CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – Whether you’re looking to take in cinematic short films, indie-folk brilliance, or a string-backed Coldplay tribute, there’s plenty to explore across the region. Each week, Anand Harsh of 106.1 The Corner will direct your attention to the music and arts events happening in Charlottesville and surrounding areas that you absolutely can’t miss. These are, at the very minimum, shows you should hit if you’re in the neighborhood—all the way up to cancel-your-plans, call the sitter, and buy your tickets right now.

Anand’s Picks to Click

CALL THE SITTER

  • March 21: José González @ The Paramount Theater
    This Swedish singer-songwriter is truly one of the most talented and entrancing performers in the whole genre. This is peak songwriting and musicianship from one of the leading figures in a crowded field. Truly a master at work and not to be missed. He might also do a Kylie Minogue cover.

GET YOUR TICKETS

  • March 20: Nefesh Mountain @ The Southern Café & Music Hall
    It is my strong opinion that husband-wife bands should be supported at all costs, because being married is hard enough; imagine being in a band together! It also helps that Nefesh Mountain absolutely rips. Their take on bluegrass and Americana is exciting, fresh, and marital, if that counts for anything.

CHECK IT OUT

  • March 19: UVA Baseball vs. Richmond Spiders @ Davenport Field
    Inter-city rivalry between Charlottesville and Richmond can best be enjoyed when UVA has a distinct advantage in a particular area. I’d like to see our ball club squash those Spiders under the cleats for my own personal satisfaction.
  • March 21–23: Indie Short Film Festival
    Short films will be playing at various downtown mall locations this weekend. It’s a great chance for cinephiles to discover the creators of tomorrow and catch the next trends in short-form storytelling.
  • March 21–22: The Prom by Four County Players @ Barboursville, VA
    I’m a sucker for community theater and any sort of “Broadway stars come to small-town America to bring people together” plot. Immediately gives me Three Amigos vibes—and I’m beyond sold. Just be aware: bawdy language ahead.

DROP IN

  • March 23: Music Open Mic @ The Southern Café & Music Hall
    Charlottesville is such a music town that you may scoff at an open mic, but the level of talent is sky-high. Many of the performers are seasoned pros testing new material and could easily headline their own shows.

 

Weekly Music Calendar: March 18–24, 2025

Tuesday, March 18

Wednesday, March 19

  • UVA Baseball vs. Richmond Spiders – Midweek regional rivalry.
    @ Davenport Field, 6:00 PM.
  • Candlelight Tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons – String quartet reinterprets chart-topping anthems.
    @ Bolling Haxall House (Richmond), 8:45 PM. Tickets via Fever

Thursday, March 20

Friday, March 21

  • José González – Renowned indie-folk singer-songwriter from Sweden.
    @ The Paramount Theater, 8:00 PM.
  • Hazlett – Atmospheric, melancholic indie pop with local support from Abby Powledge.
    @ The Southern Café & Music Hall, 8:00 PM.
  • Josh Turner – Platinum-selling country crooner.
    @ Historic Academy of Music Theatre, Lynchburg, 7:30 PM.
  • Indie Short Film Festival begins – Multiple screenings across the Downtown Mall.

Saturday, March 22

  • Virginia Man & Waasi – Alt-rock meets Richmond hip-hop/funk.
    @ The Southern Café & Music Hall, 8:00 PM.
  • Mozart & Mahler: Richmond Symphony – Symphony No. 1 “Titan” and Mozart piano concerto.
    @ Dominion Energy Center, Richmond, 8:00 PM.
  • Ally the Piper – TikTok-famous bagpiper reinterprets modern and traditional tunes.
    @ Richmond Music Hall, 8:00 PM.
  • The Prom by Four County Players – Broadway comedy with a small-town twist.
    @ Four County Players, Barboursville, 7:30 PM.

Sunday, March 23

  • Organ Recital: Jean-Baptiste Robin – French virtuoso performs works by Bach and Franck.
    @ St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lynchburg, 4:00 PM. (Free admission; donations accepted.)
  • Music Open Mic Night – Open stage for local songwriters and performers.
    @ The Southern Café & Music Hall, time TBD.
  • The Prom (Matinee Performance) – Final weekend show in Barboursville.