The Hill and Wood

The other night we went to The Southern for the send off concert with The Hill and Wood. Sam and the others are heading out on tour...good luck in Texas! They are off to promote their CD that was released last November. 

This Weeks Issue of Cville

On the cover of the Cville this week is none other than my friend Sam Bush. I was so excited when Lansing pointed out the magazine earlier today in Shenandoah Joes... we both got pretty excited when when saw his face! I only wish this image was a little bigger, guess you will just have to check it out for yourself!

The cover article titled "Signs of a Crossing" focuses in on the local arts organizations and the blurring of the lines between Christian and secular art. The article starts by talking about the Welcome Wagon concert that I wrote about a few weeks ago...what an amazing show at the Haven, located off of the Downtown Mall.

"There was a time when the “Christian” label would’ve made fans of secular music roll their eyes. But the sanctuary at The Haven at First and Market was packed to the gills with concertgoers paying 10 bucks a ticket, a not insignificant price for a show by a little-known folk group on a boutique indie rock label at a non-venue attached to a homeless shelter 

The shows success demonstrates the growing trend of art and music within the Christian community of C'ville. And it's groups such as the New City Arts Initiative, the Garage, and Bifrost Arts that are encouraging this movement within our town....a movement that is drawing in a secular crowd.

can you spot me? Look on the left side third row back

The article even goes into the process of the creation of the Garage... a story I have truly always wondered about. This space, the garage for the old music director for Christ Episcopal Church has no signs of a Church affiliation in the building or on the website. Sam Bush, a music minister at Christ Episcopal and a songwriter with local folk-rock act the Hill & Wood, now curates the gallery and says that The Garage’s relationship with the church has been very “supportive, yet undemanding.” He went on to say that his passion in centered around what the Garage has to offer for the Charlottesville community: a place that brings people together. "It’s funny to talk about, because there’s never been an agenda. I’m not really sure what The Garage is. It’s basically a gift to the community for people to do what they want with it.”

"So The Garage is, in one sense, a reaction to that artistic climate. “We want bands that people think are weird. We want art that is challenging,” says Sam Bush. Be sure to check out the Garage in the upcoming weeks. There is a really great line-up for the month of May. Christ Church is supporting art for the sake of the community and we are lovin' it!

Have a Tremendous Tuesday...and check back soon!

Doobie Brothers at the Downtown Pavlion

Thursday night my best friend and I went Downtown to see the Doobie Brothers live! We are so lucky to have such a great concert setting outside AND Downtown. The nTelos Wireless Pavilion is located at the end of the mall, and is equip with covered seating and a great large lawn.

 

The venue is wonderful, especially during the late Spring and into the early Fall when the nights are warm and the crowds are big. With the purchase of a general admission ticket (usually the lowest priced tickets) you can plop down on the large green grass lawn with a blanket or lawn chair. Guests are welcome to bring along a cooler of snacks for the night... but all drinks must be purchased at the event, drink tickets are sold for $5. The staff are always welcoming and helpful...last night the man selling drink tickets even let me try on his 'beer case' hat! 

 

The Charlottesville Pavilion opened in July of 2005 and since that date has been a place guests seem to gather! The space offers a wide variety of entertainment throughout the night of a concert. From a man making children's balloons to hot dog and doughnut stand there are lots of activities surrounding the venue! (Red- Carpe Donut, Yellow- Last Call Hotdogs... does anyone know about this green one? Maybe Kettle Corn?)

Bessie and I decided to sit on the grass and enjoy the Doobie Brothers together! It was so great being surrounded by many people out enjoying the beautiful night and music together. From older couples sitting in lawn chairs to kids of all ages running about, the crowd contained a wide range of ages all out having a great time. 

I hope you can make it out to the Charlottesville Pavilion this Spring! Check out their site for the upcoming summer line-up. Also make sure to make it down to Fridays After Five....a wonderful and free concert series for the C'ville community presented by Bud Light. Every Friday from now until September 9 a local or regional band will take the stage and perform. 

Have a Super Sunday...and check back soon!

homemade dinner

Tonight, before going to the Kelly and the Ruths concert at The Garage my boyfriend and I are going to make homemade spinach gnocchi!

image 

The recipe looks pretty easy and there are few ingredients... I'll let you know how it turns out! After our dinner we are heading to The Garage for an 8pm concert. Hopefully the weather will hold off and we will be able to sit outside on the hill to enjoy the music! There are so many fun things going on in C'ville this weekend. We may even stop by The Southern for the Virginia Coalition concert, another amazing band based out of Virginia! 


I want to leave you with a few fun images before you set off on your Friday night fun! 

Have a Fantastic Friday night... and check back soon!

First Fridays: The Garage

Our last stop last Friday night was The Garage. I love this little venue tucked off of the Downtown Mall. The exhibit was put on by Daniel Perry, a local C'ville jam maker! Daniel displayed his hand-made prints that work to display the interrelated dynamic between nature and the human form. 

The Garage is the perfect place to show off artwork... I just love the exposed brick walls and hardwood flooring. Daniel had a variety of screen-prints as well as samples of his amazing JAM! His jam was paired with cheese from Feast!, break from Albemarle Baking Company, and wine from Pollak Vineyards.

Daniels screen-prints were available for purchase both matted and framed and unframed! What a fun addition for a studio room!  I loved how they were displayed on the walls as well as the Garage doors. 

As well as art, Daniel also sells his wonderful jam at the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and online. His most current flavors are yellow peach + raspberry, peach blackberry + lemon, and peach strawberry + lavender to name a few!

If you head over to a concert at The Garage this month make sure to take a look around inside the building to catch a glimpse of Daniels artwork...and visit his booth at the farmers market too! 

Have a Terrific Thursday...and check back soon!

JohnSarahJohn

JohnSarahJohn is a local Charlottesville design group. Together John Owen, Sarah Owen, and John Gibson work within the community as creators, curators, and purveyors. As a team they strive to achieve visual solutions for anyone who comes their way. They work with clients and collaborators to promote design within a community setting as well as private spaces, depending on your personal need. With a handful of experience, the team has worked together on festivals as well as large and small scale commercial and residental interiors. They put their creative minds together to construct an idenity and brand for their corporate and nonprofit clients.

JohnSarahJohn is currently in the process of moving onto East Main Street, into an old and empty building which they are planning on restoring. After residing on the Downtown Mall for a while, they decided to make the move. The other day I had to run an errand for Pippin Hill and to my suprise was faced with a room full of fun antiques.... I though I was heading to an office space! John Owen greeted us at the door and was as friendly as could be. He showed us around the space and even allowed me to take some photos.

The new location will be opening within the next few weeks. John said this was the perfect move, a fun new location more appropriate for their design studio and store. The front of the old building is going to be a store for fun and unique interior treasures and the back will be their studio space. John Owens says they love to collect funky antiques, items that others might normally not pick up. Look closely below... how fun is the red and gold uniform!

Through the use of antiques, JohnSarahJohn combines old materials and produces wonders. How amazing is this colorful, funky chandelier. John Owen took the time to explain the design process and the process of collecting the pieces to make this wonderful piece.

I just love how they use their creativity to create things out of the ordinary. Their retail space is going to be phenominal!

Their new design and retail space is located right across the street from Blue Moon Diner, in an old and run down Auto Center. The front of the store has an old garage door that the group intends on opening up on sunny Spring and Summer days! The walls are concrete and adorned with old posters and paintings John, Sarah, and John have found during their travels.

Another awesome thing about JohnSarahJohn is their desire to involve the community within their sapce. Between musical performances and open house the team works to bring design into the Charlottesville community... something I LOVE! 

Currently anyone intereted in painting and art are welcome to JohnSarahJohn on Wednesday nights to paint. All you have to do is bring $10 and your own supplies. Community members gather around a model in the back of the studio, sketching and painting together. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for the opening of JohnSarahJohn on East Main Street in the next few weeks. It's going to be simply amazing, I am beyond excited! 

Have a Thrilling Thursday... and check back soon!

what a performance

Last night was just amazing! The Welcome Wagon, band of husband and wife, sang and played alongside The Charlottesville Singers for a large crowd at the The Haven. Wow! Lansing and I even got to eat our dinner with the band... helps when you come in late with Bodos and are looking for a place to eat away from the cold!

Have a Tremendous Tuesday...and check back soon!

The Welcome Wagon

Tonight The Welcome Wagon is playing Downtown at The Haven. The Welcome Wagon is an amazing band I had the opportunity to hear last night at church and am so excited to get a second show tonight!The married couple, Reverend  Thomas Vito Aiuto and his wife Monique play and sing together offering a genre of gospel music that is sweet to the ears. 

The couple began their singing career from the privacy of their home, with little musical experience or training. Together they began playing for the family, having a deep desire to sing old hymns and passages from a songbook. They began making up music for the words they encountered and eventually were talked into playing at small venues and parties within The New York area. Often friends will join in, playing alongside the couple with their guitar, piano, banjo, or drums.

 In 2001 the couple began working with Asthmatic Kitty Records to release their first C.D " Welcome to the Welcome Wagon". This C.D debuts their first song they ever wrote and recorded together: " There is a Fountain Filled with Blood". Today they create a mix of music involving folk and pop, but it was their original simple sounds that made them stand out! 

I loved this quote that I found this morning online: "A home-cooked meal followed by a few microphones taped to folding chairs. A family gathering, a summary of happy noises, and a room crowded with familiar faces. Sure, there are showy guitar riffs and piano codas and harmonica solos, a rowdy chorus, an imposing flourish of brass instruments like wartime canons. But at the heart of it—if you really listen carefully—there's just a pastor and his wife tentatively singing in the quiet privacy of their own home". 

I am just so excited for tonight's show! Come to the Haven tonight at First and Market Street downtown and I promise you will have a wonderful and peaceful evening. 

Have a Marvelous Monday... and check back soon!

Concerts at Christ Episcopal Church

Last night my friends and I attended our first Christ Church concert! The Hill and Wood opened for Sanders Bulke, and together the show was simply wonderful and relaxing. Concert goers sat in the Church pews and listened, mesmerized by the music for nearly two hours.

The Hill and Wood is an amazing local C'ville band led by main singer, Sam Bush. After playing a plethora of songs, Sam introduced Sanders Bulke, an up and coming songwriter... who has even been featured in LOST and Grey's Anatomy! 

Sam Bush, along with being the lead singer for The Hill and Wood, runs The Garage, a fun music and art venue Downtown. Last night he told the audience he was going to start utilizing the Christ Church space and offer more concerts in this beautiful space.

First opened in 1820 as Charlottesville's first Church, Christ Episcopal Church displays old architecture and amazing stained glass windows. The Church is located on West High Street, right off the Downtown Mall. 

Stay posted on upcoming concerts that will take place in the Church by following The Garage website. You can't miss an opportunity to witness a musical performance in this space... it's just amazing! With the beautiful carpentry, elegant tapestries (currently purple for Lent), and intricate stained glass windows, this is a venue you don't want to pass. 

 

Have a Magnificant Monday...and check back soon!

The Hill and Wood

Last night I traveled to Staunton, Virginia to hear The Hill and Wood perform at the Mockingbird. What a fun night!

The Hill and Wood band came together in C'ville and continues to play around the area. I have now been fortunate enough to see them play two times! Lead singer, Sam Bush, attended the University of Virginia and now works for Christ Church and runs The Garage downtown. I am lucky to hear him play every Sunday at 5:00 so It was really special to see him and his band performing all together in Staunton last night.  The Hill and Wood's genre is classified as Folk/Indie/Rock. 

The Mockingbird was a great venue for the show. Located in historic downtown Staunton, the Mockingbird offers a dinning room setting as well as a live music hall. The owners inspired to create a " unpretentious gathering place where one can experience and enjoy authentic local food and traditionally-inspired acoustic music". Along with the show we had some amazing dinner... including sweet potato fries with 3 different sauces. 

The music hall at the Mockingbird has a special feeling... complete with little tables located close to the stage, creating an intimate feeling with the band. The "listening room" environment that takes place in the music hall makes music the central feature, but works to bring the audience into the show! 

Hopefully The Hill and Wood will be performing again soon! I will be sure to keep my readers updated...

Have a great night... and check back soon!

It's Thursday!

YAY! It's almost the weekend....

image!

What are your plans for this wonderful C'ville weekend?

Spending the day hiking Old Rag Mountain

Wine tasting at King Family Vineyards

A night out at the Paramount Theater to hear Booker T

A simple afternoon reading and catching up on work at Shenandoah Joes

Whatever you choose this weekend, I hope it's a great one! 

Have a Terrific Thursday... and check back soon! 

Best of C-Ville 2010!

What we have all been waiting for... well at least I know I have! C'ville online ( a great Charlotteville resource on all the latest art and news) has released the list. This list includes the winner and runner up of many categories around the area. For those living in C'ville or planning a visit the list is a great way to plan your next meal or activity around town. Locals participated in voting for their favorite place to grab a bite, see a movie, or even visit a local doctor.  Votes were counted and the winners were released! 

There are a total of 128 winners so I won't bore you by spitting it all back out onto this page... but I will choose some of my favorites! 

Food and Drink personal favorite picks....

Both Restaurant and Date Spot... Winner: Mas, Runner-up: C&O Restaurant 

Greasy Spoon... Winner: Blue Moon Diner, Runner-up: Riverside Lunch

Breakfast... Winner: Bluegrass Grill and Bakery, Runner-up: Bodos

French... Winner: Fleurie, Runner-up: Petit Pois 

Recreation and Fitness personal favorite picks...

Place to Hike... Winner: Humpback Rocks, Runner-up: Sugar Hallow

Place to Run... Winner: Rivanna Trails, Runner-up: UVa Grounds

Retail personal favorite picks...

Vintage clothing store... Winner: Antics, Runner-up: Bittersweet

Place for a party dress....Winner: Eloise, Runner-up: Jean Theory 

Place to buy running gear... Winner: Ragged Mountain Running Shop, Runner-up: Charlottesville Running Company 

Place for used books... Winner: Daedalus Books, Runner-up: Blue Whale Books

Place for greeting cards.... Winner: Rock Paper Scissors, Runner-up: O'Suzannah

Service personal favorite picks...

Architect... Winner: Bob Anderson, Runner-up: VMDO Architects

Taxi Service... Winner: Wahooptie, Runner-up: Access Taxi

Entertainment personal favorite picks....

Place to look at art... Winner: McGuffey Art Center, Runner-up: Second Street Gallery

Annual Music Event... Winner: Fridays after 5, Runner-up: Crozet Music Festival  

Movie Theater... Winner: Vinegar Hill Theatre, Runner-up: Regal Downtown Mall 6 

Small Venue... Winner: The Jefferson Theater, Runner-up: The Southern Cafe and Music Hall

Musical Group... Winner: William Walker & Co., Runner-up: Sons of Bill

And these are just a few of the many awesome "best of cville" 2010 winners. Check out Cville online to view all 128 winners. This is a wonderful resource right at our fingertips and we should totally take advantage! You might even see some palces you don't recognize at all... how fun is that! We all have so much to expore around the Charlottesville area. 

Have a Wonderful Wednesday... and check back soon!

C'ville Coffee

C'ville Coffee is simply fun and wonderful... and a great addition to the coffee shop scene in Charlottesville! Located close to the downtown area on Harris Road, you can easily drive and find plenty of room to park your car nearby.

The coffee is delicious. Whether you decide to grab a to-go cup or stay for a while and sip your coffee in a mug, it's great either way you choose!  I love the atmosphere created in the coffee bar room, complete with hanging mugs and red ribbons... how perfect for a coffee house.

C'ville Coffee has a large menu served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner... great when you are planning to work on a paper ALL day long.  From granola to salads, all dishes are cooked in house and are prepared with fresh meats, cheeses, and local Albemarle Baking Company breads. How about a chocolate hazelnut and whipped cream crepe... served all day long?

C'ville Coffee even has a community board.I love this idea. Promoting the local festivals, shows, art openings, ect... anyone can post! Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday around 8:30 PM C'ville Coffee hosts  " The Stage Cafe" where local artists entertain guests in a quiet setting. Musicians recieve 100% of the cover charge ( which is placed at a low rate for those who attend!) An ala carte menu is presented as well as a wine list... sounds like a fun night to me!

My friends and I love to go and spend time together at C'ville Coffee because there is lots of room to spread out and you rarely ever find yourself without a seat... which can be quite common in other smaller shops around the area. There are three main sitting areas within the coffee shop, the adult 'work' space, the louder middle room, and a children section... complete with a colorful wall mural and huge play turtle!

Whether you wish to sip your coffee and enjoy a book alone or have lunch with a group of friends, C'ville Coffee is the place to be. Oh... and don't forget to try their famous honey-bunch. Completly delicious!

 

Have a Thrilling Tuesday... and check back soon!