The Jefferson Theatre: C’ville’s Musical Center

Ryan Foresman, staff writer

Since its conception, the Jefferson Theater has been part of Charlottesville’s rich musical heritage. Built from a renovated movie theater, it represents Charlottesville in its spirit of reinvention. It has played a major part in bringing many diverse acts to the area, featuring musicians, bands, and comedians.

The interior of the Jefferson Theater is not particularly striking, rows of seating rise above the pit which is sloped downward, a reminder of the time the Jefferson spent as a movie theater. The scent of stale beer constantly hangs in the air of the cavernous space.

The Jefferson attracts all sorts of people, from UVA professors to post grunge crust punks. One of the unique factors of the theater is its accessibility; located directly on the Downtown Mall, it faces a major pedestrian thoroughfare. In the spirit of its direct connection to the people of our town, it hosts the taco shop, Cinema Taco.

Cinema Taco’s seating is limited in the small sliver of room it holds between two buildings. For this reason, when the theater is not in use, its main entryway is used as a dining area. The theater and taco shop are unique in this symbiotic relationship.

In the last few years, the Jefferson has emerged as one of the leading live performance spaces in Charlottesville, hosting both local and foreign bands. Sons of Bill, Wrinkle Neck Mules, and Parachute have all performed at the Jefferson before touring on bigger and better stages. Country, rock, and rap have shaken the walls of this building; its melting pot of musical acts represents the spirit of our city. It would be remiss to not mention the multiple comedy acts that have graced the Jefferson, once again highlighting the theater’s chameleon ability to transform itself to fit the performer.

The Jefferson Theater is Charlottesville’s answer to an indoor live music. It adapts to the needs of the performer and highlights what makes Charlottesville great.

It provides opportunities for local sponsors to get their name out to the public.  With the diverse roles in entertainment, the Jefferson Theater represents everything great about Charlottesville’s melting pot environment.