With Punxsutawney Phil announcing six more weeks of winter, we’re all looking to pass the time as we wait for the start of spring. Luckily for us, these NoVA notables are releasing new books, podcasts, and music to keep us entertained while we wait for the snowy season to pass.
Album
The Longing by Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir
This Fredericksburg band is gearing up to release its first album. Singles “I Won’t Miss You,” “Laura Lee,” and “Strong” feature the beloved storytelling properties of country music, while the electric guitars and fiddles give listeners a high-energy rock performance, combining the best of both worlds. Catch the band’s album release party at Jammin Java on February 25.

Book
Have I Said Too Much? by Carmen Delzell
With her unusual life story first broadcast to the world via Nightline, The Baltimore Sun, and The Chicago Tribune, this former DMV resident is sharing her stories, radio interviews, and profiles from the last 30 years in her debut book.
Book
Red Burning Sky by Tom Young
In this thrilling novel by a DMV author and pilot, it’s art that imitates life. Based on one of WWII’s least-known rescue missions, Operation Halyard, the book takes readers to Yugoslavia during the summer of 1944 as American officers, airmen, and local guerilla fighters join forces to evacuate hundreds of stranded allies who have been shot down over the German-occupied territory.

Podcast
Virginia Outdoor Adventures
Whether you’re looking for your next new favorite hiking spot or need some expert tips for an upcoming trek, this podcast has you covered. Hosted by Alexandria native Jessica Bowser, season 2 features tips for backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, mountain biking, and more, so you’ll have plenty of content to nurture your inner wanderer until the region defrosts this spring.

Book
Remaking Virginia Politics by Paul Goldman
With midterm elections right around the corner, take a dive into the history of politics in Virginia. Goldman, who managed Henry Howell’s gubernatorial run, looks at the past 50 years of political history in the commonwealth, going over everything from overcoming the state’s legacy of segregation to Gov. Youngkin’s 2021 victory.
Feature image courtesy publishers
A version of this story originally ran in our February issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.