News & Press

live Music In The Orchard: Tara Mills

Come Join us, grab a glass of cider and a warm reception from Tara Mills!

Inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the rich musical traditions tied to them, Tara Mills describes her music as, "original mountain americana;" an original blend of folk, bluegrass, and americana. Writing and singing most of her life, it wasn't long before Tara picked up a guitar and taught herself how to express the melodies in her head through her songs and hauntingly beautiful lyrics. Influenced by bluegrass, old country, and traditional mountain folk, she creates an original sound that captures true human feeling and emotion. Based out of Charlottesville, VA, Tara plays and writes in a couple of different musical projects.

John Doyle & Cathie Ryan: An Irish Christmas

Join us for a festive celebration with John Doyle & Cathie Ryan.

John Doyle is the most influential Irish American guitarist of his generation. Born in Dublin, John came up in a family where “everybody played something,” and his father, singer and song collector Sean Doyle, nurtured his interest in the deep wellspring of Irish song. Doyle is a remarkable guitarist, a devoted ballad collector, and a celebrated songwriter. His professional career began at age 16 with the Irish band the Chanting House. Following his move to the U.S. three decades ago, he gained acclaim with Solás; among current projects is the noted trio the Alt, who played at the Richmond Folk Festival in 2015. Through his collaborations with nearly every noted Irish American musician playing today, Doyle is unquestionably one of the preeminent champions of Irish music in America.

Cathie Ryan first began singing as a child growing up in Detroit with the tutelage of her father Tim, a fine Irish tenor who had emigrated from Tipperary. Ryan took regular summer trips to Ireland where she found further inspiration in the singing of her paternal grandmother and from the storytelling of her maternal grandfather, a traditional seanachie (storyteller). Ryan was the original singer for Cherish the Ladies, an all-star ensemble of Irish American women musicians. Today she fronts the beloved Cathie Ryan Band, teaches traditional singing, leads cultural tours of Ireland, and is celebrated as one of the finest singers in Irish music.

Cathie and John have been musical collaborators for decades and Cathie is firmly a favorite for John for duo and small ensemble performances. Cathie’s long-standing as a highly regarded singer, songwriter, performer and educator is well-deserved in traditional music circles on both sides of the Atlantic. John has played guitar and helped to create arrangements for three of Cathie’s studio recordings, they have toured as a duo throughout Europe, are both members of The Irish Music Masters, are featured on the PBS’ television special The Soul of Christmas, and are long-time songwriting partners. Cathie and John’s songs are inspired by their love of traditional music, and two of those songs, Carrick-a-rede and Grace O’Malley, are now firmly in the Irish music repertoire.  
John and Cathie are looking forward to being back on stage together and penning some new songs in celebration of Christmas time.  An Irish Christmas will be woven through with song and stories from beloved carols, through favorite traditional tunes and airs, to newly composed songs for the season presented by two of Irish music’s most highly regarded performers.

$30 - Tickets at brimstunes.org

Live Music in the Orchard: Mojo Pie

Grab a glass and join us for live music by Mojo Pie!

Mojo Pie was created when Susan Munson invited Frank Bechter to a songwriters workshop, and they've been bringing harmonies to wineries, restaurants and events in Central Virginia ever since. Both have been featured artists in Charlottesville's First Night Virginia and Jason Burke's Six-Pack Songwriter Series, and they make up 2/3 of the acoustic trio Oh Wow, Boy! Susan also rocks many a stage with Alligator, Jeebus, and Mama Tried, as does Frank with Das Homage, The Good Guys, and Her Checkered Past

• Light bites and hard cider will be available for purchase by the glass, bottle, or flight.
• Outside food is welcome; feel free to bring a picnic!
• ABC laws prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages not purchased onsite.

Irish Music : Aaron Olwell & Friends Enjoy this energetic and eclectic Irish jam session every 2nd Sunday of the month. Patrick & Aaron Olwell and friends play their fine renditions of traditional tunes all afternoon.Light bites and hard cider will be available for purchase by the glass, bottle, or flight.
Outside food is welcome; feel free to bring a picnic!
ABC laws prohibit the consumption of outside alcoholic beverages. *Musicians will setup in the Orchard Room during inclement weather.

Holiday Critter Crafts with Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary

Come and discover the wonders of winter at Albemarle Ciderworks! RWS will be letting you know all the secrets to keep native species happy and healthy this holiday season.

We invite you to share in family-friendly fun:

• Local wildlife insights and information
• Local Artisans with holiday offerings
• S’mores toasting kits and fire pits
• A dedicated space for kids to create holiday crafts
• Story time

Vendors TBD

Live Music in the orchard - 7th Grade Girl Fight!

Hailing from Virginia, 7th Grade Girl Fight captivates audiences with a fun and intelligent blend of garage pop and indie rock. With contagious energy and hooky choruses, 7GGF offers a tightly-executed, yet authentic brand of indie pop that sounds both nostalgic and brand new.  Debra Guy fearlessly fronts the band, writing catchy songs with arresting lyrical power, performed effortlessly and honestly.