The-Burg.com - Central Virgina's Arts, Culture and Entertainment Weekly

When H.G. Wells’ book, “The War of the Worlds,” was published — and well into the 20th century — Mars was considered mysterious, an ominous red spot in the night sky.

Local glass artist Jon Baker will heat up First Fridays with a live glass-blowing demonstration.

Verdi’s “La Traviata” first premiered in 1853 to catastrophic results.

“It was booed off the stage on opening night,” says Craig Fields, artistic director of Opera on the James and director of the company’s upcoming production of “Traviata,” which is scheduled for one performance at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15.

With Halloween just around the corner, folks will soon sit down to carve ghoulish faces and single-tooth grins on their favorite pumpkin, creating one-of-a-kind jack o’lanterns. In keeping with the season, the following is a conversation with Richard K. Erskine, a certified executive chef and president and owner of Southeast Culinary College. Erskine teaches a pumpkin-carving class at the college, and here offers some of his best pumpkin-carving tips: