Harmony in the Hills: Shelton & Williams Keep Bluegrass Alive in Virginia’s Musical Heartland

The afternoon sun filters through the trees in Danville, casting long shadows across a landscape that has nurtured some of bluegrass music’s greatest legends. It’s here in this corner of Southside Virginia that Jay Shelton has found his musical calling as part of Shelton & Williams, a trio that includes Jeanette and Johnny Williams. Behind... Read More

Cover Feature

July 8, 2025

Carry a Light and You Need Not Fear the Darkness

How Dr. Richard Bedlack is revolutionizing ALS care through fashion, creativity, and an unshakeable belief in the power of hope The first thing you notice about Dr. Richard Bedlack isn’t his impressive credentials or his groundbreaking research. It’s his clothes. Walking through the halls of Duke University Medical Center, the neurologist cuts a striking figure... Read More

Cover Feature

June 3, 2025

The Voice That Never Fades: Alex Vardavas And The Enduring Magic Of Radio

In an era of podcasts, streaming platforms, and digital media, the warm, familiar voice of Alex Vardavas still crackles through the airwaves of Danville, reminding listeners why radio remains an irreplaceable thread in the fabric of American culture. Answering The Call What began as a reluctant response to a newspaper advertisement has blossomed into a... Read More

Cover Feature

May 6, 2025

History Hunters: The Travels and Tales of Two Teachers

When they’re not in the classroom teaching history, Tara Mills and Jenni Watson are out exploring it—one gravesite, battlefield, and quirky roadside attraction at a time. Classroom to Cemetery: Unexpected Travel Partners It began with a teacher conference in Charlottesville. Mills and Watson discovered they traveled well together and were “up for some adventures.” This... Read More

Features

May 1, 2025

Bringing Characters to Life

In a small, makeshift studio, essentially a corner decked with heavy blankets, a stool, a light, and a microphone—Joshua Moon brings fictional characters to life. It’s far from the glamorous recording studios of Hollywood, but this humble setup is where a remarkable journey in voice acting unfolds daily. “Yeah, that’s my booth,” Moon says. “That... Read More

Cover Feature

March 7, 2025

Behind the Clouds: The Life of a Virginia Storm Chaser

When most people picture storm chasers, they imagine adrenaline junkies racing toward tornadoes in customized vehicles packed with high-tech gear. But for Chris White, a veteran Virginia-based storm chaser, the reality is far less glamorous and far more methodical. “Most of the time spent chasing involves driving, parking and waiting for storms to fire, and... Read More

Back Stage

March 5, 2025

The Art of Subtraction: Lee Farley’s Journey with Scratchboard

From a young child captivated by the patterns and rhythms in nature to an internationally recognized artist, Lee Farley has charted an unusual path in the art world. While many artists build their careers adding paint to canvas, Farley has made his name by taking away—scratching through dark surfaces to reveal intricate, luminous worlds beneath.... Read More

Cover Feature

February 7, 2025

Back Stage: Behind the Byline

John Crane isn’t just another reporter—he’s a storyteller who discovered his calling through an unconventional journey. Growing up in Pittsylvania County, Crane’s early love for newspapers began with baseball box scores and sports pages, a passion that would eventually transform into a career spanning decades. Unlike many journalists who chart a direct course, Crane’s route... Read More

Back Stage

February 5, 2025

Motley’s Mill Historic Waterfall Estate: Where History Comes Full Circle

When David and Diane Miller first encountered Motley’s Mill in 2016, opening an event venue wasn’t on their minds. With building contractor experience, the Millers were simply captivated by the property’s natural beauty—particularly the cascading waterfall that would become the heart of the transformation. “We began not with a plan to open a venue,” Diane... Read More

Cover Feature

January 10, 2025

Back Stage: Behind the Curtains of a Videographer

From scaling rooftops to diving underwater, Josh Lucia has filmed it all. But his journey into videography began in an unlikely place: a second-grade classroom where he channeled Jim Carrey’s character from The Mask to entertain his classmates. That early taste of performance, combined with a childhood spent practicing magic tricks and consuming films, laid... Read More

Back Stage