FunStuff: January 3 beyond
Downton Abbey premiere
If you're into Downton Abbey, the English drama that the New York Times dubbed “an instant classic,” and the Wall Street Journal called “impossible to resist,” you won't want to miss the premiere party at the Paramount Theater for season three. There will also be a reception and fundraiser with period cocktails, English hors d’oeuvres, as well as a lecture by Gweneth West, Professor and Head of Costume Design at the University of Virginia, and Curator of UVA’s Collection of Historic Dress. Autographed copies of To Marry An English Lord, by Carol Wallace and Gail MacColl, will be awarded to one man and one woman deemed to be best-costumed of the evening. Proceeds will benefit the Paramount and WVPT Public Television.
January 6, Paramount Theater, $50 for reception, 7-9pm
Secret ceramicist
Chroma galleries January line-up features the lanky, funky cartoon-esque personae of Richmond artist Lester Van Winkle and his solo show, Stuff & Nonsense. The sculptor depicts with some tenderness the foibles, charms, predilections and vanities of humankind caught in the middle of a private moment (a piece is shown here). In the Black Box, Charlottesville’s building code inspector, Tom Elliott, unveils his secret life as a ceramic artist. Elliott transforms food, farce and politics into teapots, weaponry, and a few other household necessities and personal items in his installation Mad Tea Party Redux in the Black Box. Employing a playful anti-aesthetic rawness and a visual vocabulary of double entendre and riddle, Elliott upturns the traditional ceremonial refinement and polite countenance of the porcelain teapot.
January 4, Choma Project, 5:30-7:30pm, free
Cody Purvis
Charlottesville native and Nashville recording artist Cody Purvis, just 18 years old, comes to town with his band with that Waylon, Merle and Hank style. The dude is big– like, 6-foot, 5-inches– and commands the stage with a deep, soulful, resonant voice on songs like "Too Much Truck," "Another Love song," and the popular "Rednecks in the Ryman." Hee-haw!
January 5, Jefferson Theater, $10-$15, 8pm
More upcoming Fun Stuff
January 4, New McGuffey Art Center shows. In the Sarah B. Smith Gallery, catch a glimpse of new work by Nancy Bass, Robin Braun, Margaret Embree, Lindsay Freedman, and Tamra Harrison Kirschnick, who, according to a McGuffey release, "experiment with pushing realistic elements toward the abstract and abstract elements toward the real." Note: a gallery talk with all five artists facilitated by Leah Stoddard January 13 at 2pm. No charge. Opening reception, 5:30-7:30pm.
January 4, Charlottesville Therapy Associates, Drumming Meditation. Relax and ground in a safe circle using rhythm, chanting, intention, and visualization. No experience required. Drums provided. 5:30-6:15pm, free. 434-760-1057.
January 4, Blue Moon Diner, Willie D-E, the 20-year old musician from Batesville who "blends folk, rock, jazz and blues into his original material. Lyrics show influences of Dylan and melodies traces of Van Morrison." Willie’s intricate guitar work and deep voice are sure to enthrall. 9pm.
January 4, Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar, Will Bollinger and the Spiders, Guitar as Spacecar, and Golden Glasses. 8:30pm, $5.
January 5, Northside Library, Lego Mania. All you need to bring is your creativity and natural engineering ability; they will have the building blocks for your next great creation. For kids in grades K and up. Reservations required. Email or 434-973-7893.
January 5, Riverview Park, Teddy Bear Hike. Dress yourself and your favorite stuffed friend or toy warmly for a fun-filled winter hike on the Rivanna Trail. Email: or 434-924-1022. 11am. Free.
January 5, Fellini's #9, Bob Bennetta musicians jam 12-2pm; Bob Williamson on piano 6-9; Jazz with John D'earth 10-1am, $5.
January 6, Wintergreen Resort, Regional Ski Club Weekend. Alpine Fun Race, wackiest ski outfit contest, the most ski lift tickets on a jacket contest (from past skiing/snowboarding experiences) and much more. 10am. 434-325-2200.
January 6, John Paul Jones Arena, University of Virginia Men's basketball vs. North Carolina. 8pm. 800-542-UVA1 for tickets and information.
January 6, Fellini's #9, Drag brunch with Rachel Kelly; Matty Metcalfe on piano 6-9pm; Hogwaller Ramblers 10-1am, free.
January 8, Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. Math the Band, Tiny Fighting Trees, Koko Beware, and Baby Ghosts, 8:30pm, $7.