Cultural calendar July 22-29, 2004
THURSDAY, July 22
FAMILY
Let's Make a Circus: Jeanne Wall (aka "Lulu") of BackPack Puppets presents a one-woman interactive variety show featuring juggling, magic, rope tricks, and amazing feats of balance at Scottsville Library at 10am. 330 Bird St. 286-3541. Also at Northside Library at 3pm. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
PERFORMANCE
Swing Swap: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts this weekly evening of swing dancing. The first hour focuses on East Coast Swing and the second hour on West Coast Swing, but the DJ takes requests. Singles and couples welcome, no partner needed. 7-9pm. Albemarle County Office Building Auditorium, 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.
Snoopy: Heritage Repertory Theater presents Charles Schulz's famous beagle– and World War I flying ace– in this musical based on the comic strip Peanuts. Fun for the whole family. 7:30pm. Helms Theatre, Culbreth Road. $14-20. 924-3376.
Merchant of Venice: Money, love, justice, mercy, and a pound of flesh– this Shakespearean comedy has it all. Shenandoah Shakespeare's players will entertain and disturb and leave you guessing who's the hero and who's the villain. 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-28. 540-885-5588.
Jar the Floor: An "explosion of matriarchal energy," according to Live Arts. Four generations of women gather to celebrate the 90th birthday of the eldest in their clan in this Cheryl L. West play, one of four in repertory this summer. 9pm. Live Arts Upstage, 123 E. Water St. $8; $3 beer garden. 977-4177x100.
Five Guys Named Moe: You can't help tappin' your shoes in time to this musical revue in the tradition of Ain't Misbehavin' and Smokey Joe's Café. Nomax is broke, his woman's walked out on him, and it's 5am– but life can't seem so bad when five jazzy guys named Moe pop out of his old radio. 8pm. Culbreth Theatre, Culbreth Road. $14-20. 924-3376.
Exotic Dance: Get kinky at the Berkmar Ballroom with exotic and modern dance for those at any skill level. Modern and jazz dance for beginners, 7-7:45pm. Sexy pole dancing for beginners, 8-9pm; for intermediates, 9-10pm. 652 Rio Road W. $15 drop-in; eight-lesson series for $80-$100. 975-4611.
Wonderful Summer: The Summer Theater Festival at Live Arts presents Richard Dresser's comedy Wonderful World as one of four plays in repertory. Unearth the dark truths of a happy (or so it seems) family. 7pm. Live Arts Upstage, 123 E. Water St. $8; $3 beer garden; buy tickets in person only. 977-4177x100.
WALKABOUT
Orange County Fair: Livestock shows, a fiddle competition, kids games, and all sorts of old-fashioned fun define this annual event. Through Sunday at Montpelier. 540-672-2271 or orangecountyvafair.com for details and a complete schedule of events. See Walkabout feature,.
WORDS
War Past: Two authors talk Civil War history. UVA prof Gary W. Gallagher discusses the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862, and Lyman Richard Corey discusses published memoirs and letters of his ancestor, an enlistee who rose to captain in the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. Local historian Rick Britton moderates. 7pm at Barnes & Noble, Barracks Road Shopping Center, 984-0461.
Hum a Few Bars: Jacob Slichter, drummer for Semisonic, turned his band's brief perch at the pinnacle of success (they topped the charts with "Closing Time" in May 1998) into a raucous memoir of rock-n-roll reality, titled So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star: How I Machine-Gunned a Roomful of Record Executives and Other True Tales from a Drummer's Life. Slichter reads and answers questions and– who knows?– maybe taps out a few beats at 5:30pm at New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St. 295-2552.
Authorial Woes: Richmond author Kathleen Reid talks about her first novel, Paris Match, and the struggle to get it published. Noon at the Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St., Richmond. 804-692-3500.
TUNES
Stabones, Weapons of Choice, and Shakedowns at Outback Lodge: The Stabones's party-punk tunes play well with the UTS (bus-drivers) crowd, and any lovers of a good jump-tastic time. $6, 10pm.
North Mississippi Allstars at Starr Hill: The "North" in their name is the only thing above the Mason-Dixon line about the group. Good ole' southern rock is their MO. $15/$12, 10pm.
Snug at West Main: Matthew Willner's funk project is out there– experimental and bizarre, but definitely well informed and extremely enjoyable. No cover, 10pm.
Peen at Atomic Burrito. No cover, 10pm.
Jim Waive (country-folk) at the Blue Moon Diner. Free, 8pm (W)
Karaoke Night with DJ Wild Wes at Buffalo Wild Wings. Free, 9pm (W)
Danny Beirne (piano-man) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm. (W)
Chicken Head Blues Band at Dürty Nelly's. $4, 9pm. (W)
Scuffletown and The Taters at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Thompson/ D'earth and friends (freeform jazz) at Miller's. $4, 10pm. (W)
Robert Jospé (jazz) at Rapture. No cover, 7:30pm. (W)
Satisfaction with Noel Sanger (dance party) at Rapture. $3/Ladies free, 10:30pm. (W)
Middle Eastern Belly Dance Class at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 6:30pm. (W)
Kait and Thom (modern jazz duo) at Tokyo Rose upstairs. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)
Rick Diamond (12-2pm) and Michael Dubvsky (6-8pm) at Veggie Heaven. No cover.
FRIDAY, July 23
FAMILY
Storybook Dance: Young thespians ages 2-5 can climb on stage at the Virginia Discovery Museum as they sing and dance and bring to life stories from different areas around the world. This week features Africa. Come in costume if you like. Sessions at 10:30, 11, and 11:30am. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Music in You: Young songwriters entering grades 7-12 can get some tips on getting started with an introductory songwriting workshop offered by the staff of the Music Resource Center. Participants are then invited to join the Center where they can take the next steps in their quest for making music. 2-3:30pm. Free. Registration required. Central Library. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
WALKABOUT
Fridays After 5: The popular outdoor concert series continues. This week's act is CC&Co.
Information Session: The Outdoor Adventure Social Club offers a photo show and social hour. 8-10pm. Free if you RSVP. 420 E. Main St. #3. outdoorsocial.com or 760-HIKE.
Orange County Fair: See Thursday, July 22, and Walkabout feature.
Polo Club: The Charlottesville Polo Club plays several times a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but the big event is still tonight. 6:30 and 8pm. $4 (children under 12 free). Virginia Polo Center at Forest Lodge Farm on Old Lynchburg Road. (1082 Forest Lodge Lane) 977-7656 or .
PERFORMANCE
Life, Love, Sex, Death…: Yes, it's true. Stevie Jay is back for one last performance (for the nonce) of his critically acclaimed multi-chakra extravaganza. If you haven't seen it, your life so far has been a pathetic anemic imitation of what life can really be! Catch Stevie and Maria Elena and Cher and those workout guys with knives in their aura tonight at Live Arts. One show only at 9pm sharp! (You know how Stevie is about latecomers.) $3. It's all part of….
Spoken Word Night: Live Arts pay homage to the word in its air-conditioned "pleasure garden"– complete with faux sunsets, foliage, and gnomes. Local playwrights and poets stage readings of their work while visitors imbibe frosty beverages. Boxed In by Elizabeth Rose Fuller and Bird Watching by Alex Citron, 8-9pm; Stevie Jay, 9-11pm. Live Arts DownStage. 123 E. Water St. 977-4177x100.
Snoopy: See Thursday, July 22.
Five Guys Named Moe: See Thursday, July 22. (Chat with the director and the cast after the show.)
Anton in Show Business: This Jane Martin play about three actresses and their zany production of Chekhov's Three Sisters is sure to delight as the first of two shows in tonight's edition of the Live Arts Summer Theater Festival. 7pm. Live Arts Upstage, 123 E. Water St. $8; $3 beer garden. 977-4177x100.
The Most Lamentable Comedy of Sir John Falstaff: Shenandoah Shakespeare presents the premier run of an original adaptation on that most gluttonous of Shakespeare's characters, culled from choice scenes in Henry IV and a bit of Henry V. 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-28. 540-885-5588.
Shakespeare at the Ruins: Four County Players performs Much Ado About Nothing in its 15th annual festival at the ruins of the Barboursville Vineyards. Gates open 90 minutes ahead of each performance so visitors can stroll around the grounds and bring picnics, or order a $15 meal at least two days in advance. Sorry, no alcohol– unless you want to try the local wine, which is available for purchase. Opens this weekend for four weekends in all. 20 miles north of Charlottesville at Routes 33 and 20. 8pm. $12-18. 540-832-5355.
TUNES
Music at Twilight: Robin and Linda Williams at Ash Lawn: Bluegrass, old-time, and folk combine through the hands and voices of this local folk duo. "Americana" sums them up. $12/$8 students, 8pm.
The Hamiltons at Gravity Lounge: Though they've only been playing together a short while, Ezra Hamilton's latest project is getting noticed– and for good reason. A little funky-soul is just what you need to make your evening right. No cover, 10pm.
The Waybacks at PVCC: Old-time instrumental pieces are this group's mainstay, but they're also influenced by such un-Americana sources as Indian sounds. $17/$10 seniors/students, 7:30pm.
Blowoff at Rapture: Once again Bob Mould and his partner Richard Morel present a night of Trance and other futuristic sounds to help you shake your moneymaker. $5, 10pm.
Br. Danielson, Manishevitz, and Bucks & Gallants at Tokyo Rose: Utterly bizarre tree-suited indie-popper Br. Danielson teams up with '70s rock influenced Manishevitz, for an evening of mixed up genres. $5, 10pm. See Tunes feature.
Big John at the Biltmore. 10:30pm-1:30am. (W)
Tim Summers & Stephen Nachmanovitch ("improvisations on violin, viola, and electric violin") at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
Dr. Bottleneck at Gravity Lounge. $5, 10:30pm.
Vernon Fisher ("romantic side of jazz") at Keswick Hall. No cover, 6:30pm. (W)
Southside Funk Brothers at Orbit. No cover, 10:30pm.
Gold Mind Squad and Pariah at Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
Quinton Parker at Rapunzel's. No cover, 8pm.
Max Collins (solo acoustic) at Shebeen. No cover, 10pm.
CD Release Party: Velvo Eel with Folkskunde, and Skyline Awake at Starr Hill. $5, 9pm.
BN Whitlow at Starr Hill's Cocktail Lounge. Free, 9:30pm.
Matt Horn Band (funk) at West Main. $3, 10pm.
Charlotte Hisey (12-2pm) and Andrew McAteer (6-8pm) at Veggie Heaven. No cover.
SATURDAY, July 24
ART
Winners' Circle: Meet the winners of the Artisans Center of Virginia's first members' exhibition, a tribute to the talents of Virginia's finest craftspeople. On display in the ACV gallery through September 2. Reception 2-4pm. 601 Shenandoah Village Drive (exit 94 off I-64), Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.
FAMILY
From the Mountains to the Sea: Members of the Virginia Storytelling Alliance, a group of storytellers from all over the state, get together at Central Library to share some of their funniest stories. 3-4pm. Free. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, x3.
Movie Madness: Gordon Avenue Library hosts Saturday Morning at the Movies with a festival of favorite films. Call or check the bulletin board for weekly titles. Preschoolers should be accompanied by a parent. No registration required. 11am. Free. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.
Tell Me a Story: Little literati ages 5 and up can enjoy summer favorites during story time at Barnes & Noble. They'll read some fun stories and serve up cookies, too. 11:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
WORDS
Through a Glass: Students of Louisa County's Reading Window, a reading tutorial program for children, display how much they've learned in a reading at 3pm at Barnes & Noble, Barracks Road Shopping Center, 984-0461.
WALKABOUT
Polo Match: Join the Piedmont Polo Club (formerly Piedmont Women's Polo Club but now all-inclusive) for a night of polo action in the rolling hills of Albemarle County. 7pm. Polo Grounds Road, off Old Lynchburg Road. 296-3472 or .
Family Camping: Learn the ins and outs of safe, enviro-friendly family camping with rangers from Shenandoah National Park. You'll get hands-on experience in the basics of cooking, setting up a tent, and applying Leave No Trace techniques. $45 for one adult and child (10 and over), all equipment and meals provided. 540-999-3489 or nps.gov/shen/seminars.html for info and registration.
Flower Arranging: Join Monticello flower arranger Janet Miller for a workshop on floral decoration, from growing, to harvesting, selecting species, and creative arranging. Slides illustrate materials and techniques; Miller demonstrates how she creates these works of art. 9:30am. $10 fee, reservations required. Monticello Visitors Center. 984-9822 or monticello.org.
Orange County Fair: See Thursday, July 22 and Walkabout feature.
Bead a Sunflower: Studio Baboo guest instructor Donna Dickt offers a class in French flower beading, with a focus on the sunflower. 10am-4pm at the studio's space on the Downtown Mall. $50. 244-2905, or studiobaboo.com to register.
PERFORMANCE
Wonderful Summer: See Thursday, July 22. Tonight's show is at 9pm.
Sound Familiar?: Four County Players hosts auditions today and tomorrow for the romantic musical comedy They're Playing Our Song to include female and male leads along with six supporting actors who can sing and dance their hearts out. If you're interested, prepare 16 bars of an upbeat pop song and get ready to boogey. Accompanist provided, but bring your own music. Anyone interested in backstage production welcome. 1-5pm. Barboursville Community Center, Route 678. Contact director Ellis for more information, 823-6478.
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Titania, Oberon, and that rascally Puck are at it again in this Shenandoah Shakespeare production of one of the bard's most loved and most hilarious comedies. 7:30pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. $10-28. 540-885-5588.
Barber of Seville: Figaro, the winsome but meddlesome town barber, headlines the Ash-Lawn Opera Festival in this Rossini classic, a comedic opera about deception, jealousy, and true love. 8pm; go 45 minutes early to attend an introductory lecture. Ash Lawn-Highland, off Route 795. $15-24. 293-4500.
Shakespeare at the Ruins: See Friday, July 23.
Merchant of Venice: See Thursday, July 22.
Snoopy: See Thursday, July 22. Today in addition to the 7:30pm performance, there's a matinee at 2pm.
Jar the Floor: See Thursday, July 22.
Five Guys Named Moe: See Thursday, July 22. In addition to the 8pm performance, today you can also catch a 2pm show.
TUNES
Scottsville Bluegrass Festival at Albemarle Farm: Mac Wiseman, the Country Gentlemen, The Seldom Scene, Eddie & Martha Adcock, Alvin Breeden and the Virginia Cutups, Phoenix, and Heather Berry perform at the Scottsville Bluegrass Festival at Albemarle Farm. $30, 11am-11:30pm. 434-977-3895 x23.
The Courtney Hollow Band at Gravity Lounge: These bluegrassers have a new CD, Blue Mountain– watch them plug it at Gravity tonight! $5, 8:30pm.
Victor Cabas (blues) at Basic Necessities. No cover, 6:30pm. (W)
Populist Dancing at Club Rio. $10, 9pm. (W)
Sal Milione and Neuronimo at Live Arts. No cover, 8pm.
Live Arts Music Night with Two Red Shoes, Proutt and McCormick and Cannonball Coming at Live Arts. $5, 8pm.
Justin Eppard at Veggie Heaven. 1-3pm. No cover.
Ford and Malcolm's Going Away Party with Vevlo Eel, and others at Orbit. No cover, 10pm.
The Lounge Mob at Outback Lodge. $6, 10pm.
Bootycall (dance) at Rapture. $5, 10pm.
Eli Cook (blues) at Rapunzel's. $5, 8pm.
Honey Nut Roasted at Shebeen. No cover, 10pm.
Rock Starr Showdown 2 at Starr Hill. $5, 10pm.
C-villan (rock dance party with DJ Bucktooth) at Tokyo Rose. Free, 10pm.
The Southside Funk Brothers (funk) at West Main. No cover, 10pm.
SUNDAY, July 25
WALKABOUT
French Flower Beading: Studio Baboo guest instructor Donna Dickt offers another class in French flower beading, this time focusing on the crown imperial. 10am-4pm at the studio's space on the Downtown Mall. $50. 244-2905, or studiobaboo.com to register.
Orange County Fair: Concludes today. See Thursday, July 22.
Many Paths: Unity Church sponsors an ecumenical lecture series, "Many Paths, One Presence," through August 8. Geshe Kunkhen of the Jefferson Tibetan Society speaks today at 10:30am. A respected Tibetan Buddhist teacher, he's joined by Robert Brumet, author of Finding Yourself in Transition. Brumet also conducts a day-long silent meditation retreat on July 24 for beginner and advanced meditators, and "An Evening of Chanting and Meditation for Peace and Compassion" on Thursday, July 29, at the Unity Church office, 2825 Hydraulic Road. Sunday services are at the Senior Center, 1180 Pepsi Place, one block east of Rt. 29 off Greenbrier Drive. 978-1062.
PERFORMANCE
Sunday Salsa: The Charlottesville Salsa Club sponsors a weekly opportunity to learn and practice Salsa and other dances, in a smoke-free nightclub atmosphere. A basic lesson (usually salsa) gets the evening started at 8. DJ'd music is 80 percent salsa mixed with other Latin styles. Complimentary water and sodas. The Outback Lodge, 917 Preston Ave. 8pm-12am. $5 (members $3). 979-7211. cvillesalsaclub.com. See Performance feature.
Shakespeare at the Ruins: See Friday, February 23. Today's show is at 6:30pm.
Sound Familiar?: See Saturday, July 24.
Annie: The Ash Lawn Opera Festival presents this musical rendition of the world's most famous little redheaded orphan. Pine for tomorrow in the gardens of James Monroe as the nasty Ms. Hannigan tries to come between Annie and Daddy Warbucks. 8pm. Ash Lawn-Highland, off Route 795. $15-24. 293-4500.
Young Shakespeare: Participants in Shenandoah Shakespeare's Young Company Theatre Camp cap off the program with tour-de-force performances of three of Shakespeare's finest. All shows are directed by professionals who have acted in the Staunton company. Julius Caesar, noon; Twelfth Night, 2pm; Pericles, 4pm. Blackfriars Playhouse, 10 S. Market St., Staunton. Free. 540-885-5588.
TUNES
Slate Hill Boys at Gravity Lounge: Bluegrass and blues tunes performed by this duo (or is it a trio this week?) keep you questioning the state of modern music. $5, 8pm.
The Hogwaller Ramblers (bluegrass mayhem) at Escafé. No cover, 10pm. (W)
Irish Music Session at Shebeen. No cover, 3-6pm. (W)
MONDAY, July 26
ART
Warner on Watercolors: The Central Virginia Watercolor Guild's meeting today features a critique conducted by Jullian Warner. Members and guests are encouraged to bring a matted, but not framed, painting. Visitors welcome. 1pm. Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church, 717 Rugby Road. (CVWG's members exhibition, "New Paintings," begins August 5 at the Albemarle County Courthouse, Court Square.)
PERFORMANCE
Snoopy: See Thursday, July 22.
Five Guys Named Moe: See Thursday, July 22.
WALKABOUT
NATO now: Senior foreign policy advisor Michael Haltzel discusses the changing face of NATO following the group's recent Istanbul Summit. Miller Center, 2201 Old Ivy Road. 11am. Free. 924-4694.
FAMILY
It Takes a Village: Story time comes to the Village Playhouse as two talented mom volunteers tell tales to tots every Monday morning. Kids can bring their own favorite stories too. Treats and stickers are part of the fun too. 11-11:30am. Included in the price of admission. 313 Second St. SE. 296-9390. village-playhouse.com.
Books into Movies: Hollywood has adapted young adult literature into some great (and not so great) movies. This summer, the folks at Northside Library invite teens entering grades 7-10 to compare the two genres. Each week participants will read a book, then come to the library for a film screening and discussion. Snacks provided. 3:30-5:30pm. Free. Registration required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
TUNES
Open Mic Night with Charles Davis at Baja Bean. No cover, signup 8:30pm/9pm. (W)
George Melvin (piano merriment) at South Street Brewery. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)
Travis Elliot (pop) and John Figura at the Virginian. No cover, 10pm. (W)
Rose Purdy (12-2pm) and Grasping at Laws (5:30-7:30pm) at Veggie Heaven. No cover.
TUESDAY, July 27
PERFORMANCE
Snoopy: See Thursday, July 22.
Jar the Floor: See Thursday, July 22. Today the show is at 7pm.
Annie: See Sunday, July 25.
Driving Miss Daisy: UVA's Heritage Repertory Theatre stages the winner of the 1988 Pulitzer Prize. Tinged with humor and pathos, this play explores the evolving relationship between a stubborn Jewish matron and her loyal black chauffeur at the height of the civil-rights movement. 8pm. Culbreth Theatre, UVA Drama Building. $14-20. 924-3376.
WALKABOUT
Needlepoint Club: The Piedmont Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild meets monthly; beginners and advanced stitchers welcome. 1:30 pm. Northside Library. Gretchen Janesak, 985-6474.
Garden Party Host: Learn how to create a fun and flavorful summertime garden party by focusing on tasty, make-ahead dishes. Instructor Ingrid Cordano will walk students through recipes for a gourmet three bean salad, grilled snapper, and mango mousse napoleon. 6:30-9pm. $55 fee. The Seasonal Cook at Main Street Market. 295-9355.
FAMILY
Peter, Jen, and Jan: Peter Jones and Jen Hoffman from "Tell Us A Tale," Charlottesville's popular children's radio show heard on WTJU 91.1 FM on Sunday afternoons, come to the library to present some of their favorite folktales. The two are joined by musical friends the Jan Smith Band who perform a variety of original and traditional songs. 10:30am. Free. Central Library. 201 E. Market St. 979-7151, ext. 3.
Reel Time: Regal Cinema offers a summer full of free movies for kids. This week's shows are Black Beauty (G) and Good Boy! (PG). 10am. Seminole Square (behind Kmart). 980-3333.
PERFORMANCE AND TUNES
Rooty Toot: The Charlottesville Municipal Band performs a program from marches and orchestral pieces to Broadway show tunes and patriotic ditties. East end of the Downtown Mall in the amphitheater. Free admission, and free parking available in Lexis lot behind the stage area. 295-9850. In case of inclement weather, the program moves to the Dickenson Auditorium at PVCC. Call 295-9850 by 7pm for weather advisories.
TUNES
Tim Burnett and Friends (6-8pm) at Veggie Heaven. No cover.
Karaoke Night (what you make of it) at Baja Bean. Free, 8pm. (W)
Jamie and Rolland (partial bluegrass mayhem) at the Blue Moon Diner. No cover, 8pm. (W)
Glen Mack (rock) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10:30pm. (W)
Jimmy O at the Lazy Parrot Grill (Pantops shopping center). No cover, 8pm. (W)
Snug (funk improv) at Michael's Bistro. $3, 10pm. (W)
American Dumpster at Station. No cover, 8:30pm. (W)
WEDNESDAY, July 28
PERFORMANCE
Snoopy: See Thursday, July 22.
Merchant of Venice: See Thursday, July 22.
Five Guys Named Moe: See Thursday, July 22.
Jar the Floor: See Thursday, July 22. The show's at 7pm today.
Barber of Seville: See Saturday, July 24. No pre-performance lecture tonight.
True West: In this dark comedy by Sam Shepard, two estranged brothers, a drifter and a writer, come together to work on a screenplay, discovering they're more alike than they would like. UVA's Heritage Repertory Theatre introduces the first of six performances tonight. Mature audiences recommended. 8pm. Culbreth Theatre, Culbreth Road. $14-20. 924-3376.
FAMILY
Tales for Tots: The 5 and under crowd can hear storyteller favorites at Barnes & Noble's preschool story time. 10:30am. Free. Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-6598.
Peter, Jen, and Jan: See Tuesday, July 27. Today's program is at Crozet Library at 10am. In the old train station on Three Notch'd Rd. 823-4050. Also at Gordon Avenue Library at 3pm. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.
Reel Time: See Tuesday, July 27.
FAMILY AND WALKABOUT
Crafty: Ash Lawn-Highland hosts a new summer series of Wednesday workshops in which modern folks of all ages can learn early American crafts. This week's focus is cooking with Rachel Deddens and Martha Bar. 1pm or 3pm. General admission plus $2, includes a guided tour of the Monroe home. Reservations are recommended. 1000 James Monroe Parkway (Rt. 795). 293-9539. ashlawnhighland.org.
WORDS
Jim Crow Past: Staunton author Nicolas Patler has studied the period considered by some to be the worst era of Jim Crow– the early years of the 20th century, especially during the Woodrow Wilson administration. Patler discusses his book, Jim Crow and the Wilson Administration and highlights the protest movement of those times, which challenged federal racial segregation and discrimination. 7pm. Barnes & Noble, Barracks Road Shopping Center. 984-0461
WALKABOUT
Back to Basics: Studio Baboo instructor Terri Gable offers a class in bead stringing basics. Beginners can learn to make a necklace or bracelet. 10am-12:30pm at the studio's space on the Downtown Mall. $25 (materials included). 244-2905 or studiobaboo.com to register.
Sacred Journey: Healing through the arts without chemotherapy or radiation. 6:45pm-Central Library- Madison Room. Melinda Elliott. 295-5523.
TUNES
Afternoon of Fun: Family Fest I at Integral Yoga features non-stop entertainment, a smorgasbord of Veggie Heaven's usual weekly performers (plus some zippy additions), including Charlotte Hisey and Bob Branigan (noon), Pete Richardson Trio (1pm), George Turner (2pm), Jim Gagnon (3pm), Fata Morgana Belly Dancers (4pm), Jim Donovan of Rusted Root (5pm) and Inner Space (6pm). No cover. All-day entertainment.
Drum the Ecstatic Tour 2004: Rusted Root's Jim Donovan (with local Grasping at Laws and Fata Morgana Belly Dancers) storm the Outback Lodge for an evening of tribal drumming and dancing– a not-to-be-missed show. Doors at 8:30, show 9pm. $8.
Kathy Compton at the Blue Moon Diner. No cover, 8pm. (W)
Cheesy Trivia with M&M Express at Buffalo Wild Wings. No cover, 8:30pm. (W)
Benny Dodd (rock covers) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm. (W)
Open Mic Night at Dew Drop Inn. No cover, 7:30pm. (W)
The Red Hot Chilly Pickers at Dr. Ho's. No cover, 7-9pm.
Country Dance Night (couples and line) at Fry's Spring Beach Club. $7/$4 students, lessons 7-8pm, dancing 8-11pm. 977-0491 (W)
Naomi Striemer at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm.
The Mike Rosensky Jeff Decker Quartet (jazz) at Miller's. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)
Travis Elliott at Orbit. No cover, 10pm. (W)
The Guano Boys (reggae, Ska, calypso) at Rapture. $5, 10pm.
Open Jam at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 7pm. (W)
Middle Eastern Belly Dance Class at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 6:30pm. (W)
Kathy Olsen Trio (jazz) upstairs at Tokyo Rose. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)
Jim Davies (acoustic rock and blues) at the Virginian. No cover, 10pm. (W)
THURSDAY, July 29
FAMILY
Try it Out: Girl Scouts of Virginia invites girls ages 5-6 who are not currently enrolled in scouting to try on their Daisies program for size through a series of five sample sessions. Today's program is Games Galore. 10am-noon. $5 per session plus a one-time $10 registration fee. 380 Greenbrier Dr. 296-5156, press 4 then 3.
Peter, Jen, and Jan: See Tuesday, July 27. Today's program at Scottsville Library at 10am. 330 Bird St. 286-3541. Also at Northside Library at 3pm. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.
PERFORMANCE
Swing Swap: The Charlottesville Swing Dance Society hosts this weekly evening of swing dancing. The first hour focuses on East Coast Swing and the second hour on West Coast Swing, but the DJ takes requests. Singles and couples welcome, no partner needed. 7-9pm. Albemarle County Office Building Auditorium, 401 McIntire Road. Free. 980-2744.
Annie: See Sunday, July 25.
Snoopy: See Thursday, July 22.
Wonderful Summer: See Thursday, July 22. Tonight's show is at 9pm.
Anton in Show Business: See Friday, July 23.
The Most Lamentable Comedy: See Friday, July 23.
TUNES
Stabones, Weapons of Choice, and Shakedowns at Outback Lodge: The Stabones' party-punk tunes play well with the UTS (bus-drivers) crowd, and any lovers of a good jump-tastic time. $6, 10pm.
Jim Waive (country-folk) at the Blue Moon Diner. Free, 8pm (W)
Karaoke Night with DJ Wild Wes at Buffalo Wild Wings. Free, 9pm (W)
Danny Beirne (piano-man) at Coupe DeVille's. No cover, 10pm. (W)
Chicken Head Blues Band at Dürty Nelly's. $4, 9pm. (W)
Thompson/ D'earth and friends (freeform jazz) at Miller's. $4, 10pm. (W)
Fragment w/ Nickeltown at Gravity Lounge. $5, 8pm
Robert Jospé (jazz) at Rapture. No cover, 7:30pm. (W)
Satisfaction with Noel Sanger (dance party) at Rapture. $3/Ladies free, 10:30pm. (W)
Middle Eastern Belly Dance Class at Rapunzel's Coffee & Books. Free, 6:30pm. (W)
Eek-A-Mouse (reggae) at Starr Hill. $15/$12 advance, 9pm.
Kait and Thom (modern jazz duo) at Tokyo Rose upstairs. No cover, 9:30pm. (W)
Rick Diamond 12-2pm and Michael Dubovsky (6-8pm) at Veggie Heaven. No cover.
Upcoming and Ongoing
ART
New McGuffey Hours: McGuffey is now open one extra hour per day, five days a week– Tuesdays through Saturdays until 6pm. Closed Monday, Sunday 1-5pm. Now you can stop by after work! 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973 mcguffeyartcenter.com.
PERFORMANCE
Live Arts Playwright's Lab: Playwrights can find a safe and inspirational place to hone their writing skills, develop new material, and revise working manuscripts. Open to all levels of experience. Meets every first and third Mondays of the month, 6:30-9:30pm. Live Arts, 123 E. Water St. Free. 977-4177x100.
Jigsaw Dancing: Advanced beginners are invited to attend weekly workshops at the McGuffey Art Center's Studio 20. Learn modern techniques, floor barre, jazz, historical dance and more. Selections change each week. One modern and one novelty class held daily, 2-4pm. McGuffey Art Center, 201 Second St. NW. $25/week. 973-3744.
WORDS
Book for Tape: GiGi Books, an educational children's book and audiobook publisher in Leesburg, Virginia is looking for fresh material. Pay $5 to enter your original children's story and you could win $250.00 and your name in … the library catalog. Details for entering the children's book writing contest are online at gigiaudiobooks.com/contest.htm. A total of four winners will be published. Deadline for submissions is August 1.
Dialogue Café: Charlottesville's popular international forum has expanded hours. Adult English language learners and native speakers can now gather Tuesdays, 9-11am, Wednesdays, 6-8pm and Thursdays 10:30-12pm. Adult Learning Center, 1000 Preston Ave, across from Washington Park. 245-2815.
FAMILY
Golf Classes: Charlottesville Recreation and Leisure Services offerings golf classes on Tuesday evenings beginning August 3 at Meadowcreek Golf Course. The classes run for 4 weeks on Tuesdays. 5-6:30pm $50 City residents, $75 Albemarle residents. 970-3264.
For Families Only: Monticello offers tours designed especially for children ages 6-11 and their families. The tours include touchable objects and a child-friendly focus. On the hour from 10am-3pm daily through August 15. Included in the price of admission. Register at the ticket office. Thomas Jefferson Parkway (Rt. 53). 984-9822.
Please Touch: Monticello's Hands-on learning Center, located in the Monticello Visitors Center, gives kids the chance to play like it was 1804. Colonial-era games, writing with quill pens, and handling a mastodon tooth are just some of the interactive exhibits accessible to young explorers. Free. Open daily through August 1. 10am-4pm Tuesday through Sunday, 1-4pm on Mondays. Rt. 20 south of town. 984-9853.
Antarctic Adventure: "Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful …" The year is 1914 and explorer Ernest Shackleton uses this recruitment poster to lure 27 ordinary men for the adventure of their lives: an attempt to be the first human beings to cross Antarctica. The Science Museum of Virginia details the inglorious expedition in super size with the IMAX film Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure opening today and running through September 17. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
Slice of Pi: Larry, Curly, and Moe need chains for their tire, but they can't understand Sir Cumfrence who speaks in iambic diameter about pie…er, pi. Visitors to the Science Museum of Virginia's Carpenter Theatre can watch these knuckleheads act up as they try to find the solution to this measurement dilemma. Performances at noon and 3pm. Storytelling in the theatre at 1pm and 2pm. Through July 31. Included in the price of exhibit admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
G'Day, Mate!: The Virginia Discovery Museum goes to the ends of the earth to explore the island of Australia this summer. The Back Gallery exhibit "Outback & Down Under"invites visitors to bounce like a kangaroo, create Aboriginal rock art, discover the secrets of the bush country, and more. Included in the price of admission. East end of the Downtown Mall. 977-1025.
Amusements: Albemarle County Parks and Recreation Department has discount admission tickets for Kings Dominion, Water Country, and Busch Gardens for sale. You don't need to be a county resident to purchase these tickets, which will be available through the summer while supplies last. Third floor of the County Office Building. 401 McIntire Rd. 296-5844.
Eat or be Eaten: Adventurous types can step into a dog-eat-dog world and find out "Who's for Dinner?" at an exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Taxidermied specimens, puppets, and interactive activities help explorers learn about the unusual ways animals hunt for their food and protect themselves from predators. Open Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm. Free. 104 Emmet St. 982-4605. virginia.edu/vmnh-uva.
Big Bones: China may be a world away, but now through September 6 kids can play with replicas of ancient dinosaur skeletons right down the road at the Children's Museum of Richmond. Lots of hands-on exhibits. Most activities are free with museum admission. The museum is open 9:30am-5pm Tuesday through Saturday, noon-5pm on Sunday. Admission is $7. 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond. 804-474-2667. c-mor.org.
Blast from the Past: The Science Museum of Virginia invites kids of all ages to come and play with their toys at the new exhibit Kid Stuff: Great Toys from Our Childhood on display though September 6. Included in the price of exhibit admission. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
Gentlemen, Start your Engines!: The pressure. The teamwork. The danger. The speed. The fans. The groundbreaking IMAX® film NASCAR: The IMAX Experience thrusts you into the driver's seat to experience a visceral journey inside America's most popular spectator sport at the Science Museum of Virginia. Runs through September 17. Call or see website for schedule and cost. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
WALKABOUT
Mindfulness Meditation: Tuesdays 12:15-12:45pm. UVA Hospital Chapel. Meditation practice with guidance. Free. No experience necessary. 924-1190.
Streamwatch Water Monitoring: Join John Murphy of the Rivanna Conservation Society for a trip to assess watershed health at several sites along the Rivanna River. Contact the RCS for info and to find other certified monitors in your area. 589-7576 or
Parkway Nature Walks: Monticello is offering guided walking tours of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, the linear park along the Route 53 entrance to Jefferson's estate, every Sunday morning now through the end of November. 9:30am. No fee. Meet at Kemper Park at the base of the Parkway, a quarter-mile east of the intersection of Route 53 and Route 20. 984-9822.
Downtown Tours: The Albemarle-Charlottesville Historical Society offers walking tours of historic downtown Charlottesville every Saturday at 10am. Tours leave from the McIntire Building across from Lee Park and cover over 250 years of community history in one hour. $3 suggested donation. 296-1492.
Visit Montpelier: Montpelier offers two outdoor walking tours each Saturday, one focusing on the plantation's slave community, and another on the more recent duPont estate. Afterwards, go behind the scenes and see rooms that are not regularly open to the public and areas of the house that are under renovation. Offered every half-hour from 10:30am-4pm. montpelier.org for more info.
Monticello Gardens and Grounds: This guided tour explores the flower and vegetable gardens, grove, and orchards around Jefferson's home. Tours begin on the west lawn hourly at fifteen minutes after the hour starting at 9:15am. Fee included in price of general admission. 984-9822.
Ferry the James: The Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society is offering rides on the Hatton Ferry, one of the last poled ferries still in operation in the U.S., across the James River now through October 17. No fee. Open weekends from 9am-5pm. Located near Scottsville on Route 625. 296-1492.
Michie Tavern Tours: Experience living history at the original eighteenth-century Tavern building: dance to a colonial reel, taste tavern punch, and write with a quill pen. The Tavern museum also features a special exhibit on the history of Virginia wines. 11:30am-3:30pm daily. Tours are free to local residents. 977-1234.
Plantation Community Tours: These guided walking tours visit Mulberry Row and other plantation-related sites near the mountaintop and focus on the African-American community at Monticello and the economic operation of the plantation. Each tour lasts about 45 minutes and leaves on the hour from 10am to 3pm from in front of the Monticello Museum Shop.
Nelson County's Farmer's Market: It's an old-fashioned farmer's market under the tent in Nellysford. Stoll among the live music, local crafts, plants, flowers and fresh produce. 8am-noon every Saturday until September. Nelsoncounty.org.
Scottsville Farmers Market: Miss the Charlottesville market on Saturday? Head down the road to Scottsville for all sorts of fresh vegetables, fruits, crafts, and baked goods, served up May through October. 4-7pm. Located off Valley Street in Scottsville. 286-2505.
ART LIST
The Second Street Gallery's summer exhibition, "Altered Interiors," features three melancholic, site-specific installations by Boston artist Chris Gentile in the Main Gallery, and a "more organic" installation by Richmonder Heide Trepanier in the Dove Gallery. SSG's interiors will remain altered through August 14. City Center for Contemporary Arts, corner of Second and E. Water streets. 977-7284.
The University of Virginia Art Museum presents "A Short History of Decay: Sculptures by James Welty" through August 8. Also on view: "A Taste for Grace: Italian Prints from the 15th through 18th Centuries," continuing through August 15, and "American Collage," including work by Andy Warhol, Adja Yunkers, and Robert Motherwell, among others, through August 24. Plus, go large with "Super-Size It," a photography exhibition, on display through August 15. 155 Rugby Road. 924-3952.
The Charlottesville-Albemarle Art Association's annual all-member exhibit hangs at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Mezzanine Gallery until August 2. CAAA member paintings by Barbara Ryan and Randy Sights Baskerville are also on the second floor of the Albemarle County Office Building through August.
The Kluge-Ruhe Collection of Aboriginal Art features "Out of Country," through August 14. 400 Worrell Drive, Peter Jefferson Place. 244-0234.
"Built," an exhibition of gouache and mixed-media paintings by Miriam Tobias, is on view at Angelo through August 31. 220 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 971-9256.
View "Works on Paper" by Nicole Fortescue at C'ville Coffee through July 31. 1301 Harris St. 971-8588. See Art feature.
Nature Visionary Art features a prolific show by L-15 (aka Bernard Schatz) through August 1. 110 Fourth St. 296-8482.
The Gallery @ 5th & Water displays the oil paintings of Lindsay Michie Eades through July 31. Located in the foyer of the architectural firm of Stoneking/Von Storch. 107 Fifth St. 979-9825.
During July, CODG presents "Diversity's Closet," an exhibition of acrylic paintings by Monty Montgomery, mixed-media work by Garth Fry, found-object art by Sera Davis, and photography by Vicky Baker. 112 E. Main St., under the Jefferson Theater. 242-4212.
New Dominion Bookshop offers Lucy Alford's "Red Clay, Pale Sky," oils on wood from Nelson County, in its Mezzanine Gallery during the month of July. 404 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 295-2552.
During July, the C&O Gallery shows "More than Sculpture," a variety work by David and Christian Breeding. Next door to the C&O Restaurant, 511 E. Water St. 971-7044.
For the month of July, Sage Moon Gallery features "Nature Visions," watercolors by Sharon Hauff. 420 East Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 977-9997.
Meg West's exhibit, "Summer Paintings in Western Albemarle," is on display through August 31 at Jarman's Gap restaurant in Crozet. 5790 Three Notched Road. 823-4626.
New work by members of the Central Virginia Watercolor Guild, featuring watercolors, oils, pastels, and mixed media is on display at the Albemarle County Courthouse through July 31. 501 E. Jefferson Court Sq. 296-8484.
"Dreamscapes," a collection of new oil paintings by Leslie Allyn, hangs at Ombra's Café in Crozet through August 31. 5773 The Square. 823-5332.
The Dave Moore Studio features a final "Farewell to the Studio" show during July. Hours vary, so call first, but get down there because Dave's moving on to new digs. 414 E. Main St. (under The Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar). 825-1870.
Through August 15, Les Yeux du presents recent sculpture by James Welty, an exhibition in conjunction with Welty's show at the University of Virginia Art Museum. 115 S. First St. 973-5566.
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church displays lunar carnival masks created by Christian Breedan through August 1. 717 Rugby Road. 293-8179.
Mountain Air Gallery, Etc. presents artwork by Caro Mayo, Ann McCartney, and Jack Brandt during July. 107 and 111 E. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 244-3393.
During July, the Mudhouse shows "Slightly Imperfect," assemblages by Fats Click. 213 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 984-6833.
L'étoile Restaurant displays paintings by local artists Barry Gordon and Malcolm Hughes. Gordon's abstract works feature interiors and everyday objects; Hughes portrays landscapes in the Impressionist style. 817 W. Main St. (across from the Amtrak Station). 979-7957.
During July, view "Here, There and Everywhere," watercolors, gouaches, and collages by Mary Wirth, at Art Upstairs. 316 E. Main St., above The Hardware Store, on the Downtown Mall. 923-3900.
Through August 16, The McGuffey Art Center presents its annual Summer Group Show, featuring work by renting and associate members. Check out (and buy!) painting, drawing, printmaking, fiber art, calligraphy, mixed media, stained glass, hot glass, sculpture, photography, furniture, marbling, ceramics, and book arts. Good news for McGuffey fans, the center has added an hour to its Tuesday-Saturday schedule and now keeps its doors open until 6pm. 201 Second St. NW. 295-7973.
Transient Crafters displays the glasswork of Kimberly Larkin through July. 118 W. Main St. on the Downtown Mall. 972-9500.
Bozart Gallery presents "Sky High," watercolors and acrylics by Mercedes Lopez, during July. 211 W. Main St. 296-3919.
Martha Jefferson Hospital presents an exhibition of paintings by Richard Crozier and his students, entitled "Charlottesville in Paint" through September 3. 459 Locust Ave. 982-7000.
Radar
The Artisans Center of Virginia presents an exhibition of water bird decoys crafted by John Owen, during July. In addition, the center hosts its first "Artisan Members Exhibition" from July 22 through September 2. An opening reception will celebrate the show, July 24, 2-4pm. 601 Shenandoah Village Drive (exit 94 off I-64), Waynesboro. 540-946-3294.
Through September 4, The Arts Center in Orange features a mixed-media installation of toy-based objects, "Spielzug/Zeitgeist," by Jennifer Van Winkle. 129 E. Main St., Orange. 540-672-7311.
Madison's Sevenoaks Pathwork Center hosts the Charlottesville-Albemarle Art Associations 11th annual "Juried Art Show" through September 25. Winners include Chris Rudasill, J.M. Henry, and Douglas Williams. 403 Pathwork Way, Madison. 434-295-2486.
Spruce Creek Gallery presents its annual "Woodworking Show," featuring work by Steve Baldwin, John Casteen, Blaise Gaston, Noah Reiten, Starke Smith, and Tim Stewart, through July 20. Route 151, one mile south of Nellysford. 434-361-1859.
Sun's Traces Gallery displays baskets by Charlotte LaRoy (featured in The Fiber Arts Design Book), as well as clay works by Paula Brown-Steedly, handmade paper by Rebecca Humphrey, and weaving by Barbara Gentry and Pat Hoover. Barboursville. 540-832-7044.
The Ed Jaffe Gallery features paintings and marble sculptures by Ed Jaffe, plus abstract photographs by Marc Jaffe. 108 W. Main St., Orange. 540-672-2400.
Staunton's Middlebrook Gallery offers contemporary art and fine crafts, including sculpture by Ken Smith. 5 Middlebrook Ave. 540-885-9955.
During the month of July local artists Peg Redd of Fork Union, Page Coplan of Glen Allen and Paul Charlton of Scottsville display their artwork at Caffe Bocce. 330 Valley St., Scottsville. 286-4422.
Other
The Fluvanna Heritage Trail Foundation will hold its fifth annual show in October and invites artists in all media from Fluvanna and surrounding counties to submit works depicting "Trial Experience: scenes, sites, and people." Information and applications are available at Carysbrook Library and the Fluvanna Community Center in Fork Union, as well as at Charlottesville's McGuffey Art Center. For more information, contact Martha K. Rossi, 434-589-6545 or visit fluvannaheritage.org.
Art Upstairs has published a new gallery guide mapping 22 venues in downtown Charlottesville. The brochure is available at Art Upstairs and at the other galleries listed, as well as at many hotels and restaurants.
FEATURES/FEATURES/FEATURES
ART
Fortescue's forte: Finding truth in imprecision
By Laura Parsons
Last May I had the good fortune to be strolling along the Grand Canal near the Plaza de San Marco in Venice. To my left, vendors hawked all manner of Venetian memorabilia (including a decidedly unholy "hot priests of Venice" calendar). On my right, artist after artist sat beside easel after easel displaying watercolors and etchings of gondolas floating beneath arch-windowed Italian villas.
The images were exquisite. They were precise. And they were utterly lifeless. Not one conveyed the spirit of the city, nor anything about the artists' experience of it. Perhaps their blandness was deliberate, meant to enable buyers to project personal memories onto the scenes undistracted by the artists' thoughts.
What is Nicole Fortescue's excuse? Three pencil drawings– two of Venice and one of Zurich– are among the works on paper Fortescue is currently exhibiting at C'ville Coffee. Small and controlled, the trio is as exact and passionless as Italian tourist fare.
Fortunately, they are the exceptions in the exhibition.
Consisting primarily of charcoal renderings of European architecture, Fortescue's other drawings pulse with energy and allow viewers to vicariously experience what captivated the artist. Fortescue frees her hand to make bold, imprecise, sometimes looping strokes that express the joyous, messy truth of the moment.
Occasionally, she goes back to refine her fast first impression in order to offer an alternate view, as in "Rapunzel I" and "Rapunzel II." Using soft, smudgy, dark charcoal, "Rapunzel I" reveals Fortescue's immediate attraction to a particular slope-roofed tower, emphasizing its shadows and the darkened cavities of nearby lancet windows. "Rapunzel II" reconsiders the same spire from a slightly different angle with greater attention to the attached building. Here Fortescue draws with harder charcoal, shifting her interest to lighted surfaces and linear edges.
Fortescue is at her best when she gives in to her intuitive sense of what matters, when she allows herself no time to doubt or erase or re-draw. "Pillars" pulls viewers into a cavernous, multi-vaulted hall, where we feel the cool weight of the stone. Close examination, however, shows the bottoms of the columns are lost to the page, unimportant to Fortescue's creation of the shadowed space. Similarly, in "Cat II," she realizes her looping outline of the animal's ears doesn't matter. It's the eyes, paws, and pads that are essential.
Fortescue gets what the Venetian artists miss– imperfect strokes often perfectly capture what is true to life.
Nicole Fortescue's "Works on Paper" is on view at C'ville Coffee through July. 1301 Harris St. 971-8588.
WORDS
Totally archetypal: Carl Jung would be 129
By SUSAN TYLER HITCHCOCK
Sigmund Freud may be the father of psychology, but a lot of aunts and uncles had an influence, too. Carl Jung– his friend and sometime collaborator– was among the more interesting.
What makes us do what we do, whether normal, odd, or in between? While Freud took it all back to the primal sex drive, Jung saw even deeper forces at work. Freud said the impulse was the personal unconscious; Jung said we all share a collective unconscious. That's the reason we can agree on the meaning of, say, a circle or a cross, a wise old man, Mother Nature, or, for that matter, God.
Born in a Swiss village in 1875, Jung is said to have so fascinated Freud when they first met in Vienna in 1907 that they talked for 13 hours straight. They agreed on ego– the conscious sense of self, the "I" we think we are– and they probably agreed on super-ego– the conscience that controls our behavior and leads us to follow social rules.
Jung did not question the existence of a personal unconscious– the feelings, reactions, and defenses in the individual memory responsible for driving decisions and behaviors. But he proposed another layer of the unconscious, deeper and richer– a collective memory. Not only the individual, but the culture as a whole, develops feelings and responses through the ages, undeniable and forceful within each member of that culture, the repository of myths and symbols. Jung called them "archetypes."
Jungian ideas infuse our discussions every day. If you believe that men have an anima, or female side, you're talking Jung. Think adolescence is a "vision quest"? Jung again. Fans of Joseph Campbell or George Lucas are (perhaps unwittingly) Jung fans, too. And every Myers-Briggs ENFP, or ISFJ, is building on Jung's ideas.
Monday, July 26, is Carl Jung's 129th birthday, and Len Worley, local Jungian psychologist, is hosting a celebration of Jung's life and ideas. A 30-minute film, Face to Face, features interviews with Jung late in life. Worley and fellow psychologist Jane Weldon will discuss Jung's life and work, and visiting psychotherapist Rob Sanducci offers appropriately spiritual music on the bamboo flute.
Remembering Carl Jung, including a film, readings, and discussions, Monday July 26, 6:30-8pm, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, 201 E. Market St. 293-3271 or .
FAMILY
Sprout space: Specialized fun for tiny tots
BY LINDA KOBERT
Families with children who are more than a couple years apart in age often have a hard time finding a single outing that works for everyone. Someone has their thinking cap on at the Science Museum of Virginia, though.
They've figured out that a two- or three-year-old just isn't ready to navigate a plane through the simulated wind tunnel or wander through the optical illusions in the museum's permanent exhibits with the same enthusiasm as an older siblings. So they've created some special spaces where the youngest scientists among us can explore the world in their own unique way.
Just a hop, skip, and jump away from the main exhibit area on the museum's second level, little ones can dive into Sprout Space, a child-guided, playful learning environment designed especially for kids up to about age seven. Young engineers can investigate structural design as they build a castle with humungous blocks or crawl through huge tubes and over kid-safe obstacles. Language technicians can consider the verbal differences among various talking heads in the puppet theater. There's even an opportunity to do some quiet research with books, puzzles, and games.
Just down the hall from Sprout Space is Sprout Lab where kids can participate in more directed avenues of exploration. A teepee, a tool bench, bean bags, and other props await awesome adventures. Members of the educational team staff the lab and offer planned activities such as music time, story time, and– I kid you not– a roach show with live giant hissing Madagascar cockroaches.
Toddlers aren't the only special little folks at SMV. If you plan ahead, folks with a whole lot of kids ages four through second grade (your own or someone else's) can schedule a program in Wonderplace. Housed in a renovated train car on the tracks behind the museum, Wonderplace offers a 45-minute hands-on science adventure full of fun activities, games, experiments, stories, and creative drama for groups of five or more. Throughout the summer, this journey explores the magic of math– and the cockroaches figure prominently here too.
Sprout Space and Sprout Lab are included with museum admission. Sprout lab is open Tuesdays and Thursdays noon-4pm. Groups of five or more should schedule their visit to Wonderplace at least one week in advance. Call the Group Marketing Center at 804-864-1400. Wonderplace programs cost $6 per child which includes admission to the galleries and a planetarium show. One adult is admitted free with every five children. 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond. 800-659-1727. smv.org.
WALKABOUT
Back in the day: Old timey fun at Orange fair
By TIM SPRINKLE
The Orange County Fair is a throwback to the old-fashioned community gatherings that were once common across the rural South. You won't find expensive midway games, carnival rides, or freak shows here; this fair is a celebration of Virginia life, complete with a fiddling competition, apple pie baking contest (after which the crowd gets to eat the entries!), and more livestock events than Tyson has chicken.
"We've worked very hard to keep our fair this way," says Scott Johnson, president of the Orange County Fair Board, "because we think that this kind of event best represents what's going on our county. Orange is still a fairly rural county, and we think it's important to reflect that in the atmosphere of the fair."
Begun as an elementary school exhibition in 1910, today's fair is known across the state as a laid-back, family-oriented weekend, the kind of place where kids can roam free and adults can enjoy a wide range of down-home shows, exhibitions, and competitions. Since 1987, the event has taken place on the grounds of James and Dolly Madison's Montpelier estate.
This year's highlights include the popular "Parade of Chickens," cow-milking and blacksmithing contests, Jack Russell terrier races ("because Orange is Jack Russell country," Johnson explains), vegetable contests, a cross-stitching competition, and live music throughout the weekend.
There will also be plenty of old-time county fair food– BBQ, kettle corn, hot dogs, hot sandwiches, and cotton candy. Don't worry, though: Funnel cakes and other "less traditional" treats will be available too.
But, as always, the livestock will be at the heart of the fair. Animals of all shapes and sizes– horses, goats, cattle, pigs, fowl, dogs, and more– will be compete nearly non-stop, while demonstrations by animals from area hunt and retriever clubs take place outside the main livestock area.
"There's always something going on in the show tent," Johnson says, "and the fact that so many community groups come out to give demonstrations of their specialties reflects the real community spirit of the fair."
Local favorites Cooter & His Garage Band anchor the fair's musical offerings with a performance on Saturday afternoon, although the Thursday night bluegrass jam session often proves to be nearly as strong a draw.
"It's all about good food, old-fashioned family entertainment, and a beautiful, peaceful setting," Johnson says. What's not to love?
The Orange County Fair opens at 3pm Thursday and is open daily 9am-10pm until Sunday's 4pm closing ceremony. Admission prices depend on the day, but are generally $6 adults, $3 children under 12, kids 4 and under free. A four-day pass is available for $15. Reduced admission to Montpelier is available during the fair for an additional fee. For event information call 540-672-2271 or visit orangecountyvafair.com.
PERFORMANCE
Saucy salsa: Anybody can get the rhythm
BY ROBERT ARMENGOL
On Sunday nights, the main hall at the Outback Lodge might as well have tumbleweeds drifting through it. A few regulars huddle at the bar, slurping tepid beers. Another plays a video game called "California Speed" as Guns N' Roses drones in the background.
But hook a left and head down the stairs, and you'll find what might be the hottest dance scene in town. Unlikely as it may seem, the Outback's basement morphs every Sunday night into a steamy salsa disco filled with nimble patrons getting down to blaring music under glittering strobe lights. There's enough rhythm at Charlottesville's Sunday Salsa to rival the hippest nightclubs in Havana.
Butch Bailey, a Greene County schoolteacher by day, says interest has mushroomed since he helped found the Charlottesville Salsa Club (and this, its flagship event) three years ago. In recent weeks, the crowd has numbered around 100.
Only about half are Latinos for whom the beats of salsa and its cousins– rumba, cha cha, and merengue– are as familiar as U.S.-installed dictatorships. The rest are local gringos, or hail from countries all over the world: France, Croatia, and Turkey, to name a few.
The language of dance brings them all together. Revealing clothes and pheromones do the rest. Bailey says at least three marriages have resulted from salsa night. "It's not the intended purpose, of course," he said, "but it's not a bad mix."
The Sunday night scene begins at 8pm with an hour-long lesson for anyone who needs to brush up on the 3-2 and 2-3 steps. After that, it's boogie time. Until midnight or until everybody drops, the club's DJ streams classic and contemporary tunes from a playlist of about 1,700, all stored on a portable iMac. A lady-friend of mine– the type who brings her own dancing shoes and regularly polishes the soles– explained the disco protocol.
She admits the rules are, well, traditional. Generally she prefers that a man ask her onto the floor, but only if she's standing. And he should know more or less what he's doing, she says; a partner who can't lead misleads. Most important, you mustn't dance with the same person for two songs in a row unless you're staking a claim.
It might all sound somewhat elaborate, but to Edwin Roa, salsa is simply another form of conversation. Roa, a 28-year-old native of Colombia, danced with Richmond's Latin Ballet before deciding to go independent and focus on dance instruction. He says social dance should be less a performance designed to impress others and more dialogue.
I saw him dialogue with 15 young ladies in less than an hour last Sunday. He pulled some moves that made Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing look like Barney the Purple Dinosaur. Clad in black, sweat dripping from his face, Roa took a breather and tried to persuade me that anyone, really, could learn the basics.
"Our heartbeat is a rhythm," he says. "If you had no rhythm, you'd be dead."
Admission to Sunday Salsa is $5, but includes basic lesson. Club membership, $25; members get a $2-discount at the door. Smoke free. 8pm. Outback Lodge, 917 Preston Ave. $5 cover includes basic lesson. Visit cvillesalsaclub.com or call 979-7211.
TUNES
Fruity! Many incarnations of Danielsons
BY MARK GRABOWSKI
I first saw Daniel Smith– of the helium-inspired vocals and (at the time) penchant for fruit-tree costumes– performing his bizarre acoustic pop at MACRoCK (Mid-Atlantic College Radio Conference) in Harrisonburg two years ago. I'm not sure if I've recovered yet.
The show went from no-name acts to singer/songwriter types, and was getting a little bit snooze-worthy when suddenly in front of us appeared something out of a junior high talent show on LSD. And the Indian food we had earlier that afternoon, while not what you'd call high quality, was definitely not the cause of our collective vision.
New Jersey spawned the indie-pop-with-Christian-overtones outfit, the Danielson Famile, back in 1993, and Daniel Smith, lead sibling (though some members are not related by blood) led the sprawling group over the course of five albums. In 1998 and 1999, Smith broke the Danielson Famile concept up into three parts– the better to promote his solo work under the name Brother Danielson– and also to construct a rockier Danielson group, entitled Danielsonship.
Brother is to Son (Secretly Canadian) is the first solo release from Daniel Smith, and for big fans of the Danielson Famile (I'd like to meet them, actually), the album will fit nicely with its kin. The entire group performs on the disc.
"Things Against Stuff" begins with a half-hearted "Things against stuff, yeah" from Smith's stratospheric voice box. Piano, some simple drums, and tough-strumming on acoustic guitar are the primary instrument tracks, but they take a back seat to the Famile's vocals– interlocking melody lines and words let you choose which stereo channel to follow. Time changes have long been an axiom of the Famile's recordings, and right away the 3/4 to 4/4 verse to chorus switcheroo on "Things…" can strut proudly in front of his predecessors in the Jarring Olympics.
"Cooking Mid-Country" is less spastic and more interestingly accompanied– banjo and reverberating piano, as well as the occasional distorted guitar-burst dot the track, which seems more weighty and disturbing than many of Smith's other songs. The best thing about Brother is to Son is Smith's vocals (at least to me, who was expecting the worst)– while still not exactly über-pleasant to listen to for long bouts, the screeching falsetto I witnessed at MACRoCK has been noticeably down-played, and doubling on the vocal track makes everything more palatable.
If I had more space, I'd tell you about Manishevitz, also playing at the Tokyo Rose Friday night– though sure to be a less visually exciting show, the group, with its sparse '70s Roxy Music feel, is pretty darn good.
The tree and Ladytron– what more could you want?
Br. Danielson and Manishevitz perform at Tokyo Rose, July 23. $5, 10pm.