October 3, 2026
Arts & Entertainment
“Autumn Beckons” Arts Center’s next show opens Oct. 2
The Louisa Arts Center is pleased to announce that the next show in the Purcell Gallery will be entitled “AUTUMN BECKONS” and will include both two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork from local artists!
Lake Anna Jazz Fest returns September 19-20
Dozens of musicians arrive in Mineral next weekend to perform at the fifth annual Lake Anna Jazz Music Festival on September 19-20. This year’s theme is “An Uncommon Wealth of Talent,” highlighting many outstanding performers who are native to, or current residents of, Virginia.
A storyteller’s take on Scripture
Despite its seemingly obvious title, “Murder, Adultery, and Betrayal in the Old Testament” has nothing to do with religion, local author Larry Kavanagh insists.
Sauna Mountain Valley brings ‘Porch & Parlor Rock & Roll’ to Louisa
What unites Sauna Mountain Valley (SMV) is not the routine of another gig to pay the bills, but a love of what is created when seven musicians come together and create music. SMV plays their self-described “Porch & Parlor Rock & Roll” to almost exclusively Louisa audiences at places like Obrigado, Everleigh Vineyards, and The Cooling Pond, but it’s their band arrangement — three married couples, a mix of professional musicians and people who just love to create music — that adds to their overall sound.
Watercolor artist finds healing through painting
Road biking and watercolor art might seem like disparate hobbies, but Charlie Frances couples the two passions in a complementary way. Two years ago, Frances did a cross-state bike trip from his home of Virginia Beach to Galax for the grand reveal of his mural at a Walmart. Last week, Frances was on a biking journey from Virginia Beach to Manassas for an event hosted by the Virginia Watercolor Society, but made a pit-stop in Louisa County, spending part of May 4 and May 5 at the Dunnlora Inn in Mineral.
Stories on tap
Southern Revere Cellars showcases local and regional authors at Boozy Book Fair
From student to stage director
Louisa County native Britney Perkinson makes directorial debut with “Little Women”
The Local Louisa promotes community talent
Showcasing local talent is the goal of The Local Louisa, a new small business located at 100 Church Avenue adjacent to the Avenue ArtHouse and across from the train depot. They had their “soft launch” on May 2.
All-aboard!
On April 26, 2026, the Virginia Scenic Railway ran their first eastbound passenger excursion train from Louisa on the last passenger train route of Amtrak’s James Whitcomb Riley, which was discontinued in 1977. The Doswell Special departed Louisa at 10 a.m. for a roundtrip to Doswell then to Gordonsville and back to a 4:00 p.m. arrival at Louisa. This special excursion train included many members of the Washington DC Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society along with the general public.
Furry friend on Main Street
J.H. Rivers Antiques on Main Street has a new friend. Susanne Davino, the owner of the shop, believes their new visitor is a Steiff bear, a renowned German manufacturer of collectible teddy bears and high-quality plush toys. FAO Schwarz, one of the oldest toy retailers in the United States, used to have large examples of their stuffed animals in display windows for advertising purposes; Davino speculates that their new friend used to live in a display window of a major metropolitan area, possibly New York City. Currently, they are looking for an umbrella and cane to complete the outfit. The hat was donated by the Whistle Stop Bed and Breakfast.