A&E Book Club: Queer Fiction Set in the Past, Present and Future
Celebrated every June, Pride Month is a time of celebration and authenticity, as well as a reflection on those who made progress for Queer people possible. Though the month will soon be over, it is never too late to celebrate the Queer community and all who are a part of it. A great way to do so is to engage with identities — and literature — that are often politicized and censored.
Carolyn Keurajian to Join Charlottesville Symphony as Executive Director
The Charlottesville Symphony in Virginia has selected Carolyn Keurajian as executive director. She succeeds Janet Kaltenbach, who has led the Charlottesville Symphony for more than 16 years. Keurajian is currently president and CEO of the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra in Williamsburg, VA, which she joined in 2013.
Arts This Week: The Barons at Fridays After Five
You’re listening to WTJU Charlottesville. On Friday, July 11, The Barons will take the stage at Ting Pavilion as part of the Fridays After Five concert series. For this week’s edition of Arts This Week, we spoke to Peyton Alley, frontman of The Barons, who shared all the details about their upcoming performance and new album. My name is Peyton Alley. I’m the front man and rhythm guitarist for the band The Barons. I’d like to say we’re alternative rock, but we don’t necessarily try to fall into too many genres. We kind of try to mix it up a little bit.
Virginia Belle Takes on Knockout Challenge on ‘The Voice’
University of Virginia third-year student Simone Marijic’s journey on NBC’s singing competition “The Voice” came to an end Monday night as the member of the Virginia Belles lost in the knockout round to her Team Bublé teammate and friend Barry Jean Fontenot. “Thank you, Michael. I’ve learned so much and I’m very proud of myself,” Marijic said to coach Michael Bublé following the announcement Fontenot would be moving on in the contest.
The Music Beat: UVA’s Hullabahoos Hit the Right Note – And Win Big
Peter Mildrew initially thought the email in his inbox offering up to $75,000 was a scam. As the then-president of the Hullabahoos, an all-male a cappella group at the University of Virginia, he was used to fielding gig requests paying far less. When a publicist working for Reser’s Fine Foods, a ready-made food company, reached out about a jingle-writing contest for college a cappella groups, Mildrew was skeptical.
‘Seeing Stars’: Exhibition Explores Early Observatories at UVA
Many in the University of Virginia community have taken the short journey to the top of Observatory Hill to visit the Leander McCormick Observatory, which was dedicated in 1885 and is still in operation. But how many are aware that two smaller observatories were constructed at the University and demolished by the mid-19th century? A new exhibition in the First Floor Gallery of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library explores the history of these little-known buildings.
Arts This Week: Live Music in July at Book Club C'Ville
You’re listening to WTJU Charlottesville. On Saturday, July 12th and 26th at 8pm, Book Club C’ville will host live music performances set up in a local DIY space. For Arts This Week, we spoke to the band coordinator, John, who gave us all the details on what to expect this month at Book Club.
WTJU Wins Six National and State Awards for Radio Excellence
June marks the start of summer 2025, as well as awards season for broadcasters. WTJU has just won six awards from the Alliance for Community Media (ACM) and the Virginia Association of Broadcasters (VAB). “We have such a good team of volunteers, students, and staff at WTJU, and we live in such a vibrant place for music, arts, and culture. With those ingredients, we sure do make some tasty radio and podcasts,” said Nathan Moore, WTJU General Manager. “It is buoying to receive award recognition for a few examples of WTJU’s altogether terrific work.”