C-VILLE Weekly | June 19 - 25, 2024

UVA holds degrees of students arrested at Grounds encampment PAGE 11

Metal-leaning Baroness genre-hops at The Jefferson on Saturday PAGE 31

FADINGSPACES

With the passing of Mel Walker, the fate of his cafe hangs in the balance

JOHN ROBINSON

Charlottesville mourns restaurateur

Mel Walker—and awaits news on his West Main cafe.

NEWS 9

11 UVA withholds degrees from pro-Palestine student protesters.

13 Even without a permanent home, Charlottesville’s Queer community finds space.

15 Real Estate Weekly: UVA credit union plans to relocate its headquarters.

CULTURE 27

29 Tried It: Les Yeux du Monde proves the perfect venue for Dean Dass’ “Passenger Manifest.”

31 Preview: Baroness hops genres but remains metal to their core at the Jefferson.

32 Sudoku

Crossword

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Hello, Charlottesville. Thank you for reading C-VILLE Weekly.

When I assigned a cover story on the recent passing of Mel Walker, owner of the eponymous Mel’s Cafe, I’ll admit I didn’t give longtime freelance writer Shea Gibbs much direction in terms of the content of the piece. I figured the article would mention Walker’s soul food (he was a local standard-bearer) and the friendships he formed with counter regulars. I thought the story might even include voices from the local restaurant community remarking on Walker’s impact on Charlottesville’s culinary scene. But Gibbs went deeper. He called attention to what a longtime friend of Walker’s calls his contribution to “the scaffolding of Charlottesville.”

Walker opened his cafe in the mid-’80s in the former Vinegar Hill neighborhood, the area of town in which he grew up and which was infamously razed in the 1960s, displacing many of the city’s Black residents and disrupting a close-knit community in the midst of the civil rights movement. By many accounts, Mel’s provided a kind of call-back to the Vinegar Hill ethos, a gathering place for people—Black and white—to sit and be. With Walker’s passing, the future of the city’s oldest Black-owned restaurant is uncertain.

6.19.24

In the news section this week, reporter Catie Ratliff writes about the ways in which the local LGBTQIA+ community is facing a similar threat, with multiple closings of Queer spaces over the last decade and the lack of them in the present day.

“[The Black community doesn’t] have much, and what we do have, we want to maintain,” says Tanesha Hudson, a close family friend of the Walkers. “We are being run out of this city.”

Caite Hamilton

“Please act quickly and act boldly. Lives and the well-being of our community depend on it.”

—Co-chairs of Livable Cville Matthew Gillikin and Steven Johnson in a letter to City Council and City Manager Sam Sanders ahead of a June 17 presentation on the state of homelessness in the city

NEWS

IN BRIEF

Shots fired

Around 5:30am on Wednesday, June 12, Charlottesville Police Department Officers dispatched to the 100 block of Harmon Street following reports of shots fired. A total of 41 shell casings from a pistol and rifle were found at the scene. A single home was struck along with a vehicle parked in the driveway. No one was injured in the incident. Police Chief Michael Kochis believes this was a targeted offense connected to other shots-fired investigations and community feuds.

Heading home

The Hoos have been knocked out of the College World Series. After a nailbiter 3-2 loss to the University of North Carolina in the opening game of the tournament, the Cavs entered into an elimination game against Florida State on June 16. The Seminoles quickly pulled ahead, with the score at 7-0 at the end of the sixth inning. Virginia finally got onto the board with two runs in the seventh inning, but was not able to catch up to Florida’s lead, culminating in a 7-3 game.

Cooling off

The City of Charlottesville is reminding residents to stay cool ahead of a major heat wave hitting the area this week. With humidity bringing the heat index over 100 degrees, those looking to escape the hot temps can head to the cooling centers at Herman Key Jr. Recreation Center and the central branch of Jefferson-Madison Regional Library. For more information on cooling center hours and tips for managing the blazing weather, visit charlottesville.gov.

Un-diploma-tic?

PAGE 11

Money matters

Local housing advocates and city leadership sat down with Sen. Mark Warner at Kindlewood on June 14. The senator delivered a $650,000 check from Congress, which Piedmont Housing Alliance will use to establish a permanent Financial Opportunity Center and Housing Hub in the affordable housing community.

Formerly known as Friendship Court, Kindlewood is in the middle of a massive resident-led redevelopment, with support from PHA, numerous nonprofit organizations, and local government. Beyond structural improvements, the project will add more community resources, including the FOCHH.

“The Financial Opportunity Center and Housing Hub … serves Charlottesville City residents, Albemarle County residents, Nelson County residents, the whole range, and it’s a one-stop shop for people to come for housing- or financial-related opportunities,” said Sunshine Mathon, CEO of PHA.

Benefits of the center include access to HUD-certified housing counselors, finan-

cial and housing coaching and information, and down payment support opportunities. The FOCHH has been operating out of a temporary location on High Street, but the plan has always been to have a permanent location at Kindlewood.

“A lot of our residents don’t have cars,” said Mathon. “Having access to walkable or busable locations really removes a barrier.”

Beyond the FOCHH, Sen. Warner and local leaders spoke about potential next steps to address Charlottesville’s housing crisis.

While Warner is proud of several Democratic accomplishments in recent years, he lamented the lack of action on affordable housing.

“If we step back and we think about over the last four or five years, particularly coming out of COVID, the one area the federal government didn’t do that much on was housing, and now we’ve got housing shortages everywhere,” said Warner. “The most important thing we could do today is get the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.”

In addition to calling on the Fed to reduce rates, the senator spoke to the benefits of Community Development Financial Institutions and the LIFT [LowIncome First Time Homebuyers] Act introduced by Warner and Sens. Tim Kaine, Raphael Warnock, Chris Van Hollen, and Jon Ossoff.

The LIFT Act—first introduced in 2021—would allow first-time, first-generation homebuyers to purchase a home with a 20-year mortgage at a 30-year rate.

Legislation like the LIFT Act and other federal efforts aimed at addressing affordable housing are crucial, according to Mathon.

“Where we really need to see scaled investment is in affordable homeownership, and the local and state level have some resources to support that, but at the federal level, it’s pretty minimal,” he said. “If we’re going to really make a dent in the homeownership disparity rates between Black and white households in our community, we have to invest federal-level resources to unlock that.”

Leaders from Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville, Piedmont Housing Alliance, and city council joined Sen. Warner at the affordable housing roundtable.

Holds barred

UVA withholds degrees from students arrested at encampment

By Catie Ratliff reporter@c-ville.com

The University of Virginia is withholding degrees from four graduating students who were arrested at the encampment for Gaza on May 4, pending trials by the University Judiciary Committee.

Eleven students face UJC trials in connection with the protest, with proceedings seemingly in limbo while students are away for the summer. While UVA asserts it is normal for degrees to be withheld amid a UJC trial, activists argue the university is violating student protesters’ freedom of speech in an attempt to justify the decision to bring Virginia State Police to the encampment and its refusal to meet activists’ demands.

While the UJC and University Deputy Spokesperson Bethanie Glover declined to comment on the specifics of the cases against the 11 students, Professor Walt Heinecke provided more information on the nature of the charges.

According to Heinecke, the UJC charges against students include “disorderly conduct on university owned or leased property, or at a university sanctioned function,” “any violation of federal, state, or local law,” and “failure to comply with directions of university officials.” The cases also allegedly mention violations of the following policies: exterior posting and chalking (PRM-008); tent use on university property (SEC-013); regulations of weapons, fireworks, explosives, and other prohibited items (SEC-030); and use of amplified sound on outdoor university property (SEC-041).

While some of the policy violations are self-explanatory, Heinecke says he is unaware of what the weapons, fireworks, explosives, and other prohibited items policy violation is referring to, but he speculated it could be due to brief usages of a bullhorn at the encampment.

Heinecke is the current president of the UVA chapter of the American Association of United Professors and served as a faculty liaison to the students at the encampment throughout the protest. Since UVA decided to bring in Virginia State Police to forcefully break up the assembly, he has been working to protect student protesters from retaliation by the university for exercising their Constitutionally protected freedom of speech.

“The Student Affairs Office charges against the students are flimsy and overstated at best,” says Heinecke. “They appear to be a desperate attempt to detract from the University’s decision to use the Virginia State Police to violently shut down what was a peaceful protest against genocide in Gaza and the university policies supporting that genocide.

The trumped-up charges appear to be no more than weak attempts to justify violating

UVA, and any cases awaiting UJC review were referred due to violations of policy and standards of conduct, not because of constitutionally protected speech.”

Glover cited the fact that protesters were allowed to demonstrate for four days prior to the encampment being broken up by police as an example of the institution’s commitment to free speech.

For the graduating students facing UJC charges, the withholding of their degrees has put their personal and professional lives into limbo.

“The trumped-up charges appear to be no more than weak attempts to justify violating students’ First Amendment rights to speech and assembly.”

WALT HEINECKE, UVA PROFESSOR

students’ First Amendment rights to speech and assembly.”

“It is standard practice for the university to withhold the degrees of students who have been referred for potential violations of the university’s policies or standards of conduct,” Glover told C-VILLE in a comment via email. “It’s important to clarify that free speech remains a core value of

“As a first generation student, I tried my best to present myself as happy on a day [graduation] that is important not just for me, but for my whole family, but it was really hard, after my whole family saw UVAapproved brutality against me on the national news and while my diploma hangs over my head with no guarantee of when I will get it,” said Cady de la Cruz, a fourthyear Lawn resident whose degree has been withheld. “It is an empty punishment because I did everything to fulfill my degree. The only reason UVA has stalled the process is to make an example out of me.”

Both de la Cruz and Heinecke allege that UVA administration deliberately drew out the UJC trial in an attempt to pressure students into one-on-one meetings.

“The university delay[ed] the process on purpose because our cases are being used to teach a lesson to students of what violence and punishment the university will enact in order to repress activism and discourage all who consider protesting in the coming years, especially as the calls for divestment from genocide will only get louder next year,” de la Cruz said.

While UVA has dropped the No Trespass Orders against student protesters arrested on May 4, the university has not indicated any willingness to dismiss the UJC cases.

“Admin is revealing they are willing to upend all UVA norms and precedents to obliterate all calls to divest from genocide,” said de la Cruz.

Pro-Palestine protesters at UVA stood united when confronted by Virginia State Police on May 4.

EZE AMOS

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.

Out and

restaurant downtown that quickly became an unofficial gay bar, is currently up in the air. Owners Anna Gardner and Kelsey Naylor explicitly worked to make their restaurant a haven for the local LGBTQ community, but the possible sale of Umma’s after its owners move later this year leaves questions about the future of the space.

The closure of these Queer spaces in Charlottesville mirrors broader national trends, with roughly 50 percent of American gay bars closing between 2012 and 2019 according to Greggor Mattson, author of Who Needs Gay Bars?

“When I first moved here, we did have those dedicated bar spaces, and so it does impact … how the community functions in the area,” says Jason Elliott, founder of Out and About Charlottesville, a group that hosts LBGTQ-centric social events. “But I don’t think that it prohibits us from still having a strong community here.”

While the current lack of a permanent, traditional gay bar in Charlottesville does have some drawbacks, Elliott says it also has a lot of benefits.

“The shortfall of not having that dedicated traditional space in a brick and mortar setting is that we can’t just show up. We’ve got to plan,” he says. “Ironically, that planning … is also one of the benefits of not having that space, because when we get together, it becomes a lot more intentional.”

Beyond intentionality, the lack of a go-to space has led to a wider range of community events. This month alone, Out and About’s list of goings-on includes trivia nights, game nights, workouts, drag brunch, and a silent disco.

For local drag scene performers Cherry Possums and Bebe Gunn, the lack of an established venue has opened doors—literally.

“It gives us more of a freedom to go into different places, and if something’s not working out, we just shut that one down and move on to another place,” says Possums. “If there was one specific gay bar, our

business would have to be more tied into another individual business.”

The lack of a gay bar has led to the drag duo performing at some unconventional venues, including Solid Core Fitness and Common House. “None of the crowds are the same people,” says Gunn. “The people that come to The Southern are totally different than the people that come to [The] Hidden Leaf. And they are totally different than the people that would come to brunch.”

It was exactly this flexibility that originally drew Possums and Gunn to Charlottesville rather than the established drag scenes in Richmond and their hometown of Roanoke. While the roommate duo is currently living in Richmond, they’ve been looking for a place in town.

“Basically, we’re running this like a business, honey,” says Gunn in half-drag before a show at The Hidden Leaf, passing a blunt with their drag daughter and Possums. All three are heavily painted, sporting elaborate makeup—and Possums her signature goatee. Across the board, Elliott, Gunn, and Possums emphasize the power and importance of local businesses embracing LGBTQ+ events.

“I think it’s also really important that while we’re talking about the spaces that we don’t have, we do have allies that we wouldn’t be here without,” says Elliott. “That may be the business owner who says we can do a drag show somewhere, the business owners that say, ‘Yes, we’re going to pay our drag queens what they deserve.’ The spaces that say, ‘You know what we want to do something special for your community,’ or, it doesn’t have to be special, but it is safe.”

Founder of Out and About Jason Elliott says the organization’s newsletter will soon cross 1,000 subscribers.

EZE AMOS

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New HQ University credit union moving ahead with plans for new headquarters on Fifth Street Extended

By Sean Tubbs

One of the area’s oldest financial institutions is preparing for the future with plans to move its headquarters from Albemarle’s central urban area to one emerging in the south.

In 2026, the UVA Community Credit Union will move from 3300 Berkmar Dr. to a large six-acre tract at 1201 Fifth St. SW at Interstate 64’s Exit 120.

“To ensure handicap accessibility, we’ll be demolishing the existing building and constructing a modern Jeffersonian-style structure, with occupancy targeted for summer 2026,” reads the 2023 annual report for the Credit Union.

Founded in 1954 with service restricted to employees of the UVA hospital, the Credit Union has steadily expanded. In 2021, a charter update spread its potential membership to Lynchburg in the south and to Harrisonburg in the north. The expansion paid off: The Credit Union welcomed more than 80,000 new customers in 2023.

The Credit Union bought the six-acre property in October 2021 for $8.9 million from the Christian Aid Mission, which has since moved its headquarters to 1807 Seminole Trail. The existing building was constructed in 1986 to be the headquarters of Virginia Power’s western division. Christian Aid bought the property in September 1997 for $3.6 million.

The Credit Union recently sold the building that contains their branch on

Arlington Boulevard as well as two other properties for $10.5 million. The purchaser is the University of Virginia Foundation, which tends to continue to rent to existing businesses until it’s time for UVA to use the property. None of their other branches are currently listed for sale.

The northern portion of the property abuts Moores Creek and serves as part of the route for the Rivanna Trail.

The Credit Union plans to demolish the existing building and construct a new twostory structure with almost the same footprint as the present one with 41,086 commercial square feet. The Albemarle Architectural Review Board will take a look at the plans in the near future.

This section of Albemarle County has been steadily growing with the opening of 5th Street Station in late 2016 after being rezoned for commercial development in March 2008. Since then, traffic volumes have increased and there are several transportation projects in the works. One of them could be the conversion of Exit 120 into a diverging diamond. Albemarle Supervisors endorsed that plan last week. While there are no residential units associated with this project, Albemarle classifies this area as Neighborhood 5, one of Albemarle’s designated growth areas. There are 1,453 dwelling units approved but not built as of April 1. Most of those units are in the Southwood Mobile Home about a mile to the south down Fifth Street Extended.

A rendering of the future UVA Credit Union headquarters to be located at 1201 Fifth St. SW just over the line in Albemarle County.

BENTIVAR MANOR

Exquisite brick home on 88 acres less than 5 miles from city limits. Residence is in excellent condition, 7-BR and 11,000+ sf. The property is a mix of pastures & woods with long frontage on the Rivanna River, & miles of trails. MLS#652353 $5,200,00 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

GIBSON’S HOLLOW

Ivy area! 160+ acre hidden, private Arcadia at the entrance to its own little valley. Multiple parcels and subdivision rights make it a conservation easement candidate. Backs up to Bundoran Farm. MLS#652577 $1,990,000 Tim Michel, 434.960.1124

CRAIGS STORE ROAD

76 acre parcel in western Albemarle with compelling views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, diverse terrain, and multiple estate-caliber building sites. 15 miles from Charlottesville, not under conservation easement. MLS#652337 $1,150,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

MONTICELLO AVENUE

1-BR, 1-BA condo located just steps away from the Downtown Mall. Boasting pristine condition this unit features a gourmet eat-in kitchen, private balcony and more! Exceptional opportunity to experience the best of Downtown living! MLS#651308 $457,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

FIELDS OF BOAZ

A country French estate on 24 acres 6 miles from the University of Virginia. Timeless charm and modern luxury with soaring ceilings, spacious primary suite, home office, wine cellar, guest quarters, and private pond. MLS#652608 $3,995,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

HIGH FIELDS

Scenic 42-acre farm just 10 miles from Charlottesville. Features pastures, woodlands, serene creek, antique farmhouse, updated kitchen, 3-BA, 4-BR, and panoramic Blue Ridge Mtn. vistas, and substantial barn. MLS#651245 $1,695,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

MACLIN BUILDING CONDO

North of Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, 2-BR, 2-BA Maclin Building condo offers modern amenities: 1,400 sf., gas FP, gourmet kitchen, glass window DR, urban, Blue Ridge views, parking, high-speed internet. MLS#651029 $695,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.007 or Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455

NEWPRICE

SMITH ROAD

2.4-acre lot with mountain views, a gravel driveway, and over an acre of grassland. Complete with a 30 GPM well, electricity, and fencing. Perfect for your dream home, close to Crozet, Waynesboro, and Charlottesville. MLS#653155 $197,000 Jim Faulconer 434.981.0076 or Will Faulconer 434.987.9455

MEADOW FARM

436+ acre parcel of land in Southern Albemarle! 4 division rights; complete privacy; lush, gently rolling terrain; long road frontage; stream; 3-acre lake; 125-135 acres of open land; mature hardwood forests. Under conservation easement. MLS#651411

$2,985,000 Charlotte Dammann, 433.981.1250

HISTORIC STAUNTON

Meticulously renovated National Historic Register home, blending modern amenities with remarkable charm. 5-BR with hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and trim. Quartz kitchen, magnificent primary suite, terrace apartment. MLS#653080

$1,295,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

KESWICK ESTATE

Discover Keswick Estate, a gated community near Keswick Hall, offering a 2.10± acre building site harmonizing country life and resort living in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Create your dream home close to golf, dining, tennis, and more. MLS#650785 $515,000 Court Nexsen, 646.660.0700

SIMMONS GAP/ESTES RIDGE

10 acres of mature woods. Property has long road frontage and consists of two parcels being combined and sold as one. No homeowners association! Design and build your dream residence on this very well-priced parcel. MLS#621178 $189,000 Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250

being sold below the appraised value. It is 2 parcels located within the Town Activity Center Zoning (mixed use) on a combined total of 4.059 acres, 6 buildings, 1 pavilion, and 1 house, all totaling 35,034 sq ft with ample parking on a corner lot. Contact the listing agent to schedule a showing. The listing agent is related to the seller and must accompany. Parcel #1 is 385 and 389 Waugh Blvd, Orange, VA tax map # 44-111; parcel #2 is 401 Waugh Blvd tax map # 44-113A. The property is being sold in its entirety and will not be divided. Parcel #1 has 6 buildings with a combined square footage of 30,832 plus a 900 SF pavilion, and 3.632 acres. Parcel #2 has a 2,822 gross sq ft residence which includes a full basement, 4 bedrooms, and 3 full baths plus a 480 sq ft detached garage on 0.427 acres. $2,900,000

WEEKLY SPECIALS

Mondays-Fridays

Wine & Food Specials

Wednesdays

Juneteenth Pop-Up 6/19

Chef Tasting Series 6/26, 7/17

Paint & Sip 7/24, 8/7

10% Off Bottles Every Wednesday

Thursdays

Thursday Night Music Series

Live Music 5-8PM -or- Music Bingo 6-8PM

$5 Glasses Of Wine, Beer & Cider and Chip Flights

Fridays

Live Music 5-8PM Every Friday

Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration - Every Friday

Eastwood Food Truck - Open Fridays

Tasting Bar Takeover Series - Select Fridays (See Calendar)

Saturdays

Afternoon Live Music 1-4PM

Eastwood After Dark: Fun & Lively Bands 5-8PM

Eastwood Food Truck - Open Saturdays

Sundays

Music Bingo 6/30, 7/7, 7/28

Lobsterpalooza 7/7

Paint & Sip 7/14, 8/18

Eastwood Food Truck - Open Sundays

Eastwood After Dark

Upbeat & Fun Bands Every Saturday Night

Gather your friends and family and join us for live music that you’ll want to dance to! Plus, sit back and enjoy your favorite glass of wine, beer or cider along with delicious food, an extensive non-alcoholic menu, and great options for kids and the whole family.

Saturday, June 22: Cake Fight | 5-8PM

Saturday, June 29: Classic Road | 5-8PM

Saturday, July 6: Eli Cook Band | 5-8PM

Saturday, July 13: Cake Fight | 5-8PM

Saturday, July 20: South River Strings | 5-8PM

SCAN FOR WINERY CALENDAR

GATHER WITH YOUR TEAM, FRIENDS & FAMILY

We offer Large Party Reservations for 7-30+ people and Private Events for up to 200 people. Enjoy our wine, beer, and cider along with delicious food in two beautiful spaces. Now booking summer gatherings. Plan your event today!

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The last Black space?

By Shea Gibbs

To some, the loss of Mel’s Cafe would be an emblem of Charlottesville’s ever-changing racial landscape

The last Black space? M

el Walker wasn’t much for reporters. He was a busy man. When asked to go on the record—about his chicken, one of his trendy new neighbors on West Main Street, or C’ville soul food in general—he’d offer a look that was one part “I don’t have time for that” and two parts “you’ve never written about me before; why now?”

From the other side of the counter at Mel’s Cafe, the folks Walker had time for were his family, his friends, and his diners. Indeed, many of Walker’s regular diners became his friends over the years.

Walker’s death on May 28 due to still-undisclosed causes has brought with it an outpouring of emotion from Charlottesville’s Black community and beyond. It has brought with it a celebration of a legendary local life.

But it has also brought with it many questions about the future of a restaurant that has long stood as both a community gathering place and a symbol of local African Americans’ tenuous hold on their space in a changing cityscape.

“It is a staple for the Black community,” says Tanesha Hudson, a close personal friend of the Walker family who refers to Walker as her “uncle” but is not related to him. “To be there for 39 years, to make it this far not leaning on any type of help from … grants or anything, that is why it is so important. We are fighting for a space in this city. We fight for a space here, and we shouldn’t have to fight. Mel gave us that space.”

The past, the legacy

Hudson says Mel’s Cafe is the “only Black business located on Main Street,” and, while it’s not entirely true, it’s close.

According to the United Way of Greater Charlottesville’s 2023-2024 Black Business Guide, five other Black-owned businesses have a West Main Street address: First Baptist Church, Davenport Strategic Innovation, York Property LLC, The Pie Guy, and The Ridley. Additionally, Ty Cooper’s Lifeview Marketing & Visuals is headquartered at 513 East Main.

Another two dozen or so of the 141 Blackowned businesses in the United Way guide are situated within about a mile of Mel’s, but none of them are the type of sit-and-stayawhile draws that the cafe was. And the volume of Black-owned businesses in the former Vinegar Hill area of town is certainly not what it once was.

“We don’t have much, and what we do have, we want to maintain,” Hudson says. “We are being run out of this city.”

The history of Vinegar Hill has been told and retold, but here it is again: According to the “Brief History of Vinegar Hill” published

by Vinegar Hill Magazine, the neighborhood that was bordered on the south by Main Street, home to Mel’s Cafe for nearly four decades, became the economic center for Charlottesville’s Black population in the early 20th century. Segregation was still a way of life, and businesses in the Vinegar Hill neighborhood were a respite for patrons of color.

History suggests the strength of the area helped Black people overcome some of the challenges they faced across the larger City of Charlottesville. Many of them struggled with poor living conditions—including a lack of running water, indoor plumbing, and electricity—but Vinegar Hill was a place to band together, to meet and greet, to discuss problems and plans. Vinegar Hill Magazine says “residents lived and worked among their homes, schools, and churches in a close-knit community, [with] over 55 of the homes and businesses in Vinegar Hill owned by African Americans at that time.”

In 1960, the City of Charlottesville voted to redevelop the Vinegar Hill area. According to Urban Renewal and the End of Black Culture in Charlottesville, Virginia, a book on the area’s oral history, the vote was stacked against Black people.

The book’s authors, James Robert Saunders and Renae Nadine Shackelford, suggest that one of the issues plaguing the neighborhood was the inability of restaurants to stay open. And the balance of the area’s structures, mostly Black-rented residences and a handful of other businesses, had fallen into disrepair.

The neighborhood was razed in 1965. “By the time the demolition part of urban renewal had been completed … 29 businesses had been disrupted,” Saunders and Shackelford write. “They consisted of Black restaurants and grocery stores, as well as furniture stores, barbershops, antique shops, an insurance agency, a clothing store, a shoe repair shop, a drugstore, and a hat-cleaning establishment.”

The city’s highly touted redevelopment project was slow going, though, and it wasn’t until around 20 years later that it gained momentum. A centerpiece was the Omni Hotel, which opened on May 1, 1985, the year after Walker opened Mel’s Cafe at 719 W. Main St.

The man, the food

Melvin Walker was born on August 24, 1954. His parents, Marie Walker Scott and Arthur Morrison, lived in Vinegar Hill. According to an obituary first published in the Daily Progress, Walker graduated from Lane High School in 1972. He is survived by his mother, two children, two brothers, and three sisters. Reports indicate Walker started working in hospitality at a young age, most notably at The Virginian. He opened Mel’s Cafe in 1984 when much of the former Vinegar Hill area remained underdeveloped. The cafe was conceived as a traditional diner, but a slow start made him shut down after several years. He reopened and stayed open in 1995. According to some accounts, Walker initially served beer, wine, and liquor, but the late nights weren’t to his liking, and though he’d

remain open for dinner as long as he owned the place, booze came off the menu.

In addition to diner staples like breakfast plates and hamburgers, Walker cooked the cuisine that he knew. Mel’s Cafe quickly came to be known as the top spot for soul food in Charlottesville.

At Mel’s, everyone has their favorite. For Hudson, it’s the hamburger steak with grilled onions, keep the sides coming: extra green beans, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, pinto beans. Shaun Jenkins, who recently moved his own Soul Food Joint from Market Street to Rio Road, was partial to the fried fish when he moved to C’ville in the early 2000s. “In high school, I ate that a lot,” he says. “That fish sandwich was definitely on point.”

Local top chef Melissa Close-Hart, whose latest project Mockingbird is an homage to her own southern cooking roots, says Mel’s

is the ultimate comfort food, just the stuff to eat when you’re feeling down. “It’s a Charlottesville institution, and it is really kind of the only place like that here,” she says. Her Mel’s order? Much like Hudson’s: hamburger steak with gravy and onions, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls.

For others, Mel’s was the joint for its cooked-to-order fried chicken, Meta’s burger with swiss on rye, or sweet potato pie.

Ask anyone about their favorite dish, though, and they’ll offer a side helping of their own—namely, that Mel’s Cafe was about more than just the food.

Mel’s was about Walker’s mom working the house with a smile and a hug. It was about the regulars discussing events of the day over the low drone of a TV tuned to sports. It was about Walker himself, a quiet, confident type who remembered your name if you came in enough, usually of-

EZE AMOS

EZE AMOS

JOHN ROBINSON

With the passing of Mel Walker, the fate of his eponymous West Main Street cafe is uncertain—as is the fate of Black space in Charlottesville. “[The restaurant] is a staple for the Black community,” says Tanesha Hudson, a close personal friend of the Walker family. “We fight for a space here, and we shouldn’t have to fight. Mel gave us that space.”

fered a smile, and always reveled in cooking folks a meal with love.

Reverend Alvin Edwards of the Mount Zion First African Baptist Church, located just a few blocks from Mel’s, says he always enjoyed Walker’s cheeseburgers and fried pork chops, but what he’ll remember most is the man’s kindness. “One of the things I could do was, I could ask him to feed a hungry person for us,” Edwards says. “He would run a tab, and sometimes he would call on it, or sometimes he wouldn’t. But he would always make sure the person had a full meal. I was appreciative of his trust.”

Jonathan Coleman, a longtime Charlottesville resident and acclaimed author of multiple books, including Long Way to Go: Black and White in America, developed his own unique relationship with Walker from his regular seat at Mel’s Cafe. While dining on patty melts or fried chicken, the author

developed a cross­racial bond with Walker that he cherished.

“The greatest sadness, for me, is that Mel and Mel’s were an essential part of the scaffolding of Charlottesville without a lot of people knowing it,” Coleman says. “For me, Mel’s was so successful not only for the consistency of the food, but for the fact that you could count on the owner being there. It is all part of being recognized as somebody who belongs there. Mel’s gave you that.”

The place, the people

The only thing you couldn’t count on at Mel’s Cafe, according to Edwards, is a seat. “You had to know how to beat the crowd,” he says. “It was just a meeting place, period.”

In the wake of Walker’s death, his family hasn’t answered repeated requests for com­

ed with attendees. “The community just came out to show love. That is what it is about,” Hudson says. “I’m not surprised at all that it turned out the way it did, because Mel has done so much for so many people.” Coleman says Mel’s Cafe just worked as a place to sit, talk, and share a meal. He and Walker bonded over Motown music, he says, but The Temptations rarely played in the diner. “Some places don’t lend themselves to constantly playing music,” Coleman says. “I always had mixed feelings in that I wished that I saw more white people in there. That is not necessarily what Mel cared about one way or another, but the idealistic part of me always wished that more people would see it as a gathering spot through the medium of food and conversation.”

Jenkins, who as a young person didn’t get to know Walker over his fish sandwiches, says that even if you didn’t go to Mel’s, you knew who the restaurant owner was. You knew of his impact on the community. “He will never be forgotten,” Jenkins says.

The community, the future

Walker’s family has made it clear, despite avoiding the spotlight: They want to keep Mel’s open. The restaurant is posted as closed until further notice, but an online fundraiser titled “Help Keep Mel’s Cafe Open” is doing well. As of June 17, 140 donors had given $9,788 to the campaign.

One concern for continuing the legacy is the lack of Walker’s own outsized personage. Coleman notes that many mom­and­pops like Mel’s Cafe struggle after they lose their founder, their heart and soul.

Hudson refutes previous reports that she said the restaurant would definitely reopen, but she bristles at the suggestion that Mel’s couldn’t go on without Walker.

“I really don’t want to think about it like that,” she says. “The family has to make that decision. I would think that because it is such a cornerstone, after they deal with the grief, it will reopen. Mel has children. He has family, and his family knows the restaurant.”

None of Walker’s children, nor his mother, could be reached for comment. His oldest son, 19­year­old Emoni Brock, is listed as organizer on the GoFundMe.

ment, and for good reason. Hudson says they’re grieving hard; people need time when faced with the unexpected death of a man like Walker.

That hasn’t stopped other folks from talking. On social media, he’s been called “an icon and a pillar in our community that will never be replaced.” In nearly a dozen articles about his passing in various outlets, his friends have told of how much he was loved, how no one ever had anything but good things to say about him, and how he “shared love with the community, no matter who you were.”

Walker’s funeral was held on June 8 at First Baptist Church on Park Street. The restaurateur had been a longtime parishioner at Pilgrim Baptist Church, but the larger space at First Baptist was needed to hold the crowd.

Hudson organized a block party outside Mel’s Cafe after the funeral. It, too, was flood­

Another option for the future of the diner would be to find a buyer. Close­Hart, who’s always wanted to run a restaurant called Mel’s, says she has too much going already. Jenkins says he’s thought about some possibilities, as well, but doesn’t want to offend the Walker family.

“I’m not doing too much investigating or searching. I’m leaving it up to God,” Jenkins says. “People got to keep on pushing forward, and I hope someone is able to step up and keep it rolling.”

Williams, too, says he hopes for the best. But, like Coleman, he wonders whether anyone is in position to carry on Walker’s legacy.

Hudson thinks of Mel’s Cafe as an imperative.

“When you have someone work so hard to maintain Black space in this city, you hope and pray someone wants to maintain it and hold onto it,” she says.

MONDAY, JULY 15THSUNDAY, JULY 21ST

EATS FIRST

This summer, share your snaps in our first-ever food photo contest. Give us a sweaty cocktail glass, a gooey burger overflowing with melty cheese, a stack of pancakes oozing with syrup. Get the picture?

Enter at bit.ly/cvillephoto2024 before Sunday, July 7, and our judges will choose the most mouth-watering images. The winners (and honorable mentions) will be published in an upcoming issue!

CULTURE

TUESDAY 6/25

STAGE DOORS

The A24 film Sing Sing by Greg Kwedar tells the story of Divine G (Colman Domingo), a Black man who was held at NYPD’s Sing Sing maximum security prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Part of the 2024 Virginia Film Festival at Violet Crown series, the film features a cast of formerly incarcerated actors who bring humanity to their roles. Sing Sing is a story based on the true events surrounding the Rehabilitation Through the Arts organization, through which Divine G finds a sense of belonging in a theater group. Free with RSVP, 7pm. Violet Crown, 200 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. virginiafilmfestival.org

SATURDAY 6/22

MAKE THE SCENE

At the Magnolia House Revival Show, everyone is invited to celebrate the release of Under The Table And Screaming, a zine series on the Charlottesville DIY music scene (of which Magnolia House was a landmark) by local journalist and former C-VILLE Weekly writer Erin O’Hare. The all-day party features sets from 15 musicians on a bill put together by Sam Roberts, the final keeper of Magnolia House, a DIY music venue and community space that existed from 2008 until 2020 before it shut down due to COVID-19.

“The pandemic took away Magnolia’s chance for a last hurrah, so we’re doing it now,” says O’Hare. Donation suggested, music at 1pm. Visible Records, 1740 Broadway St. visible-records.com

FRIDAY 6/21

JUNE GLOOM

Summer gloom is the perfect setting for a visit from doom trio Le Morte and two accompanying punk groups based in Richmond. Welltimed on Halloween of 2023, Le Morte released its first fulllength album, Midnight in The Garden of Tragedy, featuring husky screamo vocals and guitar riffs that kill. Their entire discography flirts with death and religion through songs like “Last Dream of a Dying God” and “Sanguine Repose.” Opener Future Projektor, a heavy metal instrumental trio, joins The X-Smash Casters, who blend English punk, New Wave, and rock ‘n’ roll—and have ties to Charlottesville punk outfit The Halfways. $10, 8:30pm. The Southern Café and Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com

CULTURE THIS WEEK

Silversun Pickups

Wednesday 6/19

music

Berto and Matt. Latin guitar night. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 201 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

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

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

The Wavelength. Vintage rock and jazzy blues vibrations for your mid-week music boost. Free, 6:30pm. The Whiskey Jar, 227 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thewhiskeyjarcville.com

classes

Embroidery Workshop. Couching stitch sampler session. You’ll leave with a handout covering the couching stitch and instructions for the couching stitch sampler example. 14+. $25, 5pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Paint + Sip. Learn a variety of techniques and skills to render a “stream-side serenity” scene. $38, 6pm. Starr Hill Brewery Tap Room, 5391 Three Notch’d Rd, Crozet. starrhill.com etc.

Bingo. Free to play, fun prizes. Free, 6pm. Firefly, 1304 E. Market St. fireflycville.com

If Beale Street Could Talk A couple is torn apart by an accusation in director Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of the James Baldwin novel. $5, 7pm. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 5th Street Station. drafthouse.com

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

Trivia Night. Come join the fun and test your knowledge. Play with up to six people per team. Prizes for first and second place with a second-to-last-place prize to boot. Free, 6pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com

Thursday 6/20 music

Andrew Neil and Code Purple. Local debut show and Resurrection album release party. Andrew Neil and Code Purple is an electrifying alternative rock band on the rise, led by outsider songwriter Andrew Neil. Free, 7pm. Dürty Nelly’s, 2200 Jefferson Park Ave. durtynellyscville.com

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

FarAway. Tailgate Thursdays with live music by FarAway. Free, 6pm. Stinson Vineyards, 4744 Sugar Hollow Rd. Crozet. stinsonvineyards.com

Jimmy O. Groovin’ at Greencroft is back for another season of live and local music. All ages, open to the public and free to all. Free, 5:30pm. The Greencroft Club, 575 Rodes Dr. greencroftclub.com

Karaoke. Sing karaoke with us at Firefly Restaurant + Game Room. Food and drink specials from 7–9pm. Free, 8pm. Firefly, 1304 E. Market St. fireflycville.com

Lenny Burridge. Enjoy live tunes and specials in addition to the regular menu. Free, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Matthew O’Donnell. The “Blue Ridge Bard,” Matthew O’Donnell is a cornerstone of the C’ville music scene. Free, 7:30pm. The Whiskey Jar, 227 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thewhiskeyjarcville.com

MayDay. Live music by MayDay, Brian K & The Parkway, and Liz & The Lovelies. Free, 7pm. SuperFly Brewing Co., 943 Preston Ave. superflybrewing.com

Silversun Pickups. LA-based band with shoegaze-infused distorted synths and guitar, bouncy pop-tinged danceable tunes, pared-down ballads, and a collection of “dream shanties.” $39–139, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St. jefferson theater.com

Songwriter’s Open Mic. Now’s the chance to share that song you’ve been writing. Please limit your performance to one original so we can hear as much new work as possible. This is a space for all levels, styles, and ages. Free, 7pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

The Charlottesville Band. Members of the Charlottesville Band will be performing various solo and duet pieces in the first Recital Series of the year. Free, 6:30pm. The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Blvd. thecentercville.org

stage

KidsFest: The Music Man A live musical theater performance for students. K-12 students get to meet one of the stars of the show, receive an introduction to the world of theater, grab a snack, and get a take-home packet. Free, 12:30pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

classes

Morning Toddler Time. Join the amazing Minou for an hour of toddler fun with singing, story time, and creative art exploration. Come in clothes you don’t mind getting messy. $12, 10:30am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Paint + Sip. Learn a variety of techniques and skills to render a “Blue Mountain view” scene. Paint, sip, dip, repeat. $38, 6pm. The Melting Pot, 501 E. Water St. catelynkelsey designs.com

etc.

Dart Night. Luck-of-the-draw, double-elimination games and $1-off pints. Free, 6pm. Decipher Brewing, 1740 Broadway St. decipherbrewingco.wixsite.com

Ghost: Rite Here Rite Now Ghost’s first-ever feature film combines live performances with a story arc that picks up plot threads from the band’s long-running webisode series. $12, 7pm. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 5th Street Station. drafthouse.com

Friday 6/21 music

Blake Esse. Join us at DuCard Vineyards for “Friday Night Out” with music by Culpeper’s own country singer, Blake Esse. Free, 5pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Chickenhead Blues Band. “Friday Sunset Soirée.” C’ville’s premiere boogie-woogie, upbeat, rhythm and blues dance band. Live music, Popitos Pizza food truck, with 100% estate wine and Blue Ridge Mountain sunset view. Free, 6pm. Chisholm Vineyards at Adventure Farm, 1135 Clan Chisholm Ln., Earlysville.chisholmvineyards.com

Cleidsner. Folk and Americana sounds from a trio of C’ville’s finest musicians. Free, 6pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshouse winery.com

Eli Cook Band. Eli comes from the crossroads of blues, the highways of rock, and the backroads of country with his gritty voice. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St.

FarAway. Enjoy live tunes with your wine, cider, and beer along with a full menu of food options to choose from. Free, 5pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Fridays After Five: Wild Common. Wild Common is a genre-defying “New Appalachian” band out of C’ville. With Richelle Claiborne. Free, 5:30pm. Ting Pavilion, 700 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. ting pavilion.com

Josh Mayo and The House Sauce. Good music and good BBQ. Free, 8pm. Ace Biscuit & Barbeque, 600 Concord Ave. Ramona and the Holy Smokes. A honkytonk band from C’ville whose original country music recalls classic country from the 1950s and ‘60s. Free, 7pm. Pro Re Nata Brewpub & Music Hall, 6135 Rockfish Gap Tpk., Crozet. prnbrewery.com

Red Sammy. Slow-burn Americana folkrock music at Offbeat Roadhouse. Free, 8pm. The Stage at WTJU, 2244 Ivy Rd. wtju.net

dance

Rivanna Contra Dance. Contra dancing is a style of folk dance made up of long lines of couples. This is a beginner-friendly dance with a lesson and a caller giving instructions throughout. Free, 7pm. Greenwood Community Center, 865 Greenwood Rd., Crozet. albemarle.org

stage

Charlottesville Opera Presents: The Music Man A fun and boisterous romantic comedy in a performance that is ideal for the whole family. $15–85, 7pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

words

Charlottesville Reading Series. Join us for the June Charlottesville Reading Series event featuring Nigerian-American novelist Tope Folarin and Mara Adamitz Scrupe, a poet, writer, visual artist, and documentary filmmaker. Free, 7pm. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. ndbookshop.com

CreativeMornings Charlottesville. CreativeMornings is a free, monthly breakfast lecture series for the creative community. Your local hosts are Jeremy Stern, Emma Terry, and Maureen Brondyke. Free, 8:30am. Charlottesville. ComeToCharlottesvilleVA.com

etc.

Friday Summer Harold! Don’t miss the premiere of Big Blue Door’s summer improv teams. Two brand-new mixes of veterans and newcomers create some of C’ville’s sharpest, funniest comedy. Free, 7pm. McGuffey Art Center, 201 Second St NW. Puzzle Crawl. This puzzle crawl takes you to the breweries on Preston Avenue. Crack codes, solve puzzles, and enjoy some of Charlottesville’s best beers along the way. $15, all day. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Solstice Bonfire. Come celebrate the solstice with a bonfire, live music from Her Checkered Trio, and food truck Arepas on Wheels. Free, 7pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com

Saturday 6/22 music

Baroness. Grammy-award nominated heavy rock outfit. $29–124, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

Beleza Trio. Join us for an evening of funkalicious samba soul—music that moves you from the inside out—with Madeline Holly-Sales on vocals and keys, Berto Sales on guitar and voice, and Matt Wyatt on drums. Free, 5:30pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

Berto Sales. Come enjoy the sounds of Brazil, Spain, and Latin America with Berto Sales. His unique fingerpicking style and contagious energy will have you tapping your feet. Free, 11am. Tavern & Grocery, 333 W. Main St. tavernandgrocery.com

Cake Fight. Enjoy the best modern pop and classic rock by Cake Fight with your wine, cider, and beer along with a full menu of food options to choose from. Free, 1pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Davis Bradley Duo. “Music in the Mountains” by local singer-songwriters Kathy Davis and Bradley Bishop. Enjoy their talented multi-instrumental acoustic blend of bluegrass, old-time, and originals. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

Jon Spear. Jon will be entertaining cider-lovers with his special blend of original songs, oldies, folk, acoustic blues, fancy fingerpicking, and more. Free, 2:30pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com

Mad Maxx. Central Virginia’s premier ‘80s tribute band. Mad Maxx & The Groove Train Band love to perform and it shows. Free, 7pm. Pro Re Nata Brewpub & Music Hall, 6135 Rockfish Gap Tpk., Crozet. prnbrewery.com

Thursday, June 20 | The Jefferson Theater

Richelle Claiborne and Friends. An eclectic mix of genres and attitudes from a soulful voice, singing everything from jazz to metal to her own blend of original tunes and spoken word poetry. With 434th St. Catering. Free, 6pm. Chisholm Vineyards at Adventure Farm, 1135 Clan Chisholm Ln., Earlysville. chisholm vineyards.com

Scuffletown. The popular duo will be joined by local treasure and long-time Scuffletown partner Matty Metcalfe for an evening of high-energy music. $10, 7pm. Batesville Market, 6624 Plank Rd., Batesville. batesville market.com

Sue Harlow. Enjoy live tunes with your wine, cider, and beer along with a full menu of food options to choose from. Free, 1pm. Eastwood Farm and Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd. eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

The Pollocks. Enjoy great wine and music with friends in the tropics of Free Union. Free, 1pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshouse winery.com

The Way Down Wanderers. The Way Down Wanderers sing like angels but write songs with guts that are unmistakably earthbound. $15–18, 8pm. The Southern Café and Music Hall, 103 S. First St. thesoutherncville.com dance

Silent Disco. Join us at Firefly Restaurant + Game Room for an epic dance party featuring all your favorite songs. 18+. Free, 9pm. Firefly, 1304 E. Market St. fireflycville.com

stage

Charlottesville Opera Presents: The Music Man. See listing for Friday, June 21. $15–85, 1:30 and 7pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

words

Author Event: Kevin Hart. Join us as we celebrate the release of Kevin Hart’s new memoir, Dark-Land: Memoir of a Secret Childhood. Free, 4pm. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. ndbookshop.com

classes

Beginning Gelli Printmaking. Join us for this beginning class on Gelli printing, a quick and easy method of printing that uses a Gelli plate, paint, and paper to easily create monoprints. Ages 16+. $50, 1pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappy elephant.com

Character Development. This seminar will give participants the opportunity to try at least three different techniques to develop characters they are currently working on— and have fun doing it. Free, 1pm. WriterHouse, 508 Dale Ave. writerhouse.org

Drawing and Painting with Classical Music. Listen to music. Learn about the composers. Paint what you hear. $20, 11am. Rose’s Inspiration Station, 2025 Library Ave., Crozet. piedmontplacecrozet.com

Kid’s Arts and Crafts Club. A different craft weekly, all summer long. Ages 8–12. $25, 12pm. Rose’s Inspiration Station, 2025 Library Ave., Crozet. piedmontplacecrozet.com Learn to Knit. No experience needed. Leave with a pair of knitting needles, the beginning of a scarf, and enough yarn to finish it. Ages 12+. $25, 10:30am. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Magical Masterpieces: Numbers into Animals. We will turn drawn numerals into cute and whimsical creatures. Ages 4–7. $15, 10am. Rose’s Inspiration Station, 2025 Library Ave., Crozet. piedmontplacecrozet.com

CULTURE TRIED IT IN C'VILLE

Making contact with the eyes of the world

Art has the power to transform us, to transport us through time and space. Sometimes it takes us to other worlds or allows us to see our world differently. In short, art is powerful, and I haven’t seen enough of it lately. Aside from attending an interesting art exhibition at Visible Records a few years ago, I haven’t done enough to explore Charlottesville’s thriving art scene. When someone told me about Les Yeux du Monde gallery (the French translation is “the eyes of the world”), I knew how to sate my art craving. The current exhibition, from renowned artist and local legend Dean Dass, is titled “Passenger Manifest,” and it runs to the end of June. Kristie Smeltzer

What

A visit to Les Yeux du Monde art gallery.

Why

To let my soul wander (and wonder) in the presence of moving visual art.

How It Went

Magnificently—I see the world a bit differently now, and you can, too.

My journey began as most do these days … with GPS guidance. It’s worth using GPS, even if you know the way, just to hear how the bot pronounces “Less Yucks duh Mond.” Somewhere a Parisian citizen just toppled over in pain, and I’m sorry—but the pronunciation is solidly funny.

The silliness ended there (mostly) because as I drove the long, winding lane flanked by trees, it felt like entering a dif-

ferent world. Sculptures appeared in clearings: whimsical, brightly colored constructs that invited the imagination to play. As I crested the hill, the gallery came into view. The unique structure looks both foreign to the verdant setting and completely at home, nestled into the surroundings with abundant windows to let in the outside world.

Gallery Director Hagan Tampellini welcomed me into her mother Lyn Bolen Warren’s vision. Hagan continues her mother’s legacy, running the gallery since Warren’s passing in 2021, and based on her enthusiasm for art and the artists the gallery represents, I can only extrapolate the magnitude of her mother’s passion for modern art. The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday from 1-5pm and by appointment. Exhibitions change every other month. The building looks deceptively small from the outside, but inside the high ceiling and vast number of windows make

Some pieces burst with kinetic energy, while others invite a sense of stillness that feels spiritual.

it feel expansive yet intimate. Hagan staffs LYDM with the help of interns, and visitors can explore exhibitions solo or get insights from the knowledgeable staff.

As Hagan led me around, I marveled at Dass’ dedication to his craft. The collection features oil paintings of various sizes and other works that include drawing and collage techniques. But here’s the thing: Dass invests his effort and expertise into every stage of the act of creation. The paper? He makes that from flax and hemp that he grows himself. Even the frames are Dass originals, and their subtle differences in size and color add to the character of the collection. The work feels both cerebral and approachable (I say like I know much of anything about art).

This exhibition includes imagery that frequently appears in Dass’ work, such as

Les Yeux du Monde

lydmgallery.com

clouds, helmets, tents, orbs, and landscapes. Its central idea is that we’re all vulnerable beings traveling through life, which sometimes (or often, according to Dass’ big, beautiful brain) means one should wear a helmet. Some pieces burst with kinetic energy, while others invite a sense of stillness that feels spiritual. Beyond the power of the art itself, the space enhances its impact. Thoughtfully placed windows perfectly frame trees outside, and you can shift your gaze from one of Dass’s ethereal landscapes featuring floating pink orbs to the natural world beyond the gallery, each view enhancing the other.

I’d never experienced an art gallery with so much natural light before, and Hagan explained how the light shifts through the day, as well as with the seasons. You could visit the gallery many times and each experience would be subtly different. I plan to do just that.

Dean Dass’ exhibition “Passenger Manifest” is on view at Les Yeux du Monde through June 30.

Prayers for Peace

Charlottesville Quakers mourn the devastation that is impacting everyone, regardless of faith or ethnicity, in the war in Israel/Palestine.

Please join us for an hour of silent and vocal prayers for peace on Friday, June 21, at 7:00 PM.

Charlottesville Friends Meeting 1104 Forest St, Charlottesville

Saturday 6/22

etc.

Butterfly Program and Hike. Join us to learn about the butterflies of Virginia. Free, 10am. Ivy Creek Natural Area and Historic River View Farm, 1780 Earlysville Rd. ivycreek foundation.org

Ghost: Rite Here Rite Now See listing for Thursday, June 20. $12, 3:30pm. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 5th Street Station. drafthouse.com

Puzzle Crawl. See listing for Friday, June 21. $15, all day. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Storytime. Readings of recent favorites and classics. Free, 11am. New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. newdominionbookshop.com

Sunday 6/23

music

Andy Tichenor Duo. Improvised material, classic funk, jam, and folk. Free, 2pm. Potter’s Craft Cider, 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd. potterscraftcider.com

Bill Collins. Bring your folks, meet some folks, enjoy some folk music, and sip some cider. Free, 3pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarleciderworks.com

Gary Green and Justin Storer. Harmonica wizard Gary Green and brilliant songwriter/ folk musician Justin Storer join forces to entertain all. Free, 2pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glass housewinery.com

Mirabelle and Matty. Join us for “Music in the Mountains” with Mirabelle and Matty. This amazing duo will entertain you with fabulous and fun sing-along tunes. Free, 2pm. DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan. ducardvineyards.com

stage

Charlottesville Opera Presents: The Music Man See listing for Friday, June 21. $15–85, 1:30pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net

classes

Felt Floral Workshop. Learn to make a focal flower and secondary florals and foliage, tied together in small jars. Flowers will be made by cutting felt into shapes and then gluing them around wire. $35, noon. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Hand Painted Vases. The perfect summer project. $15, 2pm. The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St. scrappyelephant.com

Maker’s Series: Flower Arranging. Using seasonal flowers, we will walk through basics of bouquet building, color theory, and arrangement. Focals, fillers, accents, and a vase with foam will be provided. Free, noon. Tasting Room and Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve, 5600 Moonlight Dr., Scottsville. mountidareserve.com

Photography: Mastering Macro. Interested in learning how to do photography? Then check out this class. You’ll learn the essential tools and techniques for shooting up close. Free, 5pm. Ivy Creek Natural Area and Historic River View Farm, 1780 Earlysville Rd. ivycreekfoundation.org

etc.

Developmental Darts. Open to dart throwers of all skill levels or anyone who just wants to learn the basics. Free, 1pm. Decipher Brewing, 1740 Broadway St. decipher brewingco.wixsite.com

Ghost: Rite Here Rite Now See listing for Thursday, June 20. $12, 3:30pm. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 5th Street Station. drafthouse.com

Puzzle Crawl. See listing for Friday, June 21. $15, all day. Starr Hill Brewery, Dairy Market. puzzledbee.com

Silent Book Club. Sip cider and read in quiet camaraderie. No assigned reading, no obligations. Bring your own book of choice. Free, 12:30pm. Albemarle CiderWorks, 2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden. albemarle ciderworks.com

Monday 6/24

music

Berto and Vincent. Come join us for an evening of Spanish rumba and Latin guitar with Berto Sales and Vincent Zorn. Free, 6:30pm. South and Central Latin Grill, 946 Grady Ave., Suite 104. southandcentralgrill.com

Betty Jo’s Boogie Band. Live boogie band with a horn section and all. Free, 7:30pm. The Whiskey Jar, 227 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thewhiskeyjarcville.com

DG3. Gin and jazz in the Château Lobby bar. DG3 is a jazz trio that showcases modern music and modern takes on classic jazz standards. Free, 5:30pm. Oakhurst Inn, 100 Oakhurst Cir. oakhurstinn.com etc.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia. Compete with teams of up to six people for chances to win gift cards. Hosted by Audrey. Free, 6:30pm. Decipher Brewing, 1740 Broadway St. decipherbrewingco.wixsite.com

Tuesday 6/25

music

Barling and Collins. Legendary C’ville bar band. Free, 7:30pm. The Whiskey Jar, 227 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thewhiskey jarcville.com

Hazy Paraphraser. Trippy synth jams and mind-altering soundscapes. Free, 10pm. Rapture, 303 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. rapturerestaurant.com

Josh Mayo and The House Sauce. Charlottesville st aples take the stage with live originals and classic covers. Free, 10pm. Rapture, 303 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. rapture restaurant.com Karaoke. Sign up and sing your favorite songs. Hosted by Thunder Music. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St. Vincent Zorn. Vincent Zorn performs solo wild flamenco rumba. Must say “ole!” Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 225 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

words

Profs & Pints. “The Warrior Queen Who Challenged Rome,” a look at how the indigenous peoples of Britain nearly drove Nero’s armies from the island. $13, 5:30pm. Graduate Charlottesville, 1309 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. profsandpints.ticketleap.com etc.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia. Good trivia, good times. Free, 7pm. Firefly, 1304 E. Market St. fireflycville.com

Metropolis Summer Silent Film Series. Metropolis (1927) is a futurist sci-fi German masterpiece directed by Fritz Lang. It includes flying cars and video conference phones. Free, 5:30pm. The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Blvd. thecenter cville.org

Music Bingo. Prizes to be won. Hosted by King Trivia. Free, 7pm. SuperFly Brewing Co., 943 Preston Ave. superflybrewing.com

CULTURE PREVIEW

Metal mood

Achieving maximum heaviness and then some

By CM Gorey arts@c-ville.com

Ametal band in that they definitely sound “heavy” across a large swath of their six album, full-length catalog (big riffs, distorted guitars, emphatic and aggressive vocals), it’s helpful to think of Baroness in terms of pre- and post-bus accident. After the tragic descent of a bus near Bath, England, in August 2012, things changed as the band’s approach and personnel evolved. Lead vocalist/guitarist and main visionary John Baizley broke his arm and leg in the bang-up, and the other injured members eventually left. Some time around 2017, the current lineup was nailed down as captured on 2019’s Gold and Grey and last year’s Stone Taking genre-hopping as far as a metal-leaning band can—that is, the gist never gets as obscurely frenetic as what John Zorn’s Naked City accomplished in the ’90s with country-to-surf-to-death metal in mere seconds—the results feel honest and firmly connected to Baroness’ overall aesthetics and pristinely adept craft. For example, a song like “Cocainium” from 2012’s Yellow and Green mists with the quiet entry of a meditation soundtrack only to turn on you at multiple points: Unassuming soft-stepping trippy ’60s-stained disco sonics follow with a full-on, fuzzed-out premium distortion drive—the kind that makes heads bang. On their most recent record, “Beneath the Rose” carries the faintest echoes of Megadeth’s cynical “Peace Sells” vocal, but Baizley’s spoken delivery shifts to layered atonal harmonies, eventually giving way to surprising acoustic guitar overlays, only to swivel again, unleashing the melodic drama of throaty shouting and gnashing rhythms. Despite hurling the power of 1,000-pound steel riffage Baroness proves capable of, they also pour out a wealth of softer dynamics.

Stone is bookended with downhome finger-picking and sweet, calm harmonies on “Embers” and “Bloom,” where Baizley and lead guitarist Gina Gleason meld together in a folksy way that would not sound out of place at The Front Porch.

You could call the band prog in that they play really well and don’t shy away from occasional noodling. On the other hand, they don’t sound like they’re trying to scare you, or worse, bore you with their fluency. Having said that, when Baroness is in attack mode, there are familiar touchstones that make for inevitable comparisons; saying they’re like Queen or Metallica or Tool when relying on strong guitar takes, or stepping into Pink

Baroness w/ Ruby the Hatchet

The Jefferson Theater June 22

Floyd territory when they get introspective, is probably oversimplification. Bluntly put: They don’t have one sound, so if you don’t like what you’re hearing, wait two minutes and you might find yourself in love.

While openers Ruby the Hatchet may not match the genre-switching facility that Baroness flaunts, the band is proudly content to make up for it in both feel and spirit. A darkly mystical hard rock defined by Jillian Taylor’s gutsy singing and powered by Sean Hur’s organ motor, it recalls the type of late ’60s and early ’70s hazy, pulsating grooves that make it all too easy to give in and zone out. Doom/stoner tracks lit up their excellent Valley of the Snake (2015), and for their most recent work, Fear Is a Cruel Master (2022), Ruby the Hatchet streamlined its approach somewhat, chugging onward majestically gilded by promises of more anthemic music to come. Get to The Jeff early.

Savannah, Georgia’s Baroness gets heavy into genre-hopping at The Jefferson on Saturday.

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

#1

#1 #4 #2

Square knots

BY MATT JONES

ACROSS

1. ___ school (doc’s training ground)

4. “___ and the Pussycats”

9. Short stor y writer H.H. Munro’s pen name

13. Guac source, casually

14. Make changes to

15. “___ say a word”

17. Square

20. Qualit y of sound

21. Show lots of love

22. Automotive pioneer Benz

23. Online bidding site

26. Tommy Lee Jones in “Men in Black”

28. Menlo Park surname

31. “Inception” director Christopher

33. Square

35. Caustic cleaning solution

38. Get ready

39. Jr.’s son, sometimes

40. “I’m in the ___ for love”

41. “Delt a of Venus” author Anaïs

42. Square

46. Selected

47. Aisle guides

48. Denver-based “Baby Bell” telephone company until 2000

51. Word before bar or after swan

52. What the world will do on its axis

53. Tail end

56. Cert ain loaves or whiskeys

60. Square

64. St yle where what’s old is new again

65. SAG-AFTRA, for example

66. Lucy of “Elementary”

67. Recolors

68. Element number 54

69. Former “Tonight Show” announcer Hall

DOWN

1. “W ill & Grace” guest star Bomer

2. Cooking acronym popularized by Rachael Ray

3. Like this clue (and many others)

4. “You Are” band Pearl ___

5. Cockney residence for ‘Enry, maybe

6. In poor shape

7. Enthralled with

8. Update a LinkedIn profile, perhaps

9. “Marry the Girl” (1937) screenwriter Herzig, or “Deadliest Catch” captain Hansen

10. Greet the day

11. 114-chapter holy book

12. Like 68-Across, chemically

16. “Me ___ Pretty One Day” (2000 David Sedaris essay collection)

18. Liam with a particular set of acting skills

19. “Seraph on the Suwanee” novelist Zora ___ Hurston

24. “___ voyage!”

25. Lauren Bacall’s first movie, “To Have ___ Have Not”

27. Long-jawed freshwater fish

28. Home of “SportsCenter”

29. Place to order a sandwich and a huge pickle

30. “___ See Clearly Now”

31. The color of coffee from a French press?

32. Hurt y boo-boo

34. Cherry leftovers

35. Opera house seating section

36. “Habibi (I Need ___ Love)” (2014 single by Shaggy)

37. Dreyer’s ice cream, east of the Rockies

40. “Thanks for coming to the rescue”

42. Ner vous speaker’s pause sounds

43. “The Hunchback of ___ Dame”

44. Rapa ___ (Easter Island, to locals)

45. “seaQuest ___” (1990s sci-fi TV series)

46. Middle, in Manitoba

48. “Back in the ___” (Beatles hit)

49. June 1994 release starring Keanu Reeves (yes, it’s 30!)

50. Clever and funny

51. Sap of energy

54. Parisian waters

55. “SNL” guest host Hathaway

57. Christmas season

58. “National Velvet” novelist Bagnold

59. Poker variant

61. ___ Angeles Kings

62. Dove noise

63. Anderson Cooper’s network

By Rob Brezsny

Taurus

(April 20-May 20): Now is an excellent time to start learning a new language or to increase your proficiency in your native tongue. Or both. It’s also a favorable phase to enrich your communication skills and acquire resources that will help you do that. Would you like to enhance your ability to cultivate friendships and influence people? Are you interested in becoming more persuasive, articulate, and expressive? If so, Taurus, attend to these self-improvement tasks with graceful intensity. Life will conspire benevolently on your behalf if you do. (PS: I’m not implying you’re weak in any of these departments; just that now is a favorable time to boost your capacities.)

Cancer

(June 21–July 22): You are entering a phase when you will be wise to question fixed patterns and shed age-old habits. The more excited you get about re-evaluating everything you know and believe, the more likely it is that exciting new possibilities will open up for you. If you are staunchly committed to resolving longstanding confusions and instigating fresh approaches, you will launch an epic chapter of your life story. Wow! That sounds dramatic. But it’s quite factual. Here’s the kicker: You’re now in prime position to get vivid glimpses of specific successes you can accomplish between now and your birthday in 2025.

Leo

(July 23–Aug. 22): How many different ways can you think of to ripen your spiritual wisdom? I suggest you choose two and pursue them with gleeful vigor in the coming weeks. You are primed to come into contact with streams of divine revelations that can change your life for the better. All the conditions are favorable for you to encounter teachings that will ennoble your soul and hone your highest ideals. Don’t underestimate your power to get the precise enlightenment you need.

Virgo

(Aug. 23–Sept. 22): Border collies are dogs with a herding instinct. Their urges to usher, steer, and manage are strong. They will not only round up sheep and cattle, but also pigs, chickens, and ostriches—and even try to herd cats. In my estimation, Virgo, border collies are your spirit creatures these days. You have a special inclination and talent to be a good

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

Gemini

(May 21-June 20): Barbara Sher and Barbara Smith wrote the book I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was: How to Discover What You Really Want and How to Get It. I invite you to think and feel deeply about this theme during the coming months. In my experience with Geminis, you are often so versatile and multi-faceted that it can be challenging to focus on just one or two of your various callings. And that may confuse your ability to know what you want more than anything else. But here’s the good news. You may soon enjoy a grace period when you feel really good about devoting yourself to one goal more than any other.

shepherd. So use your aptitude with flair. Provide extra navigational help for people and animals who would benefit from your nurturing guidance. And remember to do the same for your own wayward impulses!

Libra

(Sept. 23–Oct. 22): We have arrived at the midpoint of 2024. It’s check-in time. Do you recall the promises you made to yourself last January? Are you about halfway into the frontier you vowed to explore? What inspirational measures could you instigate to renew your energy and motivation for the two most important goals in your life? What would you identify as the main obstacle to your blissful success, and how could you diminish it? If you’d like to refresh your memory of the long-term predictions I made for your destiny in 2024, go here: tinyurl. com/Libra2024. For 2023’s big-picture prophecies, go here: tinyurl.com/2023Libra.

Scorpio

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio-born Gary Hug was educated as a machinist and food scientist, but for many years he has worked primarily as an amateur astronomer. Using a seven-foot telescope he built in the backyard of his home, he has discovered a comet and 300 asteroids, including two that may come hazardously close to Earth. Extolling the joys of being an amateur, he says he enjoys “a sense of freedom that you don’t have when you’re a professional.” In the coming weeks, Scorpio, I encourage you to explore and experiment with the joys of tasks done out of joy rather than duty. Identify the work and play that feel liberating and indulge in them lavishly.

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your power spots will be places that no one has visited or looked into

for a while. Sexy secrets and missing information will be revealed to you as you nose around in situations where you supposedly should not investigate. The light at the end of the tunnel is likely to appear well before you imagined it would. Your lucky number is 8, your lucky color is black, and your lucky emotion is the surprise of discovery. My advice: Call on your memory to serve you in amazing ways; use it as a superpower.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Happy Unbirthday, Capricorn! It’s time to celebrate the season halfway between your last birthday and your next. I hope you will give yourself a fun gift every day for at least the next seven days. Fourteen days would be even better. See if you can coax friends and allies to also shower you with amusing blessings. Tell them your astrologer said that would be a very good idea. Now here’s an unbirthday favor from me: I promise that between now and January 2025, you will create healing changes in your relationship with your job and with work in general.

Aquarius

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19): While sleeping, my Aquarian friend Janelle dreamed that she and her family lived in a cabin in the woods. When dusk was falling, a strange animal put its face against the main window. Was it a bear? A mountain lion? Her family freaked out and hid in a back bedroom. But Janelle stayed to investigate. Looking closely, she saw the creature was a deer. She opened up the window and spoke to it, saying, “What can I do for you?” The deer, who was a talking deer, said, “I want to give you and your family a gift. See this necklace I’m wearing? It has a magic ruby that will heal a health problem for everyone who touches it.” Janelle managed to remove

the necklace, whereupon the deer wandered away and she woke up from the dream. During subsequent weeks, welcome changes occurred in her waking life. She and three of her family members lost physical ailments that had been bothering them. I think this dream is a true fairy tale for you in the coming weeks, Aquarius.

Pisces

(Feb. 20-March 20): A psychologist friend tells me that if we have an intense craving for sugar, it may be a sign that deeper emotional needs are going unmet. I see merit in her theory. But here’s a caveat. What if we are currently not in position to get our deeper emotional needs met? What if there is at least temporarily some barrier to achieving that lovely goal? Would it be wrong to seek a partial quenching of our soul cravings by communing with fudge brownies, peach pie, and crème brûlée? I don’t think it would be wrong. On the contrary. It might be an effective way to tide ourselves over until more profound gratification is available. But now here’s the good news, Pisces: I suspect more profound gratification will be available sooner than you imagine.

Aries

(March 21-April 19): This may sound weird, but I think now is a perfect time to acquire a fresh problem. Not just any old boring problem, of course. Rather, I’m hoping you will carefully ponder what kind of dilemma would be most educational for you—which riddle might challenge you to grow in ways you need to. Here’s another reason you should be proactive about hunting down a juicy challenge: Doing so will ensure that you won’t attract mediocre, meaningless problems.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Are you an experienced Mason seeking a fulfilling career in historic restoration and preservation? Look no further! WEI, a renowned leader in historic restoration construction, invites you to join our team in the captivating Charlottesville, Virginia area. Please visit Worcester Eisenbrandt (weirestoration.com/careers/) to apply or call us at 410-644-6580, ext. 119.

C-VILLE Weekly is seeking an Account Executive. For more than 30 years C-VILLE has been covering the news, arts, people, food and events that make our town a perennial top city to live in.

Want to help build a powerful local brand? Looking for a job that connects you to every aspect of life in our city?

C-VILLE Weekly is looking to add a dynamic salesperson to our advertising sales team. We are looking for a fearless self-starter to manage a list of established clients and develop new business. Does this sound like you?

The right person will join our hard working staff in a fast-paced online and print publishing environment. This is a F/T hybrid, salaried position with great perks and benefits!

LEGALS

DMV FOOD LLC

TRADING AS: PI NAPO PIZZERIA

2115 Jefferson Park Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903-3007

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

for a Retail Wine and Beer On and Off Premises license to sell of manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Onur Basegmez, 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.

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center kicked off its Juneteenth celebration with a parade from Jackson P. Burley Middle School to the JSAAHC front yard on Saturday, June 15. Academic and advocate Sunn m’Cheaux and dancer Ike Anderson led the procession, which ended with a performance of the Negro National Anthem, a libation offered to the ancestors, and the Black Business Expo. Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery, officially falls on Wednesday, June 19.