combo. Free, 6pm. Chisholm Vineyards at Adventure Farm, 1135 Clan Chisholm Ln., Earlysville. chisholmvineyards.com

dance

ORH Dance: Spring Dances-Company Voices. Intimate studio performances to close out the inaugural season. $22–30, 7pm. McGuffey Art Center, 201 Second St. NW. orhdance.com

stage

Charlottesville Opera: Embedded/The Tell Tale Cell Phone Presenting  two Poe-inspired shows based on “The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” $10–68, 7:30pm. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. livearts.org

The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong A farcical play-within-a-play. Free, 6:30pm. Helms Theatre, 109 Culbreth Rd. drama.virginia.edu

Twelfth Night, or What You Will See listing for Wednesday, April 29. $35–75, 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. americanshakespearecenter.com

words

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

Brewery Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, April 30. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, April 30. $15, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

Saturday 5/2 music

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

Byron Massie. Live in the orchard with a singersongwriter who was born and raised in Nelson County. Free, 2:30pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com

Goth Takeover. DJs and Goth bands bring spookiness galore. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St.

Josh Mayo. One of Charlottesville’s finest entertainers takes on the party porch with his band The House Sauce. Free, 9pm. Vision BBQ & Catering, 247 Ridge McIntire Rd. visionbbqcville.com Melt. Indie band from New York City. $25, 8pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesouthern cville.com

Parker Barrow. The blues-infused Southern rock band draws significant inspiration from The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Whiskey Myers. With Flannel Animals. Free, 7pm. Pro Re Nata, 6135 Rockfish Gap Tpke., Crozet. prnbrewery.com

Travis Elliott. Singer-songwriter blends catchy alternative-pop hooks with punk energy and Americana grit through originals and covers. Free, 4pm. Patch Brewing Co, 10721 Gordon Ave., Gordonsville. patchbrewingco.com

We Are Star Children x Dropping Julia. Eclectic local bands team up for the first Rivanna Roots bill of 2026. $17–20, 6:30pm. Rivanna River Company, 1520 E. High St. frontporchcville.org dance

ORH Dance: Spring Dances-Company Voices. See listing for Friday, May 1. $25–30, 7pm. McGuffey Art Center, 201 Second St NW. orhdance.com

stage

A Bold Stroke for a Husband. See listing for Thursday, April 30. $35–75, 2pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. american shakespearecenter.com

Charlottesville Opera: Embedded/The Tell Tale Cell Phone See listing for Friday, May 1. $10–68, 2pm. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. livearts.org Pen to Paper: The Civic Gospel of the Declaration of Independence. Celebrate 250 years of Jefferson’s Declaration with an afternoon of conversation, music, poetry, and theater, honoring our most shared piece of history. $10–35, 2pm. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, 1050 Monticello Loop. monticello.org

The Hound of the Baskervilles When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on the moors with a look of terror on his face and paw prints by his body, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called to unravel the curse of the hound. $35–75, 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. americanshakespearecenter.com

THE WORKING POUR CULTURE

Growing strong

Winemaker

BY PAUL TING

OCorry

Craighill blends experience into a Gov Cup win

n a March evening at Richmond’s Main Street Station, the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup was presented to Valley Road Vineyards for its 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve. The award, now in its 44th year, is the state’s highest winemaking honor. It was the young Afton winery’s first Cup, and its winemaker Corry Craighill is only the third woman to win it. She is Virginia-raised, world-trained, and back home at a time when Virginia wine’s quality and reputation is surging.

Craighill grew up in Lynchburg and studied religion and bioethics at the University of Virginia. Her entry into wine was at a job in the tasting room at Jefferson Vineyards during her senior year. She went for fun but stayed because she found “her people.” After graduating, she worked the harvest at Blenheim Vineyards under winemaker Kirsty Harmon, and her passion was clear. Eventually, after she had been splitting time between Blenheim and King Family Vineyards, mentor Matthieu Finot laid out the choice plainly: Stay and build here, or leave your comfort zone, explore, and learn more. Over the next several years, Craighill chased harvests across four continents, working in Australia, Oregon, New Zealand, South Africa, and Burgundy—each opportunity opening a connection from the last. “Traveling reminds me to stay curious,” she says. “I try to bring that curiosity to my own winemaking.”

In 2016, she returned to Virginia for a permanent opportunity as the head winemaker at Sunset Hills in Loudoun County, where outgoing winemaker Nate Walsh helped guide the transition. By 2019, Craighill was named Loudoun County Winemaker of the Year. In 2020, encouraged by nearby family, she came back to the Monticello AVA as winemaker and vineyard manager at Septenary Winery, where she’s remained since.

Today Craighill carries a full plate. At Septenary she makes estate-driven wines and produces wine for several other small Virginia operations, including Chisholm and Southern Revere. At Valley Road, she made the Cabernet Franc Reserve that won this year’s Cup. And then there is Wound Tight, her own label launched in fall 2024, which is something else entirely.

Wound Tight is where Craighill gets to be, as she puts it, as weird as she wants. The

wines are small-batch, low-intervention, and driven by genuine curiosity. Her sauvignon blanc, for example, is made by bundling dried grape stems in cheesecloth and steeping them in the wine like tea. Her husband Jake designed the labels. “There is room for both ends of the spectrum,” she says. “In my mind, in my cellar, and in the industry.” She sees the experimental impulse not as a departure from Virginia wine culture but as a reflection of it. “The opportunity to experiment is an expression of Virginia wine culture.”

About the Governor’s Cup win, she is characteristically understated, noting that the fruit was perfect, the fermentation healthy and vibrant, and that she did nothing out of the ordinary. “I just ushered the wine towards its next step.” Even so, knowing when not to intervene may be one of the hardest things a winemaker learns.

Fulfilling the cup

The Virginia Governor’s Cup competition is judged in two tasting rounds. Wines submitted must be produced from 100 percent Virginia fruit and wineries are limited to six entries per year. In 2026, there were more than 670 wine, cider, and mead entries. Judges typically include Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, wine writers, and other industry professionals. Gold medals are awarded to wines scoring 90 points or higher. In the final round, all gold medal-winning wines are tasted again. The 12 highestscoring red and white wines make up the Governor’s Cup Case, with the top-scoring wine named the overall Cup winner.

2026 Governor’ Cup Winner Valley Road Vineyards 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve

2026 Governor’ Cup Case

P 7 Lady Vineyards 2023 Meritage

P Barboursville Vineyards 2024 Vermentino

P CrossKeys Vineyards 2024 Cabernet Franc

P Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard 2023 “Two Springs”

P Glen Manor Vineyards 2023

“Vin Rouge”

P Granite Heights Winery 2024

“Humility”

P Michael Shaps Wineworks 2023 Cabernet Franc

P Pollak Vineyards 2023 Merlot Reserve

P The Winery at La Grange 2024

Petit Manseng

P Trump Winery 2018 Blanc de Noir

P Valley Road Vineyards 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve

C

The response from industry peers following the award reflects something genuine about where Virginia wine stands. One colleague told her, “When you won, it felt like we all won.” That sentiment captures a sense of community that is not often highlighted but may be the industry’s greatest asset: A group that learns together, grows together, and celebrates success together. Winning the Governor’s Cup, she says, is less an arrival than an opportunity for “new knowledge, new people, and new ideas.” For Craighill, and perhaps for Virginia wine, that curiosity is the whole point.

“The opportunity to experiment is an expression of Virginia wine culture.” CORRY CRAIGHILL

P Woodbrook Farm Vineyard 2024

Petit Manseng

More information at virginiawine.org.

Art Classes For Adults & Summer Camps For Kids.

For more information or to register call or visit our website.

CULTURE TO-DO LIST

Phone Number:

Website: (540) 672-7311

Location:

129 E MAIN ST, ORANGE, VA 22960 artscenterinorange.com

✔ How can I reach a highly targeted audience with a strategy I can actually measure?

✔ Why is it harder than ever to earn visibility— or engagement—on social media?

✔ I’m investing in digital ads, but how can I tell if they’re delivering results?

✔ Who can execute smart, effective marketing for my business?

SATURDAY 5/2

LLAMA BE THERE

Special talents and expertise converge at Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s How-To Festival, where attendees can “learn 30 things in three hours.” The drop-in workshops are open to curious minds of all ages and cover a range of topics from cooking techniques and how to use AI, to crafting a leather bag and mastering your Scrabble game. As a bonus, Lower Sherwood Farm’s fluffy llamas will be humming along outside. Free, 10am. Central Library, 201 E. Market St. jmrl.org

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

Saturday 5/2

words

Author Event: Lisa Russ Spaar. Spaar reads from her new poetry collection, Soul Cake A conversation with poet and essayist Kaitlyn Airy follows. Free, 4pm. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. ndbookshop.com Light ON Blackfriars. Featuring Siena Maxwell on the dramaturgy of Twelfth Night. $7, 11am. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. americanshakespearecenter.com

New Dominion Storytime. 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

classes

Expressive Watercolor and Ink: Butterflies. Celebrate spring and explore the versatility of loose watercolor combined with ink through the delicate beauty of butterflies. Ages 15+. $40, 1pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappy elephant.com

Intro to Double Knitting. An introduction to colorwork techniques for those able to knit and purl. Ages 14+. $25, 1:30pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com etc.

Brewery Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, April 30. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Charlottesville City Market. Explore seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, hot breakfast, global flavors, unique crafts, and more from 100+ local vendors. Free, 9am. Charlottesville City Market, 100 E. Water St. charlottesville.gov

How-To Festival. Learn 30 things in three hours at the eighth annual, family-friendly, educational exploration event. Free, 10am. Central Library, 201 E. Market St. jmrl.org

Piedmont Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale. Offering thousands of annuals, perennials, vegetables, fruit-bearing plants, herbs, and houseplants, including a wide selection of native plants. Free, 10am. Albemarle Square Shopping Center, 600 Albemarle Square. piedmontmastergardeners.org

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, April 30. $15, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

Sunday 5/3 music

Annie Stokes. Classic rock, country, bluegrass, and acoustic renditions of popular songs, along with originals. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

FarAway. Brian Franke and Sara Davenport bring folky, pop-rock sounds, highlighting harmonies. Free, 2pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com

John D’earth Quintet. A jazz concert performed with vocalist Laura Ann Singh. Free, 4pm. Grace Episcopal Church, 5607 Gordonsville Rd., Keswick. The Wailers: 50 Years of Positive Vibrations. Celebrating 50 years of Rastaman Vibration,

marking a defining moment in reggae history and honoring one of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ most influential albums. $45–68, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jefferson theater.com

stage

Bent Theatre Improv. Charlottesville’s best performance troupe. Free, 6pm. Decipher Brewing, 1740 Broadway St. benttheatrecomedy.com

Paramount Presents: Hare & Tortoise. Tutti Frutti Productions presents the much-loved story brimming with fun, live music, unforgettable songs, and delightful characters, bringing joy to families and children ages 3+. $16–23, 4pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

Twelfth Night, or What You Will. See listing for Wednesday, April 29. $35–75, 2pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. american shakespearecenter.com

classes

Oil Painting for Everybody: Floral Edition. Learn oil painting in an approachable and organized format painting a floral composition. Ages 14+. $45, 2pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com etc.

Brewery Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, April 30. $15, noon. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Vineyard Puzzle Hunt. See listing for Thursday, April 30. $15, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. puzzledbee.com

Monday 5/4 music

Ramona Martinez. Local favorite serenades with her signature mix of country western and mariachi. Free, 5:30pm. The Fitzroy, 120 E. Main St. thefitzroycville.com

Tuesday 5/5

music

Soulja Boy: The Drip Tour. American rapper and record producer who rose to fame in 2007 with his self-produced debut single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy)”. With special guest Lil Xan. $39–102, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

Tuesday Jazz. A cast of great players joins guitar virtuoso Jeff Massanari. Free, 6:30pm. Rapture, 303 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. rapturerestaurant.com dance

World Ballet Company: Swan Lake. The legendary tale takes flight in a breathtaking production. $53–116, 7pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

words

The Speak! Salon at Vault: Naples + Pizza: History, Culture, Travel Tips. A lively, midday cultural talk exploring the origins of one of the world’s most iconic foods and an exploration of the iconic city. Reservation requested. Free, noon. Vault Virgina, 300 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. vaultvirginia.com etc.

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

Future possibilities

An exhibition at JSAAHC allows the public to contribute

BY SARAH SARGENT

In an effort to transform the remnants of Charlottesville’s Robert E. Lee statue into a new commemorative design, the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center has mounted “Swords into Plowshares Recast|Reclaim.” The threepronged exhibition describes the events leading up to, and surrounding the removal of, the statue, what happened next, and what comes now.

The exhibition is “guided by this idea that Charlottesville can heal itself,” says JSAAHC Executive Director Andrea Douglas. “We can create a multiracial democratic process that grapples with the fact that something horrible happened in 2017, and then come up with a set of communal values that exist beyond that moment to produce something that articulates Charlottesville’s current social values.”

Displayed in JSAAHC’s auditorium are concept proposals (not final designs) by three semifinalists, all nationally recognized civic designers who were selected by a jury of four experts.

Hood Design Studio, which produced the 2011 Catherine “Kitty” Foster memorial on Jefferson Park Avenue, is proposing using the bronze to create “witness tree rings” around growing trees that have been privy to Charlottesville’s history.

MASS Design Group, which designed the Memorial to Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, also incorporates trees. This time, they’re baobab trees, potent symbols of resilience, longevity, and community throughout Africa.

For its concept design, PUSH Studios focuses on the land, and envisions incorporating parks to create a network of sites. “When you think about the kinds of projects they have created, they understand urbanism, they understand landscape, they understand cultural narrative, and they understand America’s racial history deeply,” says Douglas.

In the center’s Contemporary Gallery are photographs from 2020–2023 by Ezé Amos and Kristen Finn. Finn’s work records the activism that led to the passing of bills HB1537 and SB183, which allowed localities to remove the statues.

Amos’ photos tell the story of the statue’s journey, from the moment it was taken off its plinth to where it was dismantled and melted down. The process rendered about two tons of red brick bronze that will be used in the new design. Amos’ powerful final image shows the shaft of Lee’s sword resting on the crucible as molten bronze flows into ingot molds—a visual embodiment of

Swords into Plowshare’s aims. Lastly, a virtual exhibition in the Foyer Learning Gallery delves into the social histories of the five Charlottesville parks under consideration for the “Recast|Reclaim” design.

“All the work and labor came as a consequence of considerable thought and planning and people who were willing to stand up for their beliefs, with a deep understanding that these objects were harmful propaganda,” Douglas says. “Allowing them to be moved from one space to a different site would have meant that our tragedies could then go on to exist in other places.”

You might assume that the new design would go where the Lee statue stood, but there are other Charlottesville landscapes that are equally charged. “When we began thinking where the object should go, we saw all this interconnected landscape,” says Douglas. “How do we understand this landscape? Can we do something that causes us to think about what creates an equitable public space?”

Working tirelessly since it was awarded the Lee statue in December 2021 to bring an equitable and inclusive resolution to fruition, the JSAAHC researched the social histories of five local parks—Market Street (formerly Lee, 1917), Court Square (formerly Jackson, 1919), Belmont (1921), McIntire (1926), and Washington (1926)—to inform the destination of the final work.

Some of these began as plantations— there were 19 within Charlottesville’s city

limits. Jackson Park had been the site of McKee Row, a block of Black-owned homes and a grocery store which was razed to create the park. It’s also adjacent to a location where enslaved Black people were bought and sold. On top of all this, 14 of Charlottesville’s city parks had racial covenants on them, leaving just five—one of which was Washington Park—where Blacks were legally allowed.

It was Charlottesville native and successful stockbroker Paul Goodloe McIntire who created Charlottesville’s system of parks (159 acres of park were devoted to whites, with only 12 to Blacks). He also commissioned four statues (Lewis and Clark, William Clark, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson).

Part of McIntire’s inspiration was the City Beautiful movement (1890s-1920s), which promoted urban beautification as a means to social reform. McIntire was also a proponent of the Lost Cause, and the statues were erected during the height of Jim Crow in prominent civic spaces.

“All of the objects that were in Charlottesville and elsewhere in the south were about claiming space and dictating who could or could not be there,” says Douglas. “We’re about reclaiming a narrative that no longer serves everyone and looking at a broader narrative that considers the idea of ‘public’ and what it means to be in public, how that impacts notions of belonging and citizenship. That’s really at the heart of the matter.”

CULTURE GALLERIES

May

Exhibitions

Atlas Coffee 2206 B Fontaine Ave. “Spring Bouquets,” oil paintings by Kris Bowmaster. Through May 31.

Buck Mountain Episcopal Church 4133 Earlysville Rd. Paintings by Juliette Swenson. Through June 30.

The Center at Belvedere 540 Belvedere Blvd. Charlottesville Camera Club Group Photography Exhibition. A diverse collection of photographic works created by members highlights a wide range of styles and subjects. May 1–June 30. Collaborative floral showcase with Charlottesville Garden Club pairing photography and floral design, May 13–16.

City Clay 700 Harris St., Suite 104. “T-pots and D-cups Exhibit: Teapots and Dysfunctional Teacups,” ceramic works by students and instructors at City Clay. May 1–3. First Fridays reception, 4–6pm. Teapot-making demonstrations May 2, 10:30am and 1pm.

Create Gallery at InBio, Inc. 700 Harris St., entrance off Dale Avenue. “Faces Around Us,” textiles from 20 artists. May 1–June 30. First Fridays event, 5–7pm.

Crozet Artisan Depot 5791 Three Notch’d Rd., Crozet. “A New Home,” landscape paintings of Crozet and the surrounding Albemarle countryside by Adam Reinhard. “MoxPots,” ceramic works celebrating spontaneity

and the subtle beauty of functional forms, by Harry Moxley. Both shows run May 1–31. Meet the artists event May 16, 11am–1pm.

C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery 118 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. “Kingdoms of Imagination,” a surreal and enchanting world where whimsical sculptures meet watercolor pen and ink drawings, by Kim Myhre Clarke. May 1–31. First Fridays opening reception, 5–8pm. Meet the artist event May 2, 1–4pm.

The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA 155 Rugby Rd. “The World Between: Egypt and Nubia in Africa,” showcasing the deep cultural embeddedness of ancient Egypt in Africa, beyond merely acknowledging its geographical position on the African continent. “Pélagie Gbaguidi: Excavation and Knowledge,” a site-specific installation exploring the histories and tenets of faith that connect us all. “Crafted for Tea: Connecting Cultures with Teaware and Traditions,” exploring how the preparation and enjoyment of tea have traveled, transformed, and inspired across time and place, through images and objects. “Nakeya Brown: Refutations,” photographs honoring the complex entanglement of identity, memory, femininity, family legacy, and the marketing of cultural assimilation in the context of Black hair. All shows run through May 31.

The Gallery at Studio IX 969 Second St. SE. “Mt. Saint Cabbage,” new works exploring a fascination and fraught relationship with nature, questioning our effect on

the earth as humans, by Allyson Mellberg and Jeremy Seth Taylor. Through May 31. Artist talk May 7, 5–6pm.

IX Art Park 522 Second St. SE. A community conversation on the future of IX Art Park, offering the public a chance to share thoughts, experiences, questions, and hopes for the organization, including how community input, transparency, and artistic dialogue can take shape. May 1, 6–8pm. “The Looking Glass,” an immersive art space featuring a whimsical enchanted forest and kaleidoscopic cave. Ongoing.

Jefferson School African American Heritage Center 233 Fourth St. NW. “Swords into Plowshares: Recast/Reclaim,” original neverbefore-seen photographs documenting the dismantling and melting of Charlottesville’s Robert E. Lee monument by Ézé Amos and Kristen Finn. Through May 30. Permanent exhibition, “Pride Overcomes Prejudice,” exploring the history of peoples of African descent in Charlottesville. Ongoing.

The John P. & Stephanie F. Connaughton Gallery UVA McIntire School of Commerce Rouss & Robertson Halls third floor, East Lawn. “POINT OF VIEW,” a two-person show featuring paintings and mixed media works by Krista Townsend and Sue McCoy. Through June 19.

Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of UVA 400 Worrell Dr. “Ngiya Murrakupupuni amintiya Jilamara (My Country and Art),” painting, sculpture, and fiber art by Michelle

Pulatuwayu Woody Minnapinni. Through July 26. “Color is Life: Women’s Work Today,” a group show of women artists featuring fiberwork, painting, printmaking, film, and sculpture. Through March 14, 2027. In the Upper West Oval Room of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia, “Tali | Sandhills: Prints from Ikuntji Artists,” a group show of printed works. Through August 16.

Les Yeux du Monde 841 Wolf Trap Rd. “Paradise Found: Where Heaven and Earth Meet,” a solo exhibition of works by Asa Jackson, including compositions made with deconstructed and dyed garments. Through May 24.

McGuffey Art Center 201 Second St. NW.

In the Sarah B. Smith Gallery, “cosmic debris,” featuring mixed media works by a.faith. Artist talk May 30, 1–2pm. In the First and Second Floor Galleries, the Annual High School Exhibition, bringing together artwork from Charlottesville area high school students in celebration of creativity, courage, and unique perspectives. Both shows run May 1–31. First Fridays opening reception 5:30–8pm.

New City Arts 114 Third St. NE. In the Welcome Gallery, “New City Arts: Gala Art Auction Preview Exhibition,” giving an early look at forthcoming works available at auction, including pieces by Bisa Butler, Cassie Guy, Clay Witt, Ézé Amos, John Grant, and many others. May 1–5. First Fridays opening reception, 5–7:30pm.

GALLERIES CULTURE

FRIDAY 5/1 THROUGH SUNDAY 5/31

Phaeton Gallery presents WEATHERING: THE ENDURANCE OF THE ORDINARY, a group show featuring works by Donna Ernest, Jennifer Esser, Mary Lamb, Suzanne Keith Loechl, Somé Louis, Peg Shaw, Krista Townsend, Sarah Trundle, Lindsey Luna Tucker, and Laura Wooten. The exhibition explores how time, nature, and daily rituals leave their marks across media, memory, and individuals, tapping into quotidian experiences and expressions. The exhibition opens with a reception on First Friday, from 5–8pm. Phaeton Gallery, 114 Old Preston Ave. phaetongallery.com

Ruffin Gallery UVA Grounds, Ruffin Hall, 179 Culbreth Rd. “We Dream of Life,” featuring painting, monotype, collage, and textile art by iris yirei hu and Paula Wilson. Through March 20.

SCAN—Gallery on Valley 460 Valley St., Scottsville. In the Main Gallery, “Ode to Spring,” a group exhibit honoring the rebirth and resurrection of spring. Through May 31. “High Summer,” works by Stacey Lewis. May 1–31. First Fridays reception, 4–7pm.

Second Street Gallery 115 Second St. SE. In the Main Gallery, “Fine Art + Flowers,” a group show of floral paintings by seven celebrated women artists with ties to Central Virginia. In the Dové Gallery, “Field Obscura,” exploring the convergence of memory, landscape, and ecology through layers of oil or encaustic paints, as well as charcoal and graphite drawings by Giselle Gautreau. Both shows run through May 22. First Fridays extended hours, 5–7:30pm. Ticketed breakfast and conversation with the artists of “Fine Art + Flowers” May 8, 10–11:30am. Free Family Studio Day event

May 9, 10am–2pm. Ticketed floral design workshop May 20, 5:30–7:30pm.

Vault Virginia 300 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. “Then & Now: Charlottesville in the 1970s,” 10 painted portraits by local artist and activist Frances Brand, supported by historic photographs, newspaper articles, and additional images. Through September.

Ticketed tours led by Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society May 1 and 15.

Virginia Book Arts Old Train Station, 600 E. Water St. An open house and print demo event on bookmaking and letterpress printing, May 1. First Friday, 5:30–7:30pm.

Visible Records 1740 Broadway St. “5000,” paintings and prints centered in Afrofuturism by Hampton Boyer. Through May 16. Closing reception May 16, 2–5pm.

Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge 250 Pantops Mountain Rd. An exhibition by The Charlottesville Camera Club showcasing a diverse collection of images created by members of one of the region’s most active photography organizations. Through May 1.

THE WINE DOWN -

WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES?

53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD

A note from Winegrower and Owner, Dave Drillock

I’m back….but in a hurry.  The vineyards are about to start blooming; ready, set go!

Our 2023 Two Springs was awarded a gold medal and chosen as one of the winning wines for the Governors case at the Virginia Governors Cup competition.  Congratulations to our winemaker Chelsey Blevins! It also received a gold medal from the San Francisco Wine Competition and 91 pts by JamesSuckling.com.  This is a cabernet franc dominate blend characterized as dark fruited and spicy with a lovely floral and herbal undertone on the nose. Being young, the palate is tightly wound with fine boned tannins and bright acidity. Focused and energetic, its carries notes of dark cherry and plum.  Simply put, this is a wellmade wine crafted with real heart and soul.  It can be enjoyed now and will keep rewarding those with patience to let it age gracefully.  Just like me, LOL.

We invite you to visit our serene, meadow-like 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 welcome atmosphere. We are a Winery that just wants to be a Winery!

May events

Saturday, May 9th: Grazing with Style, A Rose and Mother’s Day Celebration!

DUCARD VINEYARDS

2023 Triskele

A welcoming bouquet and wellstructured palate highlight this premium red wine blend with notes of sweet spices, herbal scents, dark fruit, with lingering tannins on the finish. This exquisite wine is made only in the best growing seasons. We recommend decanting Triskele for 30-60 minutes before serving in order to fully reveal its outstanding character and complexity.

We are open 7 days a week throughout the month of April with live music every weekend. Visit our website and our social media pages for the most up to date listings of our upcoming live music and events!

Saturdays & Sundays - Live music every Saturday and Sunday in March from 2-5 pm. Come to DuCard for the afternoon with family and friends and enjoy a variety of live music (no cover). Bring a picnic or select some local fare from our lite noshing menu to pair with our awardwinning wine for a fun afternoon in our amazing mountain setting.

Gather everyone in one place and start the weekend together with a relaxed food and wine experience. Join us on Saturday, May 9th at 11:30 AM for a graze table perfectly paired with our rosés. Your $39 ticket (plus tax) includes: A wine flight featuring our 2025 Gentle Press Rosé, 2025 Quintessential Rosé and 2025 Barrel Aged Rosé. Advance Ticket Purchase Required

Food Truck: Food for Functions Catering

Live Music: Vintage Silk 1-4pm Saturday, May 16th: Wine Club Appreciation Day

Food Truck: Salty Bottom Blue Oysters

Live Music: David Kulund 1-4pm

For more details, please check our website at www.53rdwinery.com or call us at 540-894-1536. Cheers!

Open 7 days a week, 11 am – 5 pm 13372 Shannon Hill Rd Louisa, VA 23093 (540) 894-5474 • 53rdwinery.com

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

EARLY MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS

The best of Virginia wine calls for food that reflects the same quality and sense of place. Quality drives everything we do - from our worldclass wines to our restaurant, led by Executive Chef Tim Moore, formerly of The Inn at Little Washington. Chef Tim’s artful, ingredientdriven approach shines through our prix fixe and à la carte menus, expertly paired with exceptional wines. From elevated tastings to seasonal offerings, every visit offers something new. This spring, we invite you to stay a little longer with extended hours every Friday.

Tasting Room Hours

Thursday - Monday: 11:00 am - 5:30 pm Fridays: 11:00 am - 8:30 pm

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Spring Events & Experiences

Friday Evening Extended Hours

Beginning April 10

Ease into the weekend with seasonal dishes or a bottle of wine on the patio as the sun sets.

Mother’s Day at Early Mountain

May 7–11, 2026

Treat Mom to quality time and exceptional wine. Our special Mother’s Day Prix Fixe menu is available all weekend with extended Sunday hours. Hyper-seasonal dishes, beautiful wines, and spring views from our blooming vineyard patio.

Reservations recommended.

Winemaker Dinner: Early Mountain × Crimson Lane

May 9 | 6:30 PM

Join winemakers Maya Hood - White and Dominick Fioresi as they share the vineyards, vintages, and decisions behind each bottle. Chef Tim Moore presents a five-course menu thoughtfully paired with the wines. Expect seasonal dishes, carefully curated pours, and an intimate setting.

Aromas of Wine & Perfume Experience

Sunday, May 17th | 1:00pm4:00pm

Begin with an introduction to perfume composition from our partner, the distinguished custom fragrance house B Parfums. Craft a personalized 20mL signature scent using the world’s most exceptional aromatic materials. Then, explore five wines with Sommelier Peggy Kearns Dean, each paired with seasonal culinary bites. Discover the connection between wine and perfume through this immersive sensory experience.

For reservations and upcoming events, visit earlymountain.com. 6109 Wolftown-Hood Rd, Madison, VA 22727 (540) 948-9005 www.earlymountain.com

EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY

SPARKLING BLANC DE BLANCS & VIRGINIA OYSTERS

Celebrate the spring season with a glass of our sparkling brut Blanc de Blancs and oysters on Friday nights! Salty Bottom Blue will be here every Friday night this spring serving their delicious raw and grilled oysters, which pair beautifully with a glass of our gold medal Sparkling Blanc de Blancs. Delicious to enjoy on its own, with Salty Bottom Blue oysters, a toasty seasonal flatbread or warm crab dip, or with one of your other favorite menu items. Let us pop the cork on a bottle for you!

Upcoming at the Winery:

Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration | Every Friday

Starting April 1

Enjoy our Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration every Friday night this Spring! The oysters are prepared by Salty Bottom Blue. Enjoy them in a relaxed, fun atmosphere with live music from 5-8pm on the stage in our tasting room.

Wine Slushies are Back! Cheers to the beautiful weather with a refreshing wine slushie:)

Music Bingo | May 31st 2-4PM (open 12-5PM)

Everyone loves singing along with their favorite songs and who doesn’t love a competitive game of Bingo? Music Bingo brings together the best of both worlds for a high energy game that is fun for everyone. Simply listen to the music, match the songs to the titles on your music bingo cards, and win great prizes!

Mother’s Day Market | Sunday, May 10th (open 12-5PM)

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Eastwood on Sunday, May 10th. We’re hosting our annual Mother’s Day Market from 12-5PM along with Live Music by Vicky Lee from 1-4PM and a Make-Your-Own Flower Bouquet Popup from 123PM. Delicious wine and food will be available all day with options for the whole family.  In addition to our lunch and dinner menus, we are also bringing in several food trucks to add to the fun.  We hope you can join us!

Graduation Weekend | May 15th, 16th and 17th (now taking reservations)

Reserve space with your family and friends on the Veranda or at the Tent to celebrate! Enjoy our dinner and lunch menu all day, pre order items for your group to share from our Catering Menu, or bring your own picnic to the Tent. Choose from our selection of award winning wines, beers, ciders and non alcoholic beverages throughout your reservation. We are open from 12-8pm Friday and Saturday, and 12-5pm on Sunday.

Memorial Day Weekend | Thursday, May 21 - Monday, May 25

Memorial Day is a time of reflection, gratitude, and gathering. Join us all weekend for Live Music & Special Events. And, ask at the bar about our Pay It Forward beverage program to honor our veterans.

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 Friday night (and Sundays!). See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.

Every Friday (open 12-8 PM): Live Music 5-8PM

Shrimp Boil 4:30-7:30 through March

Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration, every Friday beginning April 1st 5-8PM

Every Saturday (open 12-8 PM): Live Music 12:30-3:30PM + Eastwood After Dark with Live Music 5-8PM

Every Sunday (open 12-5 PM):

Live Music or Music Bingo (See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.)

Also Open Monday through Wednesday 12-5 PM and Thursday 12-8PM 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 tasting room, seven days a week. Join us for award-winning wines, beer, and cider, as well as a delicious lunch/dinner menu. 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

HARDWARE HILLS VINEYARD

Traminette

Back on the shelf! We are excited to bring back this single varietal by demand. A beautiful estate grown favorite! Remarkably floral aromatics with suggestions of roses and lavender. Aged in stainless with well-balanced offering tones of apricot, ripe stone fruit and sweet herbs. Very limited release, so get yours today.

Our social media is worth taking a look! Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube... fun wine humor here.

EVENTS:

May 2nd – 1 - 5pm, Open Mic Day: Calling musicians and music fans! Open mic day is your chance to shine and sing along!

May 7th - 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Country Music Line Dancing: Pull your boots on and come kick up your heels with us at the Hills! Line dancing lessons from 6:30 - 7:30 and open dance floor 7 - 8:30.

May 10th – 11 am – 2 pm, Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch: Treat mom to a relaxing and beautiful vineyard-side brunch!

Fridays - LIVE MUSIC, check out our site for each week’s lineup!

Hours - We will be open during our regular winter hours

5199 W River Rd, Scottsville, VA  434.286.4710 • www.hardwarehills.com

Wine Club

Where every pour feels personal and every visit feels like home. Ask us how to fall in love with Keswick wine all year long!  1575 Keswick Winery Drive Keswick, Virginia 22947

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

PRINCE MICHEL VINEYARDS

Nestled in the heart of Virginia Wine Country and proudly womanowned, Prince Michel blends tradition with a modern, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to slow down, sip deeply, and enjoy the season of love.

This month, we’re featuring our Rapidan River Chocolate Red, a smooth, velvety blend crafted

KESWICK VINEYARDS

April at Keswick Vineyards!  Spring has arrived, and there’s no better place to enjoy the season than at Keswick Vineyards! April brings fresh vineyard views, longer days, and even more opportunities to sip, savor, and relax with friends and family.

Now Open 7 Days a Week

(Starting April 1st)

We’re excited to welcome you all week long as we return to our full schedule for the season! Please note we will be closed on Easter Sunday.

Live Music Every Saturday: 12 - 4 PM

Let the music set the mood while you sip and soak in the moment. Join Virginia’s Most Rewarding

Trivia every Monday, 6–7:30 p.m. Tuesday is Beer & Wings Specials Day

Happy Hour every Thursday, 3–5 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

VIRGINIA WINE COLLECTIVE

Expanded Hours, Wine, Beer and Pizza

schedule a tour or guided tasting. She may be reached at gabrielle@ eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Large Party Reservations

Interested in making a large party reservation for your group? Reach out to mary@eastwoodfarmandwinery. com to book.

for cozy nights and romantic celebrations. Made from 43% Chambourcin, 18% Merlot, and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, this irresistibly satisfying wine layers dark berry fruit with rich cocoa warmth for a truly decadent experience. Enjoy it slightly chilled, over ice, or as a luxurious afterdinner treat—it’s the perfect companion for chocolate desserts, fireside evenings, or special celebrations.

Beyond the bottle, Prince Michel offers more than just great wine. From tastings and scenic views to delicious bites and craft beer at Tap 29 Brew Pub, every visit is designed to feel special! Fall in love with Rapidan River Chocolate Red all February long— and make this month one worth savoring.

Live Music every Friday–Sunday (lineup on our website)

Join us at Eastwood Farm and Winery’s new production facility and downtown bar and lounge featuring a pizza shop menu, beer on tap, and winemaker wine flights.  The  Collective is now open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5-10PM with revamped loft and shuffleboard.

Upcoming at the Collective: Winemaker Karaoke | Wednesdays, April 29th from 7-9PM (bar and dining room still open to the public)

Join us up in the loft at the Collective every other Wednesday evening.  No cover required. Production Tours and Guided Tastings

We look forward to welcoming guests to the Virginia Wine Collective for tours and guided tastings. Please email our Wine Collective Coordinator, Gabrielle Thomas, if you would like to

About the Collective Eastwood designed the Virginia Wine Collective to include nine winemaker suites and an incubator alongside the main production area. The suites provide a space where independent winemakers can anchor a license and make their wines. The Collective has been designed to reduce the costs associated with independent winemaking, and thereby support further innovation and talent in the Monticello AVA.

Over 21 Policy

You must be over 21 to visit the bar, lounge and dining room at the Collective.

Current Winery Hours  Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 5-10PM

1585 Avon Street Extended Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 264-6727 https://eastwoodfarmandwinery.com/ virginia-wine-collective/

FOR FUN PUZZLES

SUDOKU

PUZZLES FOR FUN

THIS PAGE COSTS TO PRINT

ACROSS

(2016 Spielberg adaptation of a Roald Dahl book)

4. Miserable soul

10. ___ En-lai (Chinese premier)

14. ___ Speedwagon

15. Tony-winning Cole Escola play about Abe Lincoln’s wife

16. “King of the Hill” dad

17. Fossil resin that encourages economic activity?

20. Elementar y particle

21. Coffee grown on Mauna Loa

22. ___ Plaines, Ill.

23. Natural feeling

24. Enter

26. Word before table or zone

28. Music center?

29. Leo, for one

30. Tombstone lawman Wyatt

33. Wildcat that gives off fragrant compounds?

37. “Stop messing with me!”

40. City near San Francisco

41. NFL star Saquon in a Provencal city where Van Gogh painted?

43. Univ militar y program

44. Slipper y creatures

45. Jamie ___ Curtis

48. Airpor t abbr.

50. Widespread

51. “___ Daniel” (2016 viral video)

52. Canadian MLB team, on scoreboards

54. Pre-owned

56. Actress Rosie of Do the Right Thing

57. Set design around a “Dallas” family?

61. Grande and de la Plata

62. New York City’s longest subway line

63. Barely lit

64. Squishy brand

65. Accessory not needed with electric lawnmowers

66. Part of a World Cup chant

DOWN

1. Cubism pioneer Georges

2. Long bones

3. They’re grabbed in an emergency

4. Nine-to-five routine

5. 17th Greek letter

6. “Schubert Dip” band of 1991

7. Less tasteful

8. Sing like Perry Como

9. Song from the pews

10. Weekend Update coanchor Michael

11. Quantifiable and reliable information

12. This is often enough

13. Island strings

18. “Able was I ___ I saw Elba”

19. Actress Whitman

24. Scored 86%, perhaps

25. “Nixon in China,” for one

27. Hockey legend Cam

29. Tire measurements

31. Published

Last week’s crossword might have felt… familiar. (It was.) Our copy editor was on a well-earned vacation, so this week we’re making it up to you with two puzzles.

PUZZLES FOR FUN

Since May 2001, Jonesin' crosswords have featured fresh topical clues. As Jonesin' celebrates 36-Across, here are actual fresh-at-the-time clues from my prior puzzles, one per year from 2001-2025! Thank you to all the editors, publishers and solvers over the years!—MJ

ACROSS

1. *2018 documentary about a Supreme Court Justice [#887, June 2018]

4. John Lennon’s in-laws

8. ___ Boys (antagonists in “KPop Demon Hunters”)

12. Saline drop

13. *___ & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming [#1139, April 2023]

14. *Amanda who came back to the U.S. in 2011 [#542, October 2011]

15. Belgian WWI battle site

17. Lemonheads lead vocalist

19. Dragged along

21. *Moises who missed the ball destroyed 2/25/04 [#139, March 2004]

22. Atlas Shrugged author Rand

23. Had for breakfast

24. Got detached

26. *The Grand Budapest Hotel director Anderson [#678, June 2014]

27. Dye brand

28. South Carolina city (or puzzle writer Matt, the founding editor of Jonesin’)

33. *Actor Idris of 2017’s The Dark Tower [#844, August 2017]

35. 40-Down-shaped container

36. A quarter of a century

43. *2012 acronym akin to “Be adventurous” [#588, September 2012]

44. Tangle ... or disentangle

45. *Emperor who abdicated on 4/30/2019 [#944, July 2019]

49. Motion detector part

52. S.W. who founded the cookware brand called ___ware

54. *2008 kids’ movie ___’s Island [#366, June 2008]

56. Neurological test letters

59. ___ and Howdy (polar bear mascots of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics)

60. *Eugene of A Mighty Wind [#106, July 2003]

61. *National Historic Landmark designated 3/27/06 [#249, March 2006]

64. Blade holder on a car

65. *Some family speakers at a notable June 2016 funeral [#785, June 2016]

66. *Cookie that partnered with Coca-Cola [#1223, November 2024]

67. *2025 Best Picture Oscar winner [#1240, March 2025]

68. Pancetta purveyor

69. Relaxation

70. *Org. that requested the Pet Shop Boys change their name to the Rescue Shelter Boys [#423, July 2009]

4. *2021 U.K. award for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom actor Toby Jones [#1030, February 2021]

5. Astral phenomena (with the fancy plural)

6. Bump’s place, idiomatically

7. “Why you little ...”

8. Precursor to rocksteady

9. Elsa’s Frozen sister

10. “Looking for a New Love” singer Watley

11. Nerve cell’s impulse transmitter

12. *Patriots defensive back who scored during the 2002 Super Bowl [#38, March 2002]

16. Clandestine

18. “The Simpsons” beer brand

20. *”The ___” (podcast hosted by Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise) [#1086, March 2022]

25. Initialism in manufacturing meaning “mean time before failure” (that’s a freebie)

29. Emotions, slangily

30. *Rap group with a 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination [#646, October 2013]

31. Suffix after mountain or auction

32. “___ truly” (brief closing)

34. *French electronic group with the 2007 album Pocket Symphony [#301, March 2007]

36. Children’s theater, for short

37. Fried rice vessel

38. Peyton Manning’s brother

39. Classic Japanese drama form

40. Flower holder

41. At any time

42. Miyazaki’s money

46. Journey’s “___ Should Break Your Heart”

47. *Brosnan / Rush movie The ___ of Panama [#2, May 2001]

48. Words after “truth”

50. Simple to prepare, as a meal

51. Muralist Diego

53. *Amanda who retired, then “unretired” from acting in 2010 [#481, August 2010]

55. ___ Breckinridge (Gore Vidal novel)

56. Quaint expletive

57. *___ Stanley Gardner (author whose Perry Mason character inspired the 2020 HBO series) [#995, June 2020]

58. “Top Chef” judge Simmons

60. Queue

62. *Show whose season finale was directed by Quentin Tarantino [#206, May 2005]

63. Decimal point

64. *”Trap Queen” rapper Fetty ___ [#746, September 2015]

By Rob Brezsny

Gemini

(May 21-June 20): The Navajo practice hózhó means “walking in beauty”: living in balance and harmony with life. But hózhó isn’t a static state you achieve once and possess forever. You must continually restore and reinvent it. I suspect you’re in a phase like that now, Gemini. Too much thinking and not enough feeling? Too much future and not enough present? I recommend you take corrective measures. Start by taking one physical action that grounds you. Have a conversation from the heart instead of the head. Spend an hour not planning the story to come, but simply loving what’s here right now. Refresh your hózhó!

Cancer

(June 21-July 22): If a honeybee colony becomes too crowded, scout bees search for potential new hive sites. When they return, they perform waggle dances for their colleagues to convey specific information about different locations. Negotiations ensue. Various possibilities are offered and considered through more dancing. Eventually, the swarm collectively makes a choice and heads out to its new home. Your challenge right now, Cancerian, is to be like a scout bee who facilitates your group’s decision-making process. I invite you to carry out a reconnaissance mission and then perform your waggle dances for your people. Make your case with vigor and precision. Trust the group’s emergent wisdom to make the best decision.

Leo

(July 23-Aug. 22): Like all of us, Leo, you have persistent aches from old losses, absences, and wounds. They may seem like permanent burdens you will never be able to shake or transcend. But here’s some very good news: In the coming months, there’s a greater chance than usual that you’ll discover new approaches to healing them. The remedies won’t necessarily be logical or obvious. They may involve you conducting rituals, taking symbolic actions, or ambushing the pain from unexpected angles. Be alert for interventions that may seem too simple or unexpected to work.

Virgo

(Aug. 22-Sept. 22): Your restlessness is building. How much longer will you pretend you don’t sense the pull of bright temptations and appealing sanctuaries? At what moment will you finally stop resisting your urge to slip past the usual boundaries and roam? The astrological omens hint that this pivot is close at hand. In the borderlands of your imagination, a daring journey is already taking shape. Where might it carry you? Here’s my guess: down into the raw, unfiltered depths of the future you secretly dream about.

Libra

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In fairy tales, when heroes are rewarded for their help and kindness, their gifts are often tools of protection: a cloak that

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY FOR FUN

(April 20-May 20): May is Free Thinking Month for you Tauruses. It’s also Free Feeling, Free Wheeling, and Free Healing Month. Wow! To observe this festive grace period, indulge in any of the following jubilant acts: 1. Declare your independence from anyone who tries to tell you how you should live your life or who you are. 2. Declare independence from your history, especially recollections that dampen your sense of possibility and old self-images that impede your yearning to explore. 3. Declare independence from groupthink and conventional wisdom. 4. Declare independence from your former conceptions of freedom so you’ll be free to arrive at fresh understandings of it.

renders them invisible, a magic club that chases off foes, or enchanted shoes that enable them to outrun any threat. In other stories, the reward is meant to deepen the hero’s delight in living: a genie’s lamp, a cauldron that cooks up exquisite food, or a horn that calls forth marvelous companions from the fairy world. I mention this, Libra, because I believe rewards for your past and recent generosity are on their way. If you have any say in what form they take, I suggest you request something from this second, pleasure-giving category.

Scorpio

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Poet Marie Howe wrote, “I don’t think we can love anything more intensely than we love a secret.” Many Scorpios feel this way. You understand that mystery is often a joy to be savored. Some truths reveal themselves only to those who summon the patient intelligence to be at peace amidst the confounding riddles. Non-Scorpios may be desperate to leave nothing hidden, but you like to learn from the teasing prickles. You know that some transformations need darkness to carry on their work. Your next assignment: Decide what truth needs more time in the deep before it’s ready to surface.

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Diamond is the hardest natural substance, while graphite is soft and slippery. Yet they’re both made of pure carbon. The difference is in their structure. Let’s extrapolate from this fact as we ruminate on your life, Sagittarius. I’m 97 percent certain that you already have everything you need. Maybe you imagine you lack key resources and powers, but from what I can tell,

you are well set up. So I propose that you simply reorganize what’s available to you now. Take the “carbon” of your life and arrange it in new patterns. Your task isn’t further accumulation but reconfiguration.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): My Capricorn grandfather was a master artisan. He told me that the best furniture is built twice: first in the imagination, then with wood. Let’s apply that theme to you. I believe you have mostly finished the first step of visualizing what you want. Now you’re almost ready to launch the actual work. I’m eager to see the practical effects that will bloom from your detailed fantasies. The rest of the world is excited, too. These days, we all especially need your talent for turning beautiful dreams into vivid realities. You have extra power to inspire us to convert our idealistic notions into dynamic actions.

Aquarius

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I invite you to imagine a time in the past when you were almost perfectly content. Visualize that magical confluence of satisfying feelings. Where were you? Who was or wasn’t there? What could you see, hear, smell, and feel in your body? What made that moment so right? Next step: Make a vow to rebuild as many of those conditions as you realistically can over the next three weeks. Maybe you can’t recreate the exact scene, but you can approximate its essence.

Pisces

(Feb. 19-March 20): The astrological factors now in effect are tending to generate useful

and valuable cosmic jokes. I believe they may be disruptive and catalytic in helpful ways. In this spirit, I offer you the following affirmations, borrowed from internet memes: 1. “You may call me ‘melodramatic.’ I describe myself as a ‘creative problemsolver with flair and panache.’” 2. “I’m not overthinking; I’m overriding simplistic answers that hide the real truths.” 3. “You shouldn’t think of me as chaotic; the fact is that I’m generously nonlinear.” 4. “I have a solid plan, but it’s always evolving to keep up with reality’s crazy insistence on ceaseless change.” 5. “Please dismantle your low expectations; I need ample room to exceed them.” 6. “I trust my instincts; they have often been wrong in interesting ways.”

Aries

(March 21-April 19): In the 19th century, Aries photographer Eadweard Muybridge (1830–1904) resolved to settle a debate about whether galloping horses ever have all four hooves off the ground. He developed a system to capture rapid sequential images, which ultimately helped lead to the invention of motion pictures. His answer to a narrow technical question opened up an entirely new art form. Moral of the story: Solving a specific problem may create unforeseen revolutions. In the coming weeks, Aries, I invite you to stay alert for how your focused efforts to address one challenge might birth even more significant breakthroughs. Don’t get so fixated on your immediate goal that you miss larger innovations emerging from your work.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINE

SIZES AVAILABLE

UPSCALE EVENT CENTER LLC

1226 Harris Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY

for a restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed on and off Premises license to sell or manufacture beer & wine.

James Jackson, Owner

NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be Submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

NOTICE OF COMBINED JUDICIAL SALE FOR DELINQUENT TAXES

Pursuant to Decrees entered in the Circuit Court of Albemarle County, Virginia, the undersigned, Jonathan T. Wren, Special Commissioner of said Court, will offer for sale pursuant to Section 58.1-3965, et seq. of the Code of Virginia, at public auction on the front steps or in the main courtroom of the temporary home of the Albemarle County Circuit Court, 350 Park Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., properties located in Albemarle County, for payment of delinquent taxes. For a list of properties and terms of sale, please go to www.martinwrenlaw.com. For more information, you may also contact Jonathan T. Wren, Special Commissioner, at 434-817-3100 or wren@martinwrenlaw.com.

Direct Support Professionals

Community & MISC. Notices

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If this stat is surprising, just see what else free commuter support can do for your team!

STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

AUCTIONS

ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Promote your upcoming auctions statewide! Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audience. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-5217576, landonc@vpa.net

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-947-1479 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

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P.S. THE BIG PICTURE Proof

Fridays After Five on April 24 filled downtown with music and movement, as the 100 Proof Band took the stage at Ting Pavilion with a high-energy blend of funk, R&B, jazz, and neo soul layered over Latin percussion. Further down the Mall, the Tom Tom Festival block party packed the streets with lively crowds as DJ sets from Reggie Watz and Double U kept Central Place moving late into the evening.

Rivanna Roots

MAY 2

MAY 16

MAY 30

JUNE 13

JUNE 27

JULY 11

JULY 25

AUGUST 8

AUGUST 22

SEPTEMBER 5

SEPTEMBER 19

OCTOBER 3

OCTOBER 17

WE ARE STAR CHILDREN W/ DROPPING JULIA

FONVILLE x FRIBUSH W/ CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

THE POLLOCKS W/ TANASI

TERRI ALLARD BAND W/ SCUFFLETOWN

THE OVERSTEPPERS W/ DRIFTWOOD RADIO

THE JACOB JOLLIFF BAND W/ CLARA GEORGE & ANNIE SAVAGE

DJ WILLIAMS BAND W/ HUMBLE

COREY HARRIS BAND W/ JEN TAL

RAMONA & THE HOLY SMOKES W/ REBECCA PORTER

THEOCLES & THE MUSES W/ THE CURRYS

LARRY KEEL DUO W/ BRENNAN GILMORE & ANDY THACKER

CHAMOMILE & WHISKEY W/ SWEET AFTON & LEAH GRAMS JOHNSON

GALLATIN CANYON W/ MIKE BURRIS & EMILY MORRISON

DOORS 5:30 PM - MUSIC 6:30 PM-9:30 PM

Food Trucks - Local Beer, Cider, & Wine TICKETS AT FRONTPORCHCVILLE.ORG