Bodies in Motion

By Tom Robotham Over the years, I’ve written a lot about my love of music and the cultivation of that love, from the first piano lessons that my mother gave me at the age of 5 to my foray into the New York City jazz scene after college. Something few people know about...

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ESSAY: Born Identities

ESSAY: Born Identities

By Tom Robotham When I was growing up in Staten Island in the 1960s, kids used to ask each other, “What are you?” No further explanation was needed. Everyone knew it meant, what’s your nationality? In my neighborhood, most answered, “Italian” or “Irish”—never mind...

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The Annex Set to Open

The Annex Set to Open

(The Annex is housed within the former Five Points Farmers Market spot in Norfolk) By Jeff Maisey The Annex, a highly anticipated state-of-the-art music venue, craft beer bar and kitchen, plans to debut August 29 when psychedelic jam band Papadosio is scheduled to...

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New Location for Old Beach Farmers Market

New Location for Old Beach Farmers Market

(Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer helps cut the ribbon.) By Jeff Maisey Old Beach Farmers Market has a new location, but it didn’t have to move far. Held on each Saturday from 9 AM to noon for 17 years in the parking lot of Croc’s 19th Street Bistro and then extending...

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ESSAY: Born Identities

ESSAY: The Summer of Our Discontent

By Tom Robotham November 5th will mark a special anniversary for me: Fifty years earlier on that date, I voted for the first time. I remember the moment vividly—and the sense of pride I felt as I closed the black curtain and flipped the lever next to the name Hugh...

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ESSAY: Born Identities

ESSAY: A Moveable Feast

By Tom Robotham The first time I visited Paris, in 1999, I was smitten. Unfortunately, due to financial and time constraints, another 17 years would pass before I was able to return. Since then, I’ve tried to make up for lost time, visiting the city every chance I...

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Talkin’ Songwriting with Warren Haynes

Talkin’ Songwriting with Warren Haynes

(Warren Haynes’ new album is titled “Million Voices Whisper.” Photo by Shervin Lainez) By Jim Morrison "You know," Warren Haynes says from his home in upstate New York, "Gregg Allman used to say there's as many ways to write a song as there are songs." Haynes turned a...

A Real Jazz Festival in Phoebus

A Real Jazz Festival in Phoebus

(Saxophonist Steve Wilson)  By Jerome Langston Chatting with Jae Sinnett earlier this week, following a dental procedure that he’d just endured — was unfortunate timing for the acclaimed jazz drummer, composer and bandleader, but he was nevertheless a pleasure to talk...

Broad Viewpoints Power Made in VA

Broad Viewpoints Power Made in VA

(Hank the Aquarian, “Wash Me & Comb Me,” 2023. Acrylic paint & latex house paint on canvas. Courtesy of the artist. ) By Betsy DiJulio It could be argued that a juried show, even one mounted by a professional organization, is a capricious act of subjectivity. ...

Jacobsen Bros Tackle Beethoven

Jacobsen Bros Tackle Beethoven

(Eric and Colin Jacobsen) By Montague Gammon III One week after the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s mid-month Opening Weekend, their annual one composer Beethoven Celebration comes to Chrysler Hall for two Norfolk performances, one on Friday evening, Sept. 20, plus a...

The One and Only, Herbie Hancock

The One and Only, Herbie Hancock

(Herbie Hancock is the greatest living jazz artist. Photo by Danny Clinch) By Jerome Langston "Hello, Jerome?  “This is Herbie.  “How you doing?”  So starts my wonderful, fairly brief, but generous... phone chat with perhaps the greatest living jazz artist in the...

Fantastique Symphony Concert

Fantastique Symphony Concert

(Composer/flutest Valerie Coleman. Photo by Kia Caldwell.)  By Montague Gammon III Sandwiching a family-friendly, kid-thrilling, grownup-enthralling, brilliantly colorful new concerto for symphony and animation between a 21st Century fanfare and a 19th Century...

Lynyrd Skynyrd: One More for the Road

Lynyrd Skynyrd: One More for the Road

By Jeff Maisey “Sorry for the delay getting to the phone, I have a new, little beach house and was doing stuff around here. I’ve already been to the hardware store.” I called Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Johnny Van Zant at his home on a July morning to discuss the band’s...

Aslin VB: Not Just Beer, It’s a Destination!

Aslin VB: Not Just Beer, It’s a Destination!

(Aslin’s tasting room in Virginia Beach. Photo by Diane Catanzaro) By Diane Catanzaro and Chris Jones How fortunate we are in Hampton Roads that the popular Aslin Beer Company has opened a taproom and brewery in Virginia Beach? Excellent beer, a diverse food menu,...

Green Onion Blooms Bright Again

Green Onion Blooms Bright Again

(A healthy lunch: Poached Pear Pecan Salad with grilled chicken added.) By Jeff Maisey The Green Onion is back and better than ever. Like many independent, locally-owned restaurants, The Green Onion was challenged in a variety of ways during COVID and in the aftermath...

The (Ice Cream) Flavors of Summer

The (Ice Cream) Flavors of Summer

(Randy Windley says vanilla is most popular at Doumar’s.) By Marisa Marsey Call it a double-dip. In 1984, Ronald Reagan proclaimed July to be National Ice Cream Month and designated the third Sunday of the month (July 21 this year) as National Ice Cream Day. Good...

Roast Rider Still Riding High

Roast Rider Still Riding High

(Coffee mates: Wayne and Lisa Richmon partner only with roasters who lead the industry in social and environmental responsibility including Equator. Photo by Tyler Kahlil.) By Marisa Marsey Cha-ca-cha-ca-cha-ca. Is there any sound more titillating than your favorite...

Ghent Burger Week

Ghent Burger Week

(Pixels Technotronic Burger) By Jeremy Bender Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the best burger of all? From May 27 through June 2, 13 restaurants will compete in the inaugural Ghent Burger Week. Loyal patrons and hamburger fanatics alike are encouraged to visit...

Pronounced New Eateries

Pronounced New Eateries

By Marisa Marsey Restaurant names, like baby names, come in waves. Remember the address age (Bistro 210; useful, pre-GPS, for recalling locations)? And the monosyllabic era (here’s looking at you, Stove)? Now restaurateurs are spurning marketing gurus who advise...

Chef Close to Open ILO Bistro

Chef Close to Open ILO Bistro

(Chef Zack Close. Photo courtesy of Glass Light Hotel.) By Jeff Maisey Zack Close, who spent a decade in New York City and worked with Daniel Boulud at his Michelin- starred restaurant, Café Boulud, before returning to his hometown of Norfolk to become the Executive...

Vegan Korean

Vegan Korean

By Betsy DiJulio Vegan Korean fried chicken may be the tastiest oxymoron on the planet.  Korean Fried Chicken—which someone cleverly dubbed “the other KFC”—emerged as a “thing” in the US long after I no longer consumed meat.  So, I had never experienced this...

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