Funcracker Variety Show in Charlottesville

Albemarle Ballet Theatre and the Studio for the Performing Arts present The Funcracker Variety Show at Western Albemarle High School. This second annual anti-blues, mid-winter holiday season production features song, dance, and jazz with the help of many local artists. Proceeds from this family-oriented show benefit the “Dancing off the Streets” need-based scholarship fund. Headliners include The Bobby Read Quartet, Christina Fleming & Lilli Ross singing “Barcarolle,” the famous aria from The Tales of Hoffmann, jazz musician Leigh Dick, local dancer Sam Scott, and favorite scenes from The Nutcracker ballet performed by ABT dancers.  One lucky child will win a Dance Theme Party valued at $500.

Purchase tickets online, at Albemarle Ballet Theatre in Crozet, or at the door. 804-823-8888.

Ooh, So Yummy...January 2011 Restaurant Week in Charlottesville

January 24th-30th, 2011

The tables are set, and the three-course menus are fixed at several of the finest restaurants, as culinary enthusiasts prepare to please their palates without draining their wallets during our fair city's amazing semi-annual event, Restaurant Week.

For any diner who has ever dreamed about fine dining without breaking the bank, Restaurant Week is that dream... come true. Modeled on similar events in other cities, this is seven days of good food and good fun. Diners get to choose from each participating restaurant's special prix fixe menu and enjoy three courses- an appetizer, an entree, and dessert - for just $26*. (Beverages, tax, and gratuity not included.)

First Fridays in Charlottesville

January 07, 2011

All the art galleries have their opening night on First Fridays with new exhibitions representing some of the best artists in the US. It's a fun event for all ages, an opportunity to meet some of the local artists and great hors d'oeuvres.

Location: First Fridays on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall
(Along the mall and adjoining streets, Charlottesville, VA 22902)

The Virginia Discovery Museum in Charlottesville brings young children and families together to engage minds, excite imaginations and explore the world around them.

Check out The Tibetan Way Exhibit currently featured at the Virginia Discovery Museum through March 27, 2011.

A Tour Through Virginia Wine Country

Contributed by Nikki Hartz

This past week, I went on a wine tour with some William and Mary law students (one of them my boyfriend, John, a 1L). We toured three lovely vineyards, sampled some fantastic wine, and John and I walked away with four bottles. Below is a description of each of the vineyards and my recommendations for wines to sample and buy.

The 2010 Virginia Film Festival:  Four Days ... 100 Films.

Thursday, November 04, 2010 - Sunday, November 07, 2010

10:00am - 10:00pm

The Virginia Film Festival is presented by the University of Virginia's College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

The Virginia Film Festival is a four-day celebration of the magic of the movies featuring first-run features and timeless classics, high-profile industry insiders and up-and-coming stars, and filmmakers from throughout Virginia and beyond.