Style Weekly
Among other things, our Midseason Arts Issue presumes to school you; to disabuse you of a few notions; to tip over a few sacred cows. Like this:
Artists need galleries, right?
Actually… no.
And … creating a new arts district is a piece of cake, correct?
Absolutely not, it turns out.
Are amateurs equipped to play complex professional music? Can indie rockers really shut up and listen at local music concerts? Is Richmond really a slimy sewer of sleaze in which death lurks behind every dark alleyway? You might be tempted to say no, no, no, to all of the above. But hold on. There's more to the story.
And not only that. Mere weeks after designating the Broad Street First Fridays organizers and businesses as Richmonders of the Year, Style Weekly might even ask you to consider something like this: Another Richmond art walk, on West Main Street, that's equally as impressive and important.
Along the way, we check on attendance at CenterStage, make the pundits think twice about the resurgence of 3-D technology in popular film and perhaps even convince some folks to admire a recent decision by a television executive.
All because things are not what they seem. The bulb flash has masked a trap door, smoke machines have clouded the scenery and stage makeup has produced an effective disguise. But we ask you to look beyond all that and pay close attention. Because in the arts and entertainment scene as well as elsewhere, perception can be one thing and reality another. Take a peek behind the curtain. See for yourself.
The Main Event
Welcome to West Main Street and Richmond's other Art Walk.
by Richard Foster
District Mine
A special arts district is all we need? Think again.
by Chris Dovi
Amateur Hour
The semiprofessionals don't need permission to keep playing.
by Beth Almore
There's a Kind of Hush
The Listening Room offers up the sounds of silence.
by Mike Rutz
Crowd Control
The jury is still out on CenterStage.
by David Timberline
The Gift of the Giver
Need creative motivation? Try art for art's sake.
by Mike Dulin
Sunset Boulevard
The short stories in “Richmond Noir” highlight the sleazy side.
by Don Harrison
Broadcasting for Peanuts
TV networks do listen to the viewers every now and again.
by P. Bradley Robb
Double Vision
Despite “Avatar,” most of the new 3-D movies will reach out to audiences with the past.
by Wayne Melton
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