Arts & Culture

In 1990, a Virginia writer set out to hike the Appalachian Trail, inspired by a story in National Geographic. He was 31, and it was the hardest thing he had ever done. He suffered injuries, hypothermia, exhaustion and the shocking loss of two fellow hikers who were murdered in a trailside shelter. Still, 36 years later, he decided to do it again.

Chris Farina has made more than a dozen documentary films here in Virginia, from the sobering stories of kids in juvenile detention to the inspiring tale of men overcoming addiction. He made people laugh with the saga of a rowdy band of musicians who entertained and sometimes offended UVA football fans, and told the world about a game that inspired children and military leaders to think about world peace. Now, Farina is working on his last film.

Emilee Hackney's debut book, "All That's Unseen: An Appalachian Memoir," was released on July 28 to widespread praise.

"Washington's Greatest Victory - Yorktown and American Art", on display through October 11, focuses on a time that historians say is underappreciated.

This summer, a new film appeared in East Coast theaters – a documentary made by two Virginians who were inspired by the work of folk singer Pete Seeger. It will be shown Saturday at Charlottesville’s Paramount Theater, and the directors will be on hand afterward to discuss their work.

An Amherst woman’s play, which highlights lesser-known women key to the Civil Rights Movement, will get two encore performances this summer. She hopes the history lesson drives more people to vote.

Roanoke's sci-fi, fantasy and writing communities are mourning the passing of Rod Belcher, who published ten novels and a swath of short stories.

Last year, jazz trumpeter John D’earth retired as the head of jazz performance at UVA.Now in his mid-70’s, it turns out D’earth is busier than ever.

Among the recent accomplishments of Richmonder Nate Smith — in addition to netting a pair of Grammy Awards — is his appointment as artistic director of the Newport Jazz Festival.

"The likenesses of Washington and several others are completely off. It's one of the obvious ways fact and fiction kind of coexist here."